Social Sciences/Humanities Summer Research | Graduate School of Social Work & Social Research w/ Professor Speer

Students are invited to apply to the Social Sciences/Humanities Summer Research Program, designed to expand research opportunities for students in the Social Sciences and Humanities fields for this summer 2026. Students can apply to each opportunity by including a resume and cover letter addressed to the faculty member listed in the job description. The application deadline is Sunday, April 12.  

Humanities/Social Sciences Summer Research Program | Graduate School of Social Work & Social Research w/ Professor Speer

Faculty Member: Professor Rachel Speer

Job Description 

Project Title: Developing and Piloting an “Atmospheres of Dignity” Assessment 

Project Overview: This project examines how physical, social, and organizational environments shape experiences of dignity, well-being, and inclusion through the lens of Dignified Design (DD). DD is an emerging framework that explores how built environments, particularly those serving marginalized communities, can support experiences of safety, comfort, community, and control, the core elements of lived dignity. While interest in dignified design is growing across architecture, social work, public health, interior design, and housing practice, the field lacks validated, conceptually grounded approaches for assessing an “atmosphere of dignity” in real-world environments, including settings such as Permanent Supportive Housing. This project addresses that gap by developing and piloting a composite measure to evaluate the multiple environmental, social, and experiential factors that contribute to dignified spaces. 

Students will participate in weekly team meetings, collaborating with faculty from the University of Denver, Florida State University, University of Oregon, and researchers from Shopworks Architecture, and will have individual meetings with the faculty supervisor to plan and review progress. In addition, students will engage in self-directed work, so the position requires someone who is organized, proactive, and able to manage tasks independently. 

Component 1: Targeted Literature Review 

Students will conduct a focused review to guide the assessment tool and broader research framework. This review will include: 

• Conceptualization and operationalization of “atmospheres” and dignified environments 

• Empirical links between built environments, stress physiology, and subjective experience

• Principles and applications of trauma-informed, inclusive, and human-centered design 

• Methodological guidance for observational, multimodal, and case study research 

• Considerations for developing valid and reliable composite measures 

Deliverables: 

• Annotated bibliography and literature map identifying key dimensions of dignified environments 

• Summary synthesis highlighting methodological and measurement recommendation. 

Component 2: Observational and Pilot Testing Work 

Students will assist in piloting the Atmospheres of Dignity composite tool across selected Bryn Mawr campus buildings. The assessment integrates three complementary approaches: 

1. Naturalistic Observations (self-guided): Structured walkthroughs to evaluate physical and social cues contributing to dignity, capturing both end-user and researcher perspectives using a standardized rating scale. 

2. Environmental Quality Measures: Collection of objective data on noise, lighting, and air quality to provide quantifiable insights into comfort, control, and environmental quality. 

3. Moving Interviews: Occupant-guided walkthroughs capturing user experiences in real time, integrating end-user voice and narrative to highlight aspects of dignity not visible through observation alone. 

Deliverables:

• Refined Atmospheres of Dignity Assessment Tool based on pilot testing 

• Field notes and pilot dataset from campus observations and interviews 

• Summary report with recommendations for tool refinement 

• Teaching materials, including slides, case studies, and discussion prompts 

Skills and Knowledge Gained: 

• Literature review, coding, and thematic synthesis 

• Observational and occupant-centered research methods 

• Measure development and pilot testing 

• Data organization, analysis, and reporting 

• Interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship 

• Integration of research into teaching and applied practice 

• Time management, organization, and independent task planning 

Collaboration Structure: 

• Weekly team meetings with faculty at the University of Denver, Florida State University, University of Oregon, and researchers at Shopworks Architecture

 • Weekly individual meetings with faculty supervisor for planning, guidance, and progress review 

• Self-directed work on literature review, observations, and synthesis

Skills or Training 

1. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage assigned research tasks.

2. Strong written communication skills and the ability to summarize and synthesize academic literature.

3. Ability to read and engage with scholarly research in the social sciences.

4. Attention to detail and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research team environment.

5. Basic proficiency with online academic databases (through Tripod) and Zotero.

6. Experience with SPSS or Stata would be good, but not required. 

Class Year Eligible: Current students in the Classes of 2027 and 2028.

Majors: This project is well-suited for students who are comfortable reading and synthesizing literature, conducting structured observations, and collaborating with faculty and peers. Relevant majors include, but are not limited to, Psychology, Sociology, Growth and Structures of Cities, and Anthropology.

Dates & Length: This position is full-time (minimum of 240 hours, over 10 weeks). The estimated start date is May 26, 2026. The estimated end date is July 31, 2026.

Internship Format: Hybrid at Bryn Mawr College 

Additional Information: This project provides students with a unique interdisciplinary research experience, combining literature synthesis, applied fieldwork, and collaborative engagement with faculty and industry researchers. Students will contribute directly to scholarship, measure development, and teaching resources, while developing skills in organization, independent work, and professional collaboration. 

Funding Award: This opportunity includes a funding award of $5,000 (minus 15-20% taxes). 

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Katie Krimmel at kkrimmel@brynmawr.edu and Professor Rachel Speer at rspeer@brynmawr.edu