Psych Scoop, 12/12/23

December 12, 2023

The Psych Scoop is sent to all Psychology Undergraduate students and alumni every Tuesday throughout the academic school year. 

Share your news with psyadvis@umn.edu!

Psychology Advising Announcements

Current majors are expected to know the announcements in the advising announcement section.
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1. End of Semester Announcements

As we near the end of the semester, it's good to know what is available for you during finals and the break! The last opportunity for Drop-Ins will be tomorrow, December 13th. During finals week and throughout the break, we will be available through virtual scheduled appointments and email. We will resume drop-ins when the Spring semester resumes. Good luck with finals!

2. Psychology Engagement Award - Spring Application Now Open

Are you volunteering in your community this Spring? Or, participating in an unpaid internship here or abroad this semester? The Department of Psychology's Donor Awards for Psychology Undergraduate Engagement are available to support you! The purpose of these awards is to encourage and support psychology majors who engage in unpaid learning experiences beyond the University campus and classroom environments (i.e. unpaid internships, volunteer experiences, study abroad containing a psych-related internship, etc.). Up to three awards of $500 will be offered for Spring 2024. The application deadline is Wednesday, January 31st (12:00 pm CST). For details about the awards and application materials, visit our webpage.

3. Apply to PSY 5993 Enrichment Program for Spring Semester, 2024!

Are you interested in pursuing a career in Psychology research? Do you identify with a group of people underrepresented in the field? Apply to the Research Enrichment Program, designed to support and enhance the experiences of students enrolled in our directed research course, Psy 5993, while building research-related skills and learning about research-related career and grad school opportunities. Participation in this program involves weekly meetings with a cohort of about 10 like-minded students, and reliable attendees will receive up to $250 in tuition support. We invite undergraduates who identify with any group underrepresented in psychology research careers to apply. The form is due at 11:59 pm CST on Friday, December 15th, and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

4. Capstone in Psychology Poster Session

Wednesday, December 13, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Elliott Hall, 1st Floor Lobby

Psychology Undergraduates completing their Capstone in Psychology this Fall 2023 will be participating in the Capstone in Psychology Poster Session! Posters will change every 20 minutes. Psychology faculty, staff, and students are all encouraged to attend! This is a great opportunity for Spring 2024 Psychology Capstone students to see current project examples!

Psychology Student Group Announcements

All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psychology student organizations. No previous participation or membership is required. If you're interested, please attend! To learn more, visit our website.

5. Self-Care Night Hosted By the Association of Black Psychology Students!

Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 5:00 pm CST - 7:00 pm CST
Cost: Free
Location: Elliott Hall Hall, Room N219

Are you looking for a space to destress during finals season? Look no further, and come join us in Elliot Hall N219 to play games, listen to music, get goodies, and discuss self-care with your fellow psychology students. Everyone is welcome! We can guarantee that you will leave with an idea of what self-care can look like and a self-care goodie bag. We look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at blackpsy@umn.edu.

Minor of the Month

6. Political Science Minor!

Are you interested in pairing a minor with your Psychology Major? Each month the Department of Psychology will highlight a minor program and the benefits of pairing it with your Psychology major! The Political Science Minor is geared to any students who wish to apply their knowledge of human behavior to a grander scale without shouldering too much of a burden of an extra course load. Students majoring in human and social sciences will find this minor can deepen their understanding of the human condition through a robust exploration of the events, people, and opinions that shape it. The Political Science Minor requires only 15 credits, of which no specific classes are required in hopes of added flexibility. You choose the courses of interest to you from at least two of the four upper-division subfields - American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations, and Political Theory. If you have a volunteer or internship position relating to political science, you are invited to get credit for your experience with POL 3080. Many graduates who pursue this combination of a major and minor go on to reflect the value of their education while they run for public office, research voter trends, or work in non-profits abroad. If you're interested in declaring your Minor in Political Science, visit their website!

Courses of Interest

7. PSY 5501: Self, Society and Health - What's Work Got To Do With It? - 3 Credits - Spring 2024

This class is open to undergraduate and graduate students who have completed Introduction to Research Methods (PSY3001) or who have received instructor approval. This course is designed to introduce undergraduate and graduate students to theory, practice, and research in the fields of Vocational and Occupational Health Psychology. Core topics include the role of work in occupational health, equity, social and personal identities, career choice, career transitions, career interventions, leadership, occupational stressors, and burnout. The format of the course will be a combination of applied assignments, classroom participation (quizzes, group discussions, and presentations), and a paper. Course material will be provided in assigned readings and lectures, related resources, office hours, and classroom activities. Grades will be based on attendance and participation, class assignments, and a paper.

PSY 5501 will meet in Elliott Hall N647, Fridays from 1:00 pm- 3:30 pm CST
Instructor: Dr. Lovey Peissig
Note: This course counts as a 5xxx-level, Distribution Area C requirement or psychology elective credit for Psychology majors only.

8. CPSY 3701: Racial Biases in Early Childhood - 3 Credits - Spring 2024

When and how do we learn about biases in early development? What do research and the media say about biases in early childhood? Can babies be racist? How are biases studied in children? What are strategies for reducing biases in childhood? These and many other questions will guide students through learning about social biases that develop in childhood, with particular emphasis on racial biases. This course is designed to introduce students to the key concepts and theories of perceptual, cognitive, and social systems that facilitate prejudiced thinking in early childhood. The primary goal of this course is for students to gain new knowledge in this area of child development, increase reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, and incorporate course material into daily life. Charisse Pickron, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Institute of Child Development. Dr. Pickron is interested in the intersection of perceptual and socio-cognitive development. She investigates changes in infants' perception and representations of people and face groups within their environment. Questions? Contact cpsyadvis@umn.edu. Please note that if you previously took CPSY 4310 in Spring 2021 or Spring 2022, you cannot earn credit for CPSY 3701.

