1049-Brazil-Climate Anxiety in Brazilian Youth

This research placement is part of an ongoing collaboration with Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR) in Brazil and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. We are working to carry out research on climate distress in adolescents. Two years ago, we began collaborating on a project to examine climate anxiety in adolescents in public schools in Fortaleza using qualitative methods. We plan to continue this project by involving a student in the analysis of quantitative data from two schools. The student would be involved in working with the local team to analyze and write up results from quantitative data about climate anxiety from adolescents in public schools in Fortaleza. We are engaged in capacity building, and the Hopkins student working with students at UNIFOR and possibly participate in the development of a grant proposal related to climate anxiety in Brazil.

We are seeking a Hopkins student to work in collaboration with a team Brazilian public health professionals and students to take part in activities related to some or all of the following activities (depending where the project is at the time of the starting date): quantitative data analysis, data management, and research oversight activities in Fortaleza. Duties will include working closely with Brazilian students and engaging in capacity building. They may also involve contributions to grant writing and planning for future research on climate anxiety. Results will help to understand risk factors adolescents have for anxiety or distress due to climate change. Participation in published research papers will include the student as a co-author. 

Within the Public Health Pos Graduation Program – PPGSC of university in Northeast Brazil.

•        Is interested in climate change, mental health, social determinants of health
•        Would like to gain research experience and would like to publish
•        Works well with others cross -culturally
•        Has quantitative data analysis skills.
•        Would like to work in Brazil

•        excellent communication skills
•        strong writing and interpersonal abilities
•        basic knowledge of research/quantitative analytic methods

Name: Pamela Surkan, psurkan@jhu.edu 

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

Very involved. I normally hold a standing weekly skype meeting with students and am available by email (or calls if necessary) for questions at other times.

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

Independent and able to take initiative on their own, but ask for guidance and help when needed.

Estimated Costs:

Housing: $500/month
Food: $200/month 
Local Transportation: $50/month bus pass for personal transport. 
Internet: $30/month data sim card
Airplane flight: $1000

Additional support from PI: 

Diretoria de Pesquisa Desenvolvimento e Inovação –Universidade de Fortaleza -  UNIFOR will support the student with some expenses, e.g. supplies, translation expenses, publication expenses, student facilities, help getting affordable housing arrangements, etc.