FWS Summer 2026, Product Design Student Research Assistant

Required Education

Currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky.

Required Related Experience

• Background or demonstrated interest in at least one of the following: design history, humanities, education/curriculum development, or architecture.
• Strong research and writing skills with attention to clarity and precision.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Genuine curiosity about ethics, history, and the social dimensions of design.

Required License/Registration/Certification

n/a

Physical Requirements

Sitting or standing for long periods, and lifting up to 20 lbs.

Shift

Weekdays between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Evenings
Weekends

Job Summary

Historical Research

• Research and document historical examples of design successes and failures across disciplines prioritizing product design and including architecture, urban planning, graphic design, and digital/UX design.
• Compile annotated bibliographies and source materials for each case study
• Identify under-represented or non-Western examples to ensure diversity and breadth of perspective.

Card Deck Development

• Propose connections between case studies and core ethical values or principles.
• Assist in developing prompts or questions that encourage reflection on each case.
• Review and refine card content through iterative feedback cycles.

Curriculum Integration

• Review existing course structure and learning objectives to understand pedagogical goals
• Map historical examples to specific points in the course timeline where they best reinforce content.

Collaboration & Communication

• Participate in regular check-ins with the supervising faculty member to share progress and receive guidance.
• Maintain organized documentation of research, drafts, and decisions.
• Provide written summaries or presentations of findings at key project milestones.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

N/A

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

• Experience with academic or archival research.
• Familiarity with educational design or curriculum frameworks.
• Interest in or exposure to design criticism, design studies, or philosophy of design.