IRB 6605 ENGAGE Initiative: Evaluation of Engagement Mapping Pilot

The successful candidate will serve as a Student Research Assistant supporting an interdisciplinary research team focused on improving access to quality mental healthcare through community-engaged research. The individual will contribute to a research project funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. This study, led by Dr. Thomas Mackie, is a pilot study for Engagement Mapping. An engagement strategy that aims to improve meaningful engagement of Advisory Boards in research. The paid Student Research Assistant will support coordination of the evaluation including tasks such as maintaining interview transcriptions, assist in the development and testing of surveys, and maintain organized documentation and research records. The candidate will work with a high degree of independence while collaborating closely with team members and community partners.

Please Note: In addition to the PROPEL application, all interested students MUST complete and submit the application for this position, which can be found here: https://forms.gle/gx2dPV3o2MYM9kcm8

Name of research group, project, or lab
Mackie Team; Remote; Goessman; SPHHS Hub; Arnold House
Why participate in this opportunity?

This opportunity will provide the successful candidate to learn about strategies to engage community partners in research studies. The candidate will also learn about conducting a pilot study and approaches to data collection and management.

Representative publication or further information
Mackie-StakeholdersPerspectivesStakeholderengaged-2017_0.pdf
Logistics Information:
Field(s) of Study
Health Policy & Management
Public Health & Health Sciences
Student ranks applicable
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications
  • Enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree program
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Interest in working with qualitative research methods (e.g., transcription)
  • Interest in community-engaged mental health services research
  • Proficiency with relevant software (e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint Slides, Outlook)
Time commitment
8-10 h/wk
11-14 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Paid - General
Paid - Work-Study Required
Number of openings
2
Techniques learned
  • Develop and maintain interview transcriptions 
  • Assist with pilot testing surveys 
  • Maintain organized documentation and research records
  • Coordinate and support scheduling, preparation, and follow-ups for meetings and presentations
  • Prepare slide decks for internal and external meetings
  • Attend brief weekly one-on-one meetings with supervisor 
Project start
Fall 2026 Semester
Contact Information:
Mentors
Sasha Helfner
shelfner@umass.edu
Research Fellow / Project Manager
Thomas Mackie
tmackie@umass.edu
Professor of Health Policy and Management
Ana Schaefer
aschaefer@umass.edu
Project Director
Name of project director or principal investigator
Thomas Mackie, Principal Investigator
Email address of project director or principal investigator
tmackie@umass.edu
2 sp. | 28 appl.
Time commitment
8-10 h/wk (+1)
8-10 h/wk11-14 h/wk
Field(s) of Study
Health Policy & Management (+1)
Health Policy & ManagementPublic Health & Health Sciences