RIGS – Research on Interdisciplinary Global Studies

Faculty-Student Research Opportunities

Unlock collaborative, interdisciplinary research through RIGS

At RIGS, we believe that meaningful faculty–student partnerships lie at the heart of global, interdisciplinary inquiry. Our network brings together faculty scholars from across the humanities, social sciences, STEM and professional disciplines with motivated students eager to engage in real-world research.

Why partner through RIGS?

  • Interdisciplinary reach: Our thematic research collaboratives — Human Rights, Conflict & Migration; Development, Health & Environment; Science, Technology & Innovation; Culture, Gender & Social Change — span disciplinary and geographic boundaries, offering rich opportunities for collaboration.

  • Student engagement & skill-building: Whether undergraduates or graduate students, student participants gain hands-on experience in research design, data collection and analysis, digital methods, and dissemination of findings.

  • Faculty leadership: Faculty researchers lead major investigations and invite student collaborators to join as research assistants, interns, co-authors, or presenters.

  • Global & local impact: Projects may partner with external organizations, community stakeholders, or international networks, enhancing both the research experience and real-world relevance.

  • Supportive infrastructure: RIGS offers workshops, mentoring, and access to our network of scholars and resources to support both faculty and student engagement.

How it works

  1. Faculty propose a student-engaged project — Faculty members affiliated with RIGS submit a research project invitation (or incorporate student collaboration in an existing project).

  2. Recruitment of student researchers — RIGS facilitates a call for interested students; faculty select from motivated candidates based on project fit, skills and interest.

  3. Project timeline & scope — Student roles may be semester-long or year-long, part-time or full-time, depending on funding/credits. Projects may lead to conference presentations, co-written papers or public-facing outputs.

  4. Mentorship and training — Faculty provide direct supervision; RIGS organizes optional workshops in research methods, digital tools, ethical engagement, and interdisciplinary framing.

  5. Showcasing outcomes — Student and faculty collaborators present findings at RIGS events, partner symposia, or through digital platforms (including StoryMaps, blogs, journal articles) to raise their profiles and strengthen their academic portfolios.

Benefits for Students

  • Real-world research experience building your résumé or graduate school application.

  • Mentorship from faculty engaged in cutting-edge interdisciplinary work.

  • Skill development in research design, data methods, digital tools and communication.

  • Networking opportunities with external partners, scholars and practitioners.

  • Visibility through publications, presentations or campus events.

Benefits for Faculty

  • Engage enthusiastic student collaborators who bring fresh perspectives and energy.

  • Expand your project’s capacity, productivity and potential for dissemination.

  • Support educational goals by integrating research and teaching.

  • Strengthen your profile for grants or external partnerships by demonstrating student engagement.

  • Leverage RIGS’ network to connect across disciplines and between faculty and student researchers.

How to Apply

  • Faculty: If you’d like to recruit student researchers for a new or ongoing project, submit a brief project proposal using this Google form.

  • Students: Watch for RIGS or PAL calls for student researchers each semester. You’ll need to submit a short statement of interest, CV/resumé, and (if applicable) sample work or transcript.

  • Deadlines: Student applications typically open each semester (e.g., Spring 2026). Faculty may submit project invites on a rolling basis.

  • Contact: For further information or to express interest, email us at PAL@Montclair.Edu or RIGS@Montclair.Edu or visit the RIGS or PAL websites for updates.

Questions?

Feel free to contact us at PAL or RIGS to learn more about how you can engage in meaningful research collaborations that advance global interdisciplinary inquiry at here at Montclair.