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Critical Makerspace Undergraduate Fellow

Critical Makerspace Undergraduate Fellow (Creative or Research focus) Call for Applications – Fall 2025

mpark | Old Dominion University The Department of English | College of Arts and Letters Application Deadline: Sep 19, 2025, e-mail application to aswatek@odu.edu 

About mpark

mpark (makerpark) is an inclusive public digital humanities critical makerspace housed in the Batten Arts and Letters Building at Old Dominion University. We are committed to nurturing nonhierarchical collaborations across disciplines within the expansive field of Digital Humanities. Our unique space bridges old and new technologies—from typewriters and sewing machines to 3D printers and laser cutters—creating opportunities for innovative research into the past, present, and future of humanities, creative expression, and critical making. Our digital humanities explorations include critical interrogation of AI, various methods of data analysis and storytelling, and bridging the gap between digital and analog technologies.

Fellowship Overview

We invite applications for two Critical Makerspace Undergraduate Fellows who will serve as design and conduct a research project relying on the knowledge and expertise of the mpark team. Mpark fellows will apply for funding through Undergraduate Funding and Creative Fellowship with the support of the mpark team in Fall 2025, and conduct their projects in Spring 2026 semester. Mpark undergraduate fellows will function as leaders, collaborators, and advocates for critical making practices within the humanities. This fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to engage deeply with digital humanities methodologies while contributing to the growth and accessibility of our makerspace community. Fellowship Period: Full academic year (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026) Program outline 
    • October: Project planning and drafting
    • November: Project proposal submission to Honors College
    • January – May: Project conducted during the Spring semester
Commitment: 20+ hours per semester Critical making combines critical thinking with hands-on creation, encouraging makers to interrogate the social, cultural, and political dimensions of technology and making practices. Fellows will explore questions such as:
    • How do technologies shape and reflect power structures?
    • What voices and perspectives are centered or marginalized in maker culture?
    • How can making practices advance social justice and equity?
    • What new knowledge emerges from the intersection of theory and practice?
Fellows will play a key role in building community and expanding outreach by facilitating workshops, creating inclusive programming, and collaborating across campus. They lead a year-long critical making project tied to their academic interests, document their work, and contribute to digital humanities research. Fellows also provide technical and pedagogical support, including mentoring peers, maintaining equipment, and assisting faculty. Throughout the fellowship, they engage in critical reflection, participate in cohort meetings, and help assess and improve makerspace practices and policies.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We’re looking for curious and motivated students from the College of Arts and Letters or the wider ODU community who have  an interest in digital humanities, data science, critical theory, or interdisciplinary studies. If you’re excited about exploring how hands-on making or new technologies such as AI or data science connect with scholarly work, this is a great fit for you. You don’t need to be an expert—just bring a willingness to learn new technologies and tools. Whether you’ve dabbled in digital tools, crafting, or making (formally or informally), your creativity and adaptability are welcome. Comfort with troubleshooting and helping others navigate technical challenges is a plus, as collaboration and peer support are key parts of the experience.

WHAT WE OFFER

As an undergraduate mpark fellow, you’ll gain hands-on experience and valuable professional development through training in digital humanities tools, public speaking, workshop facilitation, and project management that will culminate in your own project. You’ll also receive support in building your portfolio and exploring career paths through personalized mentoring. Our makerspace encourages creativity and intellectual exploration, offering access to both high-tech tools and traditional crafts, and the freedom to pursue projects that matter to you. You’ll have a voice in shaping our programming and a platform to share your work with academic communities. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive network, with mentorship from faculty across Arts & Letters and beyond.

Application Materials

Submit the following materials as a single PDF:
    1. Cover Letter (2 pages maximum): Describe your interest in critical making and digital humanities, relevant experience, and what you hope to contribute to and gain from the fellowship.
    1. Academic Transcript (unofficial acceptable)
    1. Project Proposal (1-2 pages): Outline a critical making project you would like to pursue during the fellowship. It can be a creative project or more research-based project, or  a mix of both. Consider how it connects to your academic interests and addresses questions of equity, justice, or social impact. It does not have to be a fully developed idea. You will work with the mpark team to fine-tune and develop the project, if selected for the fellowship.
    1. Portfolio Samples (optional): Include up to 5 examples of relevant work (academic papers, creative projects, technical work, community organizing, etc.). Digital files or links are acceptable.

Application Process

Submit applications to: aswatek@odu.edu Subject Line: “Critical Makerspace Undergraduate Fellow Application – [Your Name]” Application Deadline:   September 19, 2025 Notification:  September 25, 2025 Selected finalists might participate in virtual or in-person interviews.

Questions?

We encourage questions and informal conversations about the fellowship! Contact us at: Email: Dr. Ola Swatek aswatek@odu.edu Website: https://sites.wp.odu.edu/mpark/ Location: Batten Arts and Letters Building 2027, ODU Main Campus
Old Dominion University is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action. We especially encourage applications from students from underrepresented backgrounds in digital humanities and maker culture.
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