Fanship Leisure, Loneliness & Social Wellbeing

Lab: Tourism & Leisure Lab (ACURA)
Faculty Mentor: Professor Milazzo

Description:
This project examines how leisure and fanship activities foster friendships and reduce loneliness, with a focus on the role of community in promoting social health and wellbeing. This is a new research line that will investigate online third spaces and in-person fanship leisure activities with room for input.

Remote Opportunity:
This research can be completed remotely from any Penn State campus if you are not located at Abington. Team meetings, training, and data work can be conducted online, making this an excellent opportunity for students studying at a distance from the Philadelphia-area.

Please complete the following form to apply for a position on this project: https://forms.office.com/r/yR84XvxDgx

Benefits:

  • Direct training in qualitative research methods

  • Opportunities to engage with themes of mental health, belonging, and community

  • Co-authorship and presentation opportunities

  • Travel to present at conferences

  • Excellent preparation for graduate or professional programs

Important Note:

This project has reached capacity for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

However, if you are interested in this project for summer 2026 or the 2026-2027 academic year (and are not already part of the lab), please proceed with the application information below. 

Campus(es): 
Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, Carlisle, DuBois, Fayette, Great Valley, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Hershey, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Penn College, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, University Park, University Park - IST, Wilkes-Barre, World Campus, York
Work Setting(s): 
Hybrid, On campus, Remote
Area(s): 
Any
Description of responsibilities and minimum qualifications: 

Qualifications:

  • Interest in leisure studies, health, psychology, or sociology

  • Strong writing and communication skills

  • Professional and dependable

  • No prior research experience required

Available Term(s): 
Academic Year, Fall, Spring
Position Type(s): 
Credit, Variable, Volunteer
Requested Materials: 

Please email your resume to lmm6871@psu.edu with subject line: "Joining the lab: Your Last Name_Resume"

Application Instructions: 

Please complete the following form to apply for a position on this project: https://forms.office.com/r/yR84XvxDgx

Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring Office
321 Boucke Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-8199 | urfm@psu.edu

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