RIAs: Research & Information Associates

What's a RIA? | How can I get help from RIAs? | Become a RIA | Meet the RIAs

What's a RIA?

Research and Information Associates (RIAs) 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 about resources available from the libraries and how to make the most of them.

four RIAs standing around a table in LibLab looking at books from the library collection

How can I get help from a RIA?

By chat: You can chat online with RIAs and librarians. 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 and any specific questions, if you have them.

In person:  Make an appointment to meet with a RIA.

How can I become a RIA?

Keep an eye on JobX. We usually hire RIAs in the spring, to start in the fall.

Program Coordinators

The RIAs program is coordinated by Simon Elichko, Social Sciences & Data Librarian and Abigail Weil, Research & Instruction Outreach Librarian.

Research & Information Associates 2024-25

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.

Karina Flores ‘25

Karina Flores ‘25

Label: Research and Information Associate

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.

Jimmie Nguyen ‘25

Jimmie Nguyen ‘25

Label: Research and Information Associate, Spring 2025
  • Email: jnguyen1@swarthmore.edu
  • Major: Computer Science
  • Minors: Cognitive Science + Film
  • Hometown: Atlanta, GA
  • Pronouns: Any

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!