The location for CPSY 3701 is to be determined, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:00-5:15 p.m CST
Instructor: Charisse Pickron, PhD
Please note this course does not count toward the psychology major or minor.

9. CSPH 5201: Spirituality and Resilience - 2 Credits - Spring 2024

CSPH 5201 Spirituality and Resilience is offered live online (not recorded) for two credits from January 17 - March 2, 2024. The course is designed for graduate and undergraduate students, or practitioners in a wide variety of disciplines. Post-pandemic, with rapidly increasing global, personal, and professional challenges, this small seminar focuses on maintaining peace of mind and engaging in meaningful discussions exploring natural resilience and inner well-being. For previous students, this has been a powerful antidote to disruptions and stresses in their academic programs, and professional and personal lives. This learning, grounded in relevant research, literature, and life experience, can last a lifetime. For details see the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing Website. Feel free to contact instructor Kathy Marshall at marsh008@umn for more information. Her work has focused on natural resilience and inner wellbeing in school communities and helping professions.

Please note this course does not count toward the psychology major or minor.

10. FSOS 2150: Cultural Context of Family and Financial Wellness

This 1 credit course is offered the second half of the term (March 12 - April 29) and meets Mondays, 2:30-4:15 p.m., in 145 Peters Hall. Instructor Miguel Quinones (an FSOS graduate student) will help you discover a unique approach to mastering your finances with this unconventional financial education course. We believe personal finance should be just that—personal. In this course, you'll delve into the intricate ways your family history, cultural background, and experiences as a college student shape your understanding of money and its application.

Please note this course does not count toward the psychology major or minor.

Events

11. Candidate Research Presentation - Starke Hathaway Endowed Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology

Tuesday, December 19, 10:00 am CST
Cost: Free
Location: N219 Elliott Hall & Zoom

Max Elliott is a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University in the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory working with Randy Buckner. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Duke University where he worked with Ahmad Hariri, Terrie Moffitt, and Avshalom Caspi. He completed his clinical internship at McLean Hospital. Previously he was a research assistant in the intramural research program at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD, and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. His work combines neuroimaging, neuropsychological, and geroscience approaches to investigate cognitive and brain aging and promote robust cognitive functioning across the lifespan.

12. Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer & Trans Life Programming

Thursday, December 14, 12:00 pm - 6:30 pm CST
Cost: Free
Location: Appleby Hall, Room 40

The Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer & Trans Life is excited to offer some Study Break Programming on December 14th! There will be opportunities to enjoy Snacks & Crafts (Friendship Bracelets & Beaded Earrings from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm), attend Legal Name Change Appointments (Please fill out the form before 12/14), and have a discussion about Queer Resilience Through the Holiday Season (from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm).

Resources

13. Scholarship Opportunities through MSSA!

The purpose of the Minnesota Social Service Association Scholarship (MSSA) Program is to build and support Minnesota’s health and human service system through a qualified, committed, and passionate workforce in Minnesota and the greater Midwest. MSSA scholarships help provide the financial resources to support students pursuing a career in a health and human service-related field. MSSA awards scholarships in five categories—Undergraduate, Graduate, Diversity (undergraduate and graduate), and, new for the 2024-2025 academic year, the Children and Families Impact Scholarship, funded by the Sauer Family Foundation. Scholarships are also supported by generous donations to the MSSA scholarship fund. 2024 scholarship recipients will receive a financial reward, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the scholarship applied for. Free MSSA membership through their first year after graduation. Free registration to the 2024 Annual Conference and Expo. Recognition in various MSSA communications in 2024. Applicants may apply to up to two scholarships so long as they meet all eligibility criteria. For more information on eligibility, read the descriptions of each scholarship.

14. Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships

Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships provide significant funding for students whose academic and professional goals will be furthered by the study of a modern, less commonly taught language. Undergraduates can receive up to $15,000 for tuition, fees, and living expenses for the academic year or up to $8,500 for the summer. These fellowships are open to undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. More information and application instructions are available here. In addition, information sessions for FLAS fellowships will be held via Zoom.

15. Personal Statement Consultations for Undergraduate International Students

Are you an undergraduate international student (F-1 or J-1 visa) preparing an application for a graduate or professional school program? Visit the Personal Statement Consultations Program to receive feedback on your statement from trained international graduate student Personal Statement Consultants! We have three options for you to receive feedback (depending on weekly availability): In-person 30-minute consultation, Zoom 30-minute consultation, and/or Asynchronous video feedback and comments for you to review on your own time. Our ability to have graduate Personal Statement Consultants is thanks to funding from the UMN Graduate School and Career Services. We also thank UMN Culture Corps for their support. The Personal Statement Consultations program is open through January 12. Visit this link to learn more and sign up. For questions or more information, please reach out to Jane Sitter at sitt0036@umn.edu.

Graduate School

Find Diversity Weekend programs - includes Fall, Spring, and Summer programs. Updated frequently.

16. Virtual Info Session for ICD's Online Master's in Applied Child & Adolescent Development

Thursday, December 14, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Are you interested in a career working with children or adolescents in advocacy, community, and healthcare settings? Consider an online graduate degree in applied child and adolescent development! The University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development's online MA program will provide you with a strong foundation in developmental psychology and an opportunity to specialize in one of three areas: child life, infant and early childhood mental health, or individualized studies. To register, please