Undergraduate Researcher

The Position

We are looking for an undergraduate student to serve as a summer research intern, where they'll support our AIR Scholars program. The AIR Scholars program is a community engagement initiative that includes a 6-week, paid summer internship for high school students from historically disadvantaged communities. The program focuses on climate science education and environmental justice (EJ). This role will report to our Student Research Supervisor (SRS) and will work closely with AIR COMPANY’s Government Affairs & Environmental Social Governance (ESG) team. This individual will support the AIR Scholars 2024 program activities, curriculum development, and research project. To be successful in this role, the undergraduate student should have experience working with high school students and have a background in air quality, public health, and/or climate science, as well as strong quantitative skills. This temporary role will be located in Brooklyn, NY, and will include 10 weeks of work (32 hours/week June 19th-August 16th and 10 hours/week September 9-20th).

The Research Project 

This year’s AIR Scholars cohort will conduct research that will quantify air quality and co-pollutants in the Brooklyn area. The research will analyze air quality and pollution in heavily trafficked areas and research historic EJ challenges associated with conventional fuel production and use. 

What you get to do

Pre-Program | Hybrid | June 19th-July 8th  

• Conduct literature reviews of conventional and alternative fuels with a focus on air quality impacts and associated environmental justice history and trends
• Support the SRS with air quality sensor logistics, including deployment and quantitative data analysis.

During Program | In person, Brooklyn, NY | July 8th-August 16th

• Support the AIR Scholars by acting as a mentor for students 
• Attend field trips with the Scholars, including site visits to the sensors, NYU labs, and AIR COMPANY facilities.

Post-Program | Virtual | September 9-20th 

• Support the team with exit interviews for the Scholars
• Coalesce and aggregate data collected during the program to begin the publication process for the AIR Scholars 2024 paper.

What you bring to AIR COMPANY

• Strong quantitative skills and ability to process air quality data (PM2.5, NOx, SOx)
• Interest in air quality, sustainability/climate, environmental justice, public health 
• Ability to read and distill scientific research to an array of audiences
• Passion for education and experience working with high school students and/or environmental justice communities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to learn fast and pay attention to details
• Interest in working in a fast-paced, startup environment
• Collaborative and open to direction
• Team player

Bonus Points 

• Past research experience related to air quality and/or fuels
• Passionate about fostering the next generation of climate leaders

Salary Range: $20/hr