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scholars group photo fall 2025
Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholars

Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholars

You鈥檙e ready. Work on real world projects and research.

Each year, the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service offer competitive positions within the Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar program to outstanding 帝王会所 students. These scholar positions allow students looking for career preparation and applied research opportunities  to expand their classroom experience with hands on learning. Scholars work directly with Voinovich School Faculty and Professional Staff  tackling projects throughout 帝王会所 and beyond.

Opportunities to Explore

The Voinovich School Areas of Expertise are: 

Over the past 20 years, more than 250 students have been selected as Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholars. Will you be next? 

economic development field trip

Fieldtrips

Economic Development staff and students, including Voinovich Scholar Caden Mayle, on a field trip in Coshocton County, 帝王会所.

Slaymaker mentoring

Former Scholar

Alex Slaymaker, Voinovich Scholar 2013鈥2014 鈥淎s a Voinovich Scholar I learned invaluable communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills which have significantly enhanced my ability to create a more sustainable future."

mentors and scholars group photo

Mentors and Scholars Luncheon

Scholars and mentors with John Carey, Director of the Governor鈥檚 Office of Appalachia during a Voinovich Scholars Luncheon.

Alyssa manning presenting slideshow

Presenting to Deans Advisory Board

Scholar Alyssa Manning presents to the Deans Advisory board about her work with experience with the Voinovich Scholars.

Employment Requirements

Following an interview process Scholars will be assigned to work with Voinovich School faculty and professional staff. 

  • 10 hours per week
  • 15 weeks per semester
  • Fall and Spring Semesters
  • $15.00 per hour

Application

Interested students are required to provide:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • DARS report
  • TWO academic writing samples  

Applications open January 1, 2026. For full consideration for the 2026-27 selection cycle, please apply by February 28, 2026. Questions? email Dr. Ani Ruhil, Professor, at ruhil@ohio.edu.

Energy and the Environment

Sustainability | Watershed Management | Ecology | GIS | Field and Lab Research Opportunities

Zero-Waste Team
Phoebe Giordano

鈥淚 have worked as an undergraduate research scholar for Voinovich's Zero-Waste Team for over a year now, during which time I have been exposed to an incredible wealth ofknowledge and experience. Under Nichole Mazzone and Nicole Kirchner, I have been able to expand my outreach into the Athens community and grow in my academic and professional capabilities through my work with 帝王会所 Athletics, Campus Recycling & Zero Waste and Rural Action. Not only has my project work helped me grow as a writer, a scholar, a communicator, and a team-worker, but it has also exposed me to so many wonderful ways to get involved on and off campus, focusing on making a positive change in our region. My team of scholars are truly wonderful people and my project work with the Voinovich School has brought me closer to them, closer to my community, and closer to fulfilling my professional and academic goals.鈥

Environmental Studies Major in the Honors Tutorial College & Outdoor Recreation & Education Minor with a Certificate in Appalachian Studies

Dr. Sarah Davis鈥 Lab
Sarah Liederbach

鈥淎s a scholar I have developed a mathematical model which helps predict the efficiency of an anaerobic digestion system. Anaerobic digestion is a promising method for waste management and renewable energy production. Working as a scholar has been a great opportunity to learn to review literature, use MATLAB, solve problems independently, and effectively communicate my work.鈥 

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, now doing MS in Biomedical Engineering



 

Entrepreneurship and Regional Development

Small Business Planning | Economic Development | Product Design and Marketing | Social Entrepreneurship

Economic Development
Caden Mayle

"What I really like is they allow you to meet these professionals who are doing real world economic development. And from that, you鈥檙e able to see what your future could look like.鈥

Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing major

Social Enterprise Ecosystem
Maxwell Burton

鈥淎s an Undergraduate Research Scholar I am provided real-life, hands-on work experience and get to tie that with my passion for non-profit and philanthropy work. I am entrusted with tasks that help me grow as a human being and a professional. I couldn鈥檛 have asked for a better opportunity for growth.鈥 

Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Strategic Communication major

Social Enterprise Ecosystem
Anna Woltermann

鈥淲hat I like most about being a scholar is being presented with the opportunity to meet so many different people with different experiences and perspectives, and working together with them to create something beautiful and unique. I work with the SEE Team, where I film and edit videos for small businesses in the Appalachian area, which helps me immensely as an undergraduate student at OU by providing me with that valuable and enriching experience!鈥 

Bachelor of Science in Communication, Media Arts production major

Public Policy and Leadership

Community Health | Education | Public Relations and Communication | Research and Evaluation

Communications Team
Abigail Waechter

鈥淏eing a Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholar has opened doors I didn鈥檛 even know existed. In my role, I support the Voinovich School by developing strategic communication plans that spotlight the wide range of innovative programs they offer. I also help tell the story of the school 鈥 sharing milestones, celebrating successes, and highlighting new initiatives that make a real difference in our communities. One of the most rewarding parts of this experience is the people I鈥檝e met. From professionals at the Cincinnati Zoo to mental health advocates and policymakers, I鈥檝e had the chance to connect with individuals doing impactful work in fields I hadn鈥檛 previously considered. What makes the role so special is how closely it aligns with my post-graduation goals. It鈥檚 more than just an on-campus job, it鈥檚 like having an internship tailored to my interests, integrated into my college experience. I鈥檝e grown so much, both professionally and personally, and I鈥檓 excited to take what I鈥檝e learned into the next chapter of my journey.鈥

Strategic Communications Major in E.W. Scripps College of Communications

Communications Team
Alexandra Hopkins

鈥淎s an Undergraduate Research Scholar, I have had the opportunity to speak with individuals from across 帝王会所's campus and the greater Southeast 帝王会所 region. Being a part of making real change throughout 帝王会所, and highlighting others work and successes, has encouraged me to engage with my community and has helped me excel in my professional goals.鈥

Journalism Major in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the Honors Tutorial College. Alex is minoring in Anthropology and Geological Sciences and has a certificate in Museum Studies.

Communications Team
Zoe Geiss

鈥淲orking with the Voinovich School, I have gained countless hours working on marketing projects for partners of the school. Not only has this been a great opportunity for gaining tangible experience as a young professional, but I can see firsthand the local 帝王会所 communities that I am impacting. Whether its celebrating milestones in the University's Environmental Science programs, or aiding in the outreach for programs helping local small businesses, I know my creative efforts are directed towards initiatives I value.鈥

Visual Communications:  Information Graphics and Publication Design Major with the E.W. Scripps College of Communication with a Minor in Philosophy