Student Partners for Information Research and Literacy (SPIRaL)

Undergraduate Research Program

Program Overview

Are our choices really our own when our social media feeds can be manipulated to tell us how to think, feel, and act in the world?

Information is often used to confuse and disempower individuals and communities, threatening democracy around the world. It is of vital importance to society that individuals are able to navigate today’s algorithmically mediated information environment, which exacerbates the spread and the harms of mis and disinformation. SPIRaL researches the role information literacy may play in addressing these information challenges that impact society. Undergraduate SPIRaL scholars contribute to this work as full research partners, who make decisions that determine the purpose and direction of project outcomes. They learn with and from one another as part of a scholarly community. Undergraduate SPIRaL scholars do work with lasting impact as they shape the future of the program for the next cohort of SPIRaL scholars.

A smiling student in a pink beanie holds up a whiteboard and gestures during a classroom discussion. Another student sits behind them with a laptop, and a presentation screen is visible in the background.

A student in a striped sweater sits at a table in a study area, speaking with peers. A laptop covered in stickers and a water bottle are in front of them, while other students with laptops and papers are engaged in discussion.

Reasons to Join SPIRaL

Become part of a research community

Seek solutions to real-world challenges

Hone your research skills

Share your research with others

How to Apply

Applications for the ’26-27 academic year will open January 1!

For any questions, reach out to Rachel Fundator, rfundato@purdue.edu. In the meanwhile, please review the 2025-2026 SPIRaL position description for more details about the current year’s research and how to apply to be a SPIRaL Scholar.

Required Qualifications

Undergraduate student with an expected graduation date of no sooner than May 2027
Interest in research and information challenges
Desire to work on a dynamic team and contribute through shared decision-making
Initiative to complete independent tasks on-time and communicate progress
Strong written and oral communication skills
While not a requirement, we find it helpful for students to be second or third-year students

Program Details

Academic-year undergraduate research program
6-8 hour time commitment per week with required in-person research group meetings
Academic credit through enrollment in ILS 335 (2 credits in fall) and ILS 336 (1 credit in spring)
Guidance from research mentors in the Institute for Information Literacy at Purdue
Opportunities to attend talks, workshops, and trainings from other units at Purdue
Present or publish research findings

This Year’s Research

In the 2024-25 academic year, SPIRaL will conduct original qualitative research to study how student journalists writing for official student newspapers in the United States perceive information challenges affecting the field of journalism. This research may help identify new approaches for Libraries faculty to partner with journalists on information literacy efforts that reflect the experiences of emerging journalists and their perspectives on the future of the profession.

Twelve undergraduate SPIRaL Scholars will conduct this research with mentors from the Institute. As partners, we will

explore literature from across disciplines to learn more about the role information literacy can play in addressing information challenges, including those shaping the practice of journalism.
apply qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and thematic analysis,
determine avenues for sharing the outcomes and insights from our research with different audiences through posters, presentations, and more.