Jocelyn Leitzinger

    Email Address: jocelynl@uic.edu
    College: Business Administration Department: Managerial Studies
    Title: Assistant Professor
    Office: 2227 UH
    Webpage: https://business.uic.edu/profiles/jocelyn-leitzinger/
    Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes

    Research Interest:
    I study the intersection of social movements and markets. I'm interested in how activists shape the behavior of companies and industries, as well as how corporations fight back against social movement pressure. Some of the areas I am currently researching include corporate front groups, community-based river conservation in Ireland, the urban farming movement in Detroit, and corporate wrongdoing. My research mainly draws on social movement theory and institutional theory. I'm also interested in the use of storytelling.

    Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 5

    Qualifications of a Student:
    Minimum GPA: 3.5 (will consider lower for unique circumstances)
    Honors College is a plus (not required)
    Should have an interest in sustainability and social issues
    Curiosity about qualitative research methods is ideal
    Students in business, sociology, political science, communication, or other relevant majors are welcome to apply
    Bonus points for knowledge of text mining/machine learning programs and/or web scraping

    Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
    I have several current projects, so there is some ability to choose based on interest and skills. Some opportunities include:

    * Developing a database of suspected corporate front groups

    * Using machine learning to create a model for detecting corporate fronts

    * Creating a database of corporate lobbying and political campaign expenditures to be combined with a database of government agency emails

    * Using qualitative analysis software to code text data (interviews, articles, etc.)

    I create an individualized learning plan with research assistants, so you may be expected to read articles, watch videos, learn new software, etc. that will assist you in the position but also help you grow as a researcher. I also expect to have weekly meetings (in person or via video chat, depending on pandemic situation).

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