STW: Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am seeking an undergraduate student to assist with research activities for ~8 hours per week during the Fall 2026 semester. Are you interested in contributing to a project focused on food security, food access, and food pantries, while using spatial data? If so, send me an email (jblekkin@charlotte.edu).

This research position will involve adding open times to a database of food pantries across North Carolina and South Carolina. This data will then be used with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore where people live, where food pantries are available, when they’re open, and how food accessibility changes across space.

What I’m looking for:
- An undergraduate student who is curious about geography, food security, food systems, and spatial data.
- Familiarity with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar) — experience is a bonus, but not required.
- Great attention to detail is a must.
- Interest in learning new skills is also a must.

What you’ll do:
- Help collect, organize, clean, and visualize spatial data related to food banks / pantries, transportation networks, and other urban infrastructure.

Why join us?
- Be part of meaningful research on food security and urban life.
- Build hands-on GIS skills that are useful for many careers.
- Flexible hours that work around your class schedule.