Empowering Secure Elections Research Graduate Assistant

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Empowering Secure Elections Research Lab at Towson University looks to understand the cyber, physical, and insider threats in our election processes and develop actionable mitigations to empower Election Workers to be able to identify and mitigate election security/integrity threats that may arise during the voting process. To do so, this project develops comprehensive risk models for elections processes and leverages them to develop online training modules for Election Workers to learn about and respond to cyber, physical, and human behavior threats.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Following the 2020 U.S. General Election, interest continues in the security of voting both in-person and by mail. Specifically, the integrity of votes must be maintained, so votes are counted as they are cast. Under the guidance of two faculty members, the Research Graduate Assistant (GA) will be responsible for conducting data mining analyses on a large dataset of poll worker security intentions data as well as risk analyses on potential threats to in-person voting processes. PivotTables and data visualization of the data are also required. The GA may also assist with developing and researching content for Election Worker training modules.

An ideal applicant will enjoy the research process, have strong time management and organization skills, have taken courses in analytics and/or computer science, and be invested in understanding and contributing to the improvement of election security and integrity in Maryland and the U.S. Proficiency with analytics methods is required. Strong business writing, communication, and organization skills are highly desired.  Adherence to ethical research standards is a must. 

 

Working hours are flexible; however, the researcher will be expected to review their weekly results at a lab meeting every week. The candidate will need to have access to a personal computer to complete the work.

PAY RATE & TIMEFRAME

The GA will be expected to work 10-hours per week for the fall 2022 term. Pending a successful performance review, the position may be extended for spring 2023. The student will receive a 6-credit (approx. 2 classes) tuition waiver for each term and a stipend. 

Review of applicants will begin on July 1, 2022. For full consideration, please apply by July 1.