OPS Student Research Assistant - CUTR

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida is seeking an undergraduate OPS Student Research Assistant to support the project “Game-Based Transportation Safety Education for K–12 Students: A Web-Based Prototype.”
The project aims to develop an interactive, web-based transportation safety learning game prototype for K–12 students. The platform will include four age-based learning modules—K–2, Grades 3–5, Grades 6–8, and Grades 9–12—and will use visual scenes, interactive questions, scenario-based decision-making, immediate feedback, points, badges, and other game-based learning features.
Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the student will primarily support the technical development, user-interface design, prototyping, testing, and documentation of the web-based learning platform.

The OPS Student Research Assistant will:

• Assist with developing the overall structure of the web-based transportation safety education prototype.
• Create responsive prototype webpages, clickable mockups, or lightweight web-based demonstration pages.
• Develop age-group selection pages, module navigation, scenario selection screens, interactive question pages, feedback screens, and completion screens.
• Implement basic game-based features such as points, progress indicators, badges, rewards, and immediate answer feedback.
• Support different interaction formats, including multiple-choice questions, picture-based selections, “spot-the-danger” activities, route-selection activities, checklists, and simple drag-and-drop interactions.
• Organize and integrate visual assets, including icons, illustrations, roadway scenes, characters, transportation modes, and interface elements.
• Conduct functional testing and troubleshoot issues related to navigation, screen display, user interaction, and browser compatibility.
• Document the prototype structure, software tools, source code, technical decisions, and recommended next steps for future development.
• Assist with preparing prototype demonstrations, screenshots, presentation materials, and technical content for the final project report.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of South Florida.
• Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Instructional Technology, or a related field.
• Basic experience with web-development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Ability to develop or modify basic interactive webpages.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn new technical tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under faculty supervision.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more front-end frameworks or libraries, such as React, Next.js, Vue, or similar tools.
• Experience creating interactive prototypes with tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Canva, or comparable software.
• Experience with game development, educational technology, mobile application development, or interactive media.
• Familiarity with Git, GitHub, or another version-control platform.
• Familiarity with accessibility considerations for web-based learning materials.
• Experience with animations, drag-and-drop functions, audio integration, score tracking, or progress indicators.
• Interest in transportation safety, educational games, K–12 learning, public safety, or community outreach.

1. Expected Deliverables
2. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the student will contribute to:
3. A functional prototype structure for the web-based transportation safety learning game.
4. Prototype screens for the home page, age-group selection, module navigation, game activities, feedback, and completion.
5. Sample interactive activities representing the four K–12 age groups.
6. Basic game functions, including points, feedback, progress, badges, or rewards.
7. Organized visual and technical project assets.
8. Technical documentation describing the prototype architecture, development tools, and recommendations for future expansion.

Applicants should submit:

• A current résumé.
• A brief statement describing their interest in the position and relevant technical experience.
• Links to a GitHub profile, online portfolio, website, application, prototype, or other relevant project samples, when available.
• Current academic major and anticipated graduation date.