Dr. Charlotte Kupsh
<b>Department: </b>English<br><b>Research Area: </b>Writing, Writing Centers, Student Mentorship, Qualitative research, Interviews, Surveys
Department: English
Research Focus: Writing, Writing Centers, Student Mentorship, Qualitative research, Interviews, Surveys
Potential Student Project(s):
In my capacity as Director of the Writing Center, I'm working with Dr. Kat Greene on a project exploring how writing centers at other universities use graduate student directors to help run their writing centers. The goal of this project is to better understand what other centers are doing so we can improve our own. In spring 2026, we'll be sending a survey to other writing centers to learn more about their practices, and then we'll follow up with interviews with some of those writing centers.
We are looking for a student to help with this research project. If you work on this project with us, you'll learn about qualitative research methods (surveys and interviews) through 1-1 conversations and introductory readings. You will also help analyze survey data and transcribe recorded interviews. These skills will be valuable to you if you're interested in learning more about writing, tutoring, and conducting research. This position could also help prepare you for a future job in the writing center, if you're interested (though not required)! You'll complete most of this work remotely.
Attributes/skills/background sought in undergraduate:
It's most important that you are curious, interested in research, and motivated to learn! Because of the nature of the job, it's also helpful if you are:
• Someone who enjoys learning by reading, observing, and asking questions
• Self-motivated and good at time management, as much of the work will be completed independently
• Comfortable listening to recorded interviews and typing what you hear (performing transcription)
Mentoring Plan:
You'll start this position by reading several short chapters on qualitative research methods and writing center theory. These readings will help you learn about the theories behind our research project. You'll also read more about our specific research project. Optionally, we may have you observe sessions in the writing center so you can learn what writing centers do. In our initial weekly meetings, I'll talk with you about what you're learning and what questions you have.
Then, you'll transition into helping analyze survey data. (This can initially sound intimidating, but we'll teach you everything you need to know!) Analyzing data is all about looking for the stories that emerge from what our participants say--it is creative and critical work! In our meetings at this stage, we'll talk about what narratives are emerging for you from the data.
Finally, you'll work on transcribing recorded interviews. This will help you learn more about participants and get insight into the everyday workings of writing centers. In our meetings in this final stage, we will talk about what you're noticing as you transcribe, and how it could apply to the Writing Center at Ball State.
Contact: 765-285-8476, RB 384