Deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 11:59 PM HST
The Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs held an open call for undergraduate students to build their policy-relevant research skills through a summer Mentored Research Opportunity with the Indo-Pacific Policy Lab. The application period for this opportunity closed on April 30.
The Indo-Pacific Policy Lab‘s research project for Summer 2025 investigates how the Quad, a diplomatic alliance between the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, incorporates women’s and gender perspectives into its diplomacy, policy priorities, and regional initiatives. Although the Quad highlights gender inclusion as central to its mission, this commitment has not yet been comprehensively analyzed.
This study will focus on three key areas:
- Institutional structures and representation: The presence of women and gender in both formal and informal aspects of the Quad.
- Policy priorities and planning: The role of gender perspectives in shaping decision-making and program design.
- Program deliverables: How gender considerations are reflected in projects targeting Southeast Asia and Oceania.
The research will offer insights into what gender-related efforts are working, what challenges remain, and provide evidence-based recommendations for future programming.
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Position Details
- Term: Summer Session I (SSI)
- Schedule: Hybrid format with both in-person and remote work, approximately 20 hours per week
- Stipend: $4,000
- Eligibility: Open to current University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa undergraduates only
How to Apply
To apply, fill out our Google Form and submit the following materials (*Must be logged in with your UH email*):
- A cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant research experience, and any applicable coursework
- A current CV
**SUBMISSION DEADLINE**: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 11:59 PM HST
If you have questions about the position or the application process, feel free to contact us at cipa@hawaii.edu.
Undergraduate researchers will gain:
- Hands-on experience in social science research
- An opportunity to publish a policy brief in Indo-Pacific Outlook (CIPA’s policy brief series)
- Professional skills in teamwork, communication, and academic mentorship
- Exposure to research methods, policy analysis, and Indo-Pacific regional studies
Students will begin with an orientation session designed to introduce the project’s goals and situate the research within its broader regional and policy context. Following the orientation, each student will select one of the Quad’s key initiatives to focus on. These include: global health and health security, climate and clean energy, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security, quality infrastructure, cybersecurity, critical and emerging technology, countering disinformation, space, people-to-people ties, and counterterrorism.
Research roles will be based on experience and interest:
- First and second-year students may work on constructing timelines, collecting background information, and reviewing existing literature.
- More experienced students may conduct initiative-specific research and draft policy briefs for publication consideration.
All students will make meaningful contributions while developing valuable skills in research, leadership, and communication. Participants will also build lasting relationships with faculty mentors who can provide academic guidance and future letters of recommendation.