Student Involvement
Become a student researcher and contribute to original research on the global dimensions of disinformation and misinformation. We welcome UT-Austin undergraduate and graduate students.
GDIL Student Researchers (GSRs) join one of our project teams working on real research projects. We ask you to commit an average of ten hours per week for both the fall and spring semesters for your project work. You will be trained in practical research skills, be listed as a student researcher on our website, and become eligible for paid positions in future semesters. As a GSR, you will also gain access to our research skills workshops and to our slack workspace, where we regularly share internship and employment opportunities!
We need your help.
We need your curiosity.
We need your enthusiasm.
Join GDIL today by applying to one of our project teams. We will always do our best to accommodate your project preferences.
We encourage students to apply during the summer months so that we may attempt to accommodate your project preferences. Applications received after the start of the fall semester will definitely be reviewed but teams may fill up, so apply early for your first choice!
Gain Experience. Grow Skills. Find a Community.
Real Research Experience
You will be placed on one of our research project teams working for a faculty or external client.
Leadership Opportunities
GSRs become eligible for one of our paid Task Team Leader positions after their first semester. We also share exclusive internship and job opportunities in our slack workspace.
Skills Workshops
Topics like: Python Basics and Computational Notebooks, Advanced Search Strategies, Tableau for Exploratory Data Analysis, Social Network Analysis and more!
Join one of our active projects.
Applications for Spring 2024 Are Now Open
FYI & FAQ
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When can I apply?
We accept applications throughout the summer for the academic year.
Students may apply in December for the spring semester, but we cannot guarantee a spot on a team since most run on a yearly basis.
Who can participate?
Chances are, if you are reading this you can participate. We are open to University of Texas at Austin undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline. There are no prerequisites besides an interest in disinformation and misinformation and a willingness to abide by our code of conduct.
Are there any prerequisites or experience requirements?
No. Though we are interested in the skills you have (especially language skills!) there are no requirements beyond the standard ~10 hour commitment and your ability to attend our monthly All-Hands meetings.
How will I be spending my time?
That’s a great question! We ask that you commit to an average of 10 hours per week but please understand that some weeks will have far less work than others, so it definitely changes throughout the semester.
Once you join a team, your TTL will work with everyone to find a time to schedule a regular team meeting. Some are once a week, others will be less frequent. And we all use Slack to communicate in between.
You will then spend your time meeting with your team and then working independently (or with other team members) on research, coding, or whatever other activity your project involves.
You will also be required to attend the All-Hands meeting once per month. The meeting dates and times can be found in the semester schedule.
What are the benefits of being a GDIL TTL or GSR?
We’re glad you asked!!
When you become involved with GDIL, you become part of the GDIL community.
First, all active GDIL participants will be added to the GDIL Slack channel where they can communicate with their team and the leadership team. We often post interesting articles or news stories as well as internship and job openings that we hear about often.
You’ll have a space of your own – GDIL has an office location in Belmont Hall with space for TTLs and staff as well as a small conference room available at any time for GSRs. You can meet there for team meetings, to work individually or in groups on your projects, or even if you just need a quiet space to do some homework. Once you become a GSR, we will provide you with a code for entry into the Lab.
We offer amazing networking opportunities! Along with the guest speakers who you will have the chance to meet at each All-Hands meeting, we also have partnerships with external clients. Our students have had the chance to work with Sandia National Labs, the Army Cyber Institute, Arizona State University Research Enterprise, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), among others. And just last year, former CIA Director John Brennan visited with our students!
And yes, there’s always the swag (coming soon)!
Can I attend a meeting to learn more?
We host info sessions each summer and early fall. However, if you’d like to learn more about us during the rest of the year, please feel free to send us an e-mail and we’ll be happy to meet with you to answer any questions and discuss available research positions or possibilities to become involved.
Have a question we haven't addressed?
Our contact info is at the bottom of the page. Do not hesitate to reach out and ask. We are friendly, we promise.