The Faculty of Business, Communiction Studies & Aviation is proud to offer dynamic opportunities for students to engage in exciting research projects alongside esteemed faculty members. As a Research Assistant, students will have the chance to delve into diverse areas of study, contribute to research initiatives, and gain invaluable hands-on experience that will enrich academic journies and career prospects.
Explore our current openings below and embark on a journey of discovery and learning!
About MRU
Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 36 majors.
Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis", which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.
Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.
Designing Reality; The impact of Artificial Intelligence on Journalistic Integrity
PROJECT NAME: Designing Reality; The impact of Artificial Intelligence on Journalistic Integrity
FACULTY SUPERVISOR: Lauren Dwyer
DISCIPLINE: Information Design
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
As AI reshapes journalism, the tension between technological efficiency and journalistic integrity intensifies. Algorithms now shape the news cycle, prioritizing engagement over values like accuracy and fairness. While automation offers speed and scalability, it often lacks the nuance and ethical oversight of human judgment, eroding trust and credibility.
Our project explores core journalistic standards to counter misinformation and sensationalism. Drawing on scholarly research, editorial guidelines, and discourse, we aim to create concise principles addressing originality, sourcing transparency, fact-opinion separation, and error correction. By advocating these standards, we hope to bolster responsible journalism and strengthen public trust in credible news.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct literature reviews on journalistic standards, AI in media, and public trust.
- Analyze articles, guidelines, and reports to identify key themes and principles.
- Compile and organize data from studies, reports, and journalism case studies.
- Perform thematic analysis to uncover patterns relevant to credible journalism.
- Participate in weekly progress meetings to discuss findings and propose refinements.
- Collaborate on project tasks, contributing to research and data synthesis.
- Develop skills in critical analysis, qualitative research, and media ethics.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be an actively enrolled undergraduate student at Mount Royal University for the duration of the position.
- Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., thematic analysis, data categorization).
- Strong skills in critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis of information.
- Ability to conduct literature reviews and analyze academic and industry sources.
- Familiarity with topics in journalism, media studies, or related fields is an asset.
- Effective organizational skills for managing and compiling data.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for drafting reports and statements.
- Ability to collaborate in a team and participate in regular progress meetings.
SALARY: $20/hr ($23.40 Including benefits)
TIMELINE: April 2025 - February 2026
This opportunity is for either 1 student at 64 hours or 2 students at 32 hours. Note that this is not enough hours to qualify for the Information Design internship.
TO APPLY, PLEASE CONTACT LAUREN DWYER: ldwyer@mtroyal.ca
- Please include a cover letter that does not use AI
Framing mental health on social media: A systematic review
PROJECT NAME: Framing mental health on social media: A systematic review
FACULTY SUPERVISOR: Ran Ju
DISCIPLINE: Public Relations
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
Social media platforms have become essential for mental health communication, providing accessible spaces for users to share information, seek support, and discuss mental well-being. This study uses the PRISMA model for a systematic review, applying framing theory to analyze how social media constructs mental health realities. It focuses on four framing locations: the communicator (content creators), content (message framing), receiver (audience interpretation), and cultural context. The review evaluates research methodologies, highlighting benefits, risks, and the impact of social media on users' mental health perceptions. It aims to guide practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in enhancing mental health literacy and reducing stigma.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The undergraduate research assistant will play an important role in supporting this systematic review project. Their responsibilities include data collection, screening, and analysis. Collaborating with a librarian, the RA will identify and retrieve relevant studies
from academic databases, ensuring a comprehensive dataset. The assistant will help screen studies for inclusion based on set criteria, documenting the process for transparency. Under Dr. Ran Ju’s guidance, they will assist in synthesizing findings,
categorizing themes, and identifying research gaps. Training and supervision will be provided to the RA to enhance skills in research methodology, critical analysis, and scholarly communication. If interested, the RA may also contribute to developing a
research report and manuscript for conference and journal submission. This role offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in systematic review methodology while making meaningful contributions to the project’s success.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Academic background in communication, psychology, health sciences, or a related field. Research skills or willingness to learn systematic review methods (data collection, screening, and analysis).
- Familiarity with academic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO) or ability to work with a librarian to retrieve studies.
- Attention to detail in documenting research processes and maintaining transparency.
- Analytical thinking to assist in synthesizing findings and categorizing themes.
- Strong communication skills for collaboration with supervisors and potential contribution to research reports or manuscripts.
- Willingness to learn under supervision, including training in research methodology and scholarly communication.
- Time management and organizational skills to balance tasks and meet deadlines.
- Interest in mental health communication research (preferred but not required).
SALARY: $20.5/hr (benefit included)
TIMELINE: Feb.27, 2025 - Feb.26, 2026
Please provide your current CV and a paragraph (150 words) about why you fit this position to Dr. Ju (rju@mtroyal.ca) before Feb.25, 2025.
If you have any questions regarding this position, please email Dr. Ju at rju@mtroyal.ca
Systematic Literature Review: Mindful ICT Use
PROJECT NAME: Systematic Literature Review: Mindful ICT Use
FACULTY SUPERVISOR: Uthpala Senarathne Tennakoon
DISCIPLINE: Human Resources & General Management
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
The increasing integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into daily life has raised concerns about its impact on individuals' well-being, productivity, and work-life balance. While ICT enhances connectivity and efficiency, its overuse and misuse have been associated with stress, distraction, and reduced mental health. To address these concerns, the concept of mindful ICT use has emerged as a promising approach, promoting intentional and balanced engagement with technology. This proposal seeks to conduct a systematic literature review on mindful ICT use to consolidate existing research, identify gaps, and highlight best practices for fostering mindful engagement with technology.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct thorough searches of academic databases to identify relevant literature.
- Develop and maintain a database of sourced articles, ensuring accurate and efficient retrieval.
- Prepare concise summaries and evaluations of articles to inform the research team.
- Assist in compiling findings into coherent drafts for literature reviews.
- Participate in regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and insights.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- MRU Student: Must be an actively enrolled undergraduate student at Mount Royal University for the duration of the position.
- Attention to Detail: Ability to accurately interpret and summarize complex information.
- Time Management: Demonstrated ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
- Research Skills: Familiarity with academic databases and basic research methodologies.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; experience with reference management software (e.g., EndNote, RefWorks) is an asset.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Collaborative skills – Ability to collaborate in a team and participate in regular progress meetings.
SALARY: $20.5/hr (benefit included) for total of 70-75 hours
TIMELINE: April 2025 - December 2025
Open until filled.
TO APPLY:
- Apply with your resume and a paragraph (250 words) about why you fit this position to Dr. Uthpala Senarathne Tennakoon at utennakoon@mtroyal.ca by April 1, 2025.
- Email subject to include -" Application for RA Position". For any questions, please email Dr, Uthpala at utennakoon@mtroyal.ca
TBA