Graduate Student Fellow
Graduate Student Fellow
The Graduate Fellow plays an essential role in advancing the CPC’s mission through research, collaboration, and mentorship. This dynamic position involves 20 hours of weekly commitment, with responsibilities ranging from assisting with research planning and data analysis to supporting undergraduate research assistants and coordinating projects. Fellows gain hands-on experience in political communication research, develop key professional skills, and contribute to impactful academic work. Learn more about the fellowship.
On this page, we are excited to introduce our current Graduate Fellow, who exemplifies the program’s dedication to fostering growth and innovation. Keep reading to learn more about their journey, insights, and experiences through an exclusive Q&A!
Meet Aloysius “Ebuka” Ifeanyichukwu: Advocating for Civil Discourse in Political Communication
Ebuka’s greatest academic passion? Civil discourse.
“In a world full of misinformation, we need to help people understand the difference between science and opinion,” he explains. He’s currently developing a coding project for the Center for Political Communication (CPC) at the University of Delaware that will culminate in a comprehensive codebook. The project will allow students to contribute and explore pressing communication issues, and could ultimately be a game changer for CPC’s visibility and impact.
“It’s a big deal,” he says with pride. “It shows that the funds used for topical research are making a real difference in society.”
Ebuka’s journey to the University of Delaware is one of passion, purpose, and persistence. As a junior professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, specializing in public relations and advertising, he came across a paper on civil discourse by Dr. Lindsay Hoffman and that moment changed everything. Inspired by her work, he reached out for guidance and eventually was invited to become a valued member of our graduate community.
“In a world full of misinformation, we need to help people understand the difference between science and opinion,” he explains. He’s currently developing a coding project for the Center for Political Communication (CPC) at the University Now serving as a graduate fellow in the CPC, Ebuka is providing leadership for undergraduate students while continuing his research. The experience as a fellow, he says, is like an apprenticeship: “It’s exactly what faculty do—teaching, research, project management, and guiding undergraduates through hands-on training.” With mentorship from faculty like Dr. Dannagal Young, who offers guidance without micromanagement, Ebuka is thriving in this new academic environment.
When asked about the biggest challenge in political communication today, Ebuka doesn’t hesitate: “We need to invest in civil discourse—not just in politics, but in everyday conversations. Treat others with kindness and shorten the gap. People need to learn to listen, understand, and approach things from different perspectives.”
For Ebuka, the fellowship is not just about academic progression, it’s about access. “There are so many resources and opportunities here,” he says. From networking with seasoned professionals to attending international conferences (like the one coming up in June) he’s seizing experiences he wouldn’t have back home.
Transitioning to life in a new country and academic system hasn’t been easy, but Ebuka credits the department’s supportive community for helping him through it. “If it weren’t for the positive-minded people here, I would have quit,” he admits. But instead, he’s turned his challenges into opportunities and his voice into one that’s shaping the future of political communication.
He hopes to take what he’s learning and encourage more young scholars in Nigeria to pursue opportunities in the U.S. “I want to compare and contrast what’s happening here with what’s happening in my country,” he shares. Long-term, he hopes to remain in the Delaware area, continuing his research and building a career that bridges both worlds.
Graduate Student Fellow
Position Overview: The Graduate Fellow is a vital role within the Center for Political Communication (CPC), expected to work 20 hours each week. The Graduate Fellow will develop a schedule at the beginning of each semester in coordination with their CPC Supervisor.
Interested in applying to be our next CPC Graduate Student Fellow? Email cpc-info@udel.edu
Research Duties:
- Assist with research planning, data analysis, writing, and coordination.
- Organize and maintain the schedule of research projects.
- Support undergraduate student research assistants.
- Attend relevant training on campus (e.g., Human Subjects, library database, web development) necessary for a research assistant.
- Collect and organize literature for ongoing CPC research projects.
- Maintain an up-to-date list of relevant conferences, dates, and locations to distribute calls to faculty.
- Compose abstracts for conference submissions.
- Work on an annotated bibliography of relevant political communication research.
- Compile political communication measures to create a catalog for faculty reference.
- Facilitate communication between team members and external contractors to ensure smooth project execution.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Interest or education in Political Communication
- Strong organizational and coordination skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Experience with data analysis and research methodologies.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Leadership skills and the ability to train and supervise others.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience in research methodologies, and contribute to innovative projects within the CPC. Your involvement will be instrumental in validating AI-enhanced analysis and ensuring the reliability of research outcomes.
