Skip to main content

RIAs: Research & Information Associates

How can I get help from RIAs? | Research Tips | Become a RIA | Meet the RIAs

 

What's a RIA?

Research and Information Associates assist fellow students with finding and evaluating information. A RIA can help you get started with a research project, clarify your topic, and find and cite sources. They can connect you to research librarians, SAMs, Writing Associates, and other resources for further consultation. By working with a RIA, you'll learn how to use library resources effectively.

How can I get help from a RIA?

By chat: You can chat online with RIAs and librarians. See our schedule and use the chat button below to connect.

Email: Send a message to rias@swarthmore.edu and mention that you'd like to connect with a RIA. Feel free to include the subject(s) you're studying.

In person:  RIAs hold drop-in hours at the McCabe Research & Info Desk, Sunday-Thursday 5-10pm. RIAs are sometimes available during the day - see our schedule.

What research tips do the RIAs have for fellow students?

 

RIAs created Libraries To-Go to help you stay connected to campus resources while learning remotely. Find out when to use the VPN, how to access books and articles, and what tools can reduce eyestrain while you're reading on screens.

How can I become a RIA?

Look for information in Spring semester 2024 for how to apply to become a RIA. (The deadline is usually in April.)

Program Coordinator

The RIAs program is coordinated by Simon Elichko, Social Sciences & Data Librarian.

 

Research & Information Associates 2023-24

Andrés Villalba '25

Andrés Villalba '25

Label: Research And Information Associate 
Email: avillal1@swarthmore.edu 
Major: Special Major Educational Studies & 
Sociology/Anthropology

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Pronouns: they/them/theirs

 

As a FLI student, I know how difficult and daunting the research process can seem. As a RIA, I hope that I can help demystify the research process for you and help you make the most of the resources at your disposal! Some of the things that I might be able to help you with is: working with you to break down your assignment prompt into actionable steps, getting started with the research process, giving you tips on improving the efficiency of your research system, along with many more things! I’m an experienced researcher, and am particularly experienced with educational and anthropological research with a focus on language policy, and bilingual education.

Camille Valentine ‘24

Camille Valentine ‘24

Label: Research And Information Associate

Email: cvalent1@swarthmore.edu
Major: Art with a Concentration in Photography
Hometown: Durham, NC
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As someone with a wide variety of academic interests, I know how difficult it can be to narrow down your focus on one specific topic for a research project, and with the wide variety of information available, just getting started can seem like a daunting task. Thankfully there are many resources available to students to help ease this process and break down the complexities of research. As an RIA I look forward to exploring other students’ interests and being a part of their research process. I hope to encourage students to reach out for help, not only from RIAs, and build upon their support system here at Swat. In my free time, I enjoy doing a wide variety of activities including playing cello, ballet, baking, and knitting.

Jimmy Nguyen ‘25

Jimmy Nguyen ‘25

Email: jnguyen1@swarthmore.edu 
Major: Cognitive Science Major
Minors: Computer Science + Film
Hometown: Atlanta, GA 
Pronouns: They/Them or He/Him

 

Researching here at Swarthmore can be a daunting process, especially because for many students this is the first time that we’ve had such easy access to a multitude of resources. As an RIA I hope to make researching less terrifying and help students take advantage of resources and materials here to help them. I want to ensure that students feel supported and comfortable in their research process and also promote a welcoming environment where students can feel safe to ask questions and become less stressed and gain a better understanding of the information available to them. While I’m not working as a RIA, you can find me enjoying a nice drink and snacks with a movie, TV show, book, or anything else you can think of!

Karina Flores ‘25

Karina Flores ‘25

Label: Research And Information Associate 
Email: kflores1@swarthmore.edu 
Major: Linguistics and Spanish 
Hometown: Chicago, IL 
Pronouns: She/her/hers

 

As a RIA, I know the frustration and discouragement that ultimately leads to procrastination when having to write a paper in such little time. My goal is to make students feel more confident in the research process by introducing them to different resources Swat has to offer. Aside from being a RIA, you can find me at target, listening to Paramore, making different Pinterest boards, and indulging in a new hobby which is currently hello kitty hunting.