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Description

The Triton Underground Scholars Research Program (TUSRP) is designed to prepare formerly incarcerated, and system impacted students interested in conducting research at the intersection of education and the criminal justice system. The fellowship consists of working closely with a faculty-mentor and the TUS program director to learn about the research process, graduate studies, and career options. 

Eligibility 

  • Must be formerly incarcerated or system impacted. 
  • Must be in junior standing. 
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5. 
  • Must commit to staying engaged during the duration of the scholarship. 
  • Demonstrate interest in social justice-oriented research. 
  • Must be professional, accountable, and a team player. 
  • Develop a research project/plan that examines an issue/question at the intersection of higher education and the criminal justice system. 
  • Develop a poster or oral presentation as well as a written report based on the research conducted.
  • Maintain regular communication. 

Responsibilities 

  • Attend regular meetings and work with faculty mentor and TUS program director. 
  • Develop a research project/plan that examines an issue/question at the intersection of higher education and the criminal justice system. 
  • Develop a poster or oral presentation as well as a written report based on the research conducted. 
  • Conduct a literature review on a topic that meets at the intersection of higher education and the criminal justice system. 
  • Maintain regular communication. 
  • Complete work assignments and tasks on time. 
  • Be prepared to submit a research report and present research project by the end of the quarter. 

For more information on research opportunities at UCSD visit https://ugresearch.ucsd.edu

If you have any questions please send an email to OASIS Associate Director Berenice Jau, bjau@ucsd.edu or usi@ucsd.edu.

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TUS Research Scholarship Recipients

thumbnail_72902624_3234504796576441_6229742315003445248_n30.jpgJoaquin Mena - Summer 2023

Transfer Junior / Ethnic Studies

Triton Underground Scholars Research Fellow

My Project: 

I am a current undergraduate student at UCSD majoring in Ethnic Studies with a minor in Chicanx Latinx Studies (CLS). My specific interest lies in researching and understanding the unique barriers faced by formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students in the Chicano community. After earning my bachelor's degree, I plan to further delve into these issues in graduate school. I am passionate about leveraging my research to improve educational and social support systems for marginalized communities. My ultimate career goal is to advocate for and develop effective strategies that promote educational equality and social justice for these underserved populations.

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Briana Gomez - Summer 2023

Transfer Junior / Department Anthropology 

Triton Underground Scholars Research Fellow

My Project: 

I am a current undergraduate student majoring in anthropology with a concentration in biology and minoring in psychology. With this focus, I am able to study the connection between mind, body and spirit in regards to human health and healing. I hope to integrate a holistic approach towards modern ailments using the power of the mind as a catalyst to healing and human optimization. Paying special attention to healing generational trauma and viewing it through the lens of karmic residue, I plan to merge ancient wisdoms with modern technology in an attempt to further help solve problems of oppression generally experienced by underrepresented groups of people. I see this summer research program as a monumental stepping stone to further fuel my research in the merging of biology and culture. I plan to continue building on these current investigations throughout my entire educational journey and throughout the pursuit of my PhD. 

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Colleen Murphy - 2022/2023

Transfer Junior / Sociology - Law & Society

Triton Underground Scholars Policy Advocacy Fellow

My Project: 

As part of this fellowship, I am working to develop a clearcut pathway for formerly incarcerated individuals to interact with their elected officials in a meaningful capacity. By initiating conversations with our representatives and demystifying the channels by which members of our community connect to them, I hope to empower marginalized communities to use their collective voice to advocate for themselves on issues that impact them most. I will be also be organizing and facilitating meet n' greet workshops with current UCSD Political Science Students and our local representatives where students can come together and discuss various topics in an intimate setting. 

Aidan Tojino - 2022/2023

Transfer Junior / Literature Writing

Triton Underground Scholars Research Fellow

My Project: 

The research documentary/ video essay is intended to explore the role of personal narrative and the media in progressive movements, particularly within social justice and abolitionist fronts. I intend to approach this subject from a contemporary perspective by capturing footage of TUS members as we interact with numerous media outlets and organizations. To contexualize this footage, I aim to work with university professors and provide historical perspective with past examples of progressive narratives being "whitewashed" or adulterated.