FWS Summer 2026, Product Design Student Research Assistant at University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky

Currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky.

• 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.

n/a

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

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

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.

N/A

• 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.

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.