Evaluating Community Needs for Urban Forestry and Tree Care Support using Ask Extension Questions
Faculty mentor/Supervisor
Sarah Low
Email Address
Department Affiliation
Forest Ecosystems & Society
Project Location
Statewide
Project Description
This project will examine community questions around urban forestry and arboriculture issues using Ask Extension questions submitted by community members from 2022-2025. A spreadsheet will be created to organize questions submitted throughout Oregon related to trees in urban and other landscaped settings. Questions will be categorized by themes. These questions will be analyzed to identify trends. After determining significant issues, we will identify existing extension publications that are focused on those issues and identify gaps in extension outreach materials that need to be developed.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform
The student will gather information from Ask Extension, input it into a spreadsheet, and categorize entries by themes. The student may also help with developing the content for an IRB process. The student may also gather related research as part of a literature search. That may include topics like pests and pathogens, tree selection, and best practices for tree care. If time permits, the student will identify existing Extension materials that could be used for future questions and identify opportunities for sharing those resources with community members beyond Ask Extension.
Hourly rate of pay
$15.05
Certification
Yes
What is the expected timeline of this project?
This project is anticipated to take 3-6 months to complete. It could be extended if new opportunities for investigation or outreach emerge from the work. Ideally, the project would be January 1st-May 31st. The exact dates can be flexible and based on mutual agreement. The weekly schedule can also be flexible and determined by mutual agreement at the beginning of the project. A student could work 5-8 hours per week on this project, depending on funding.
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?
No
Will training be provided?
Yes
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?
5-8 hours
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?
1 hour per week will be direct mentorship.
In addition to guidance on the specific project tasks, students will work with the mentor to identify some professional development goals. During the weekly meetings, the mentor and the student will work on meeting the identified professional development goals. This might look like working through prioritization exercises, learning a new skill, discussing career paths, practicing for interviews, or whatever else is helpful for the student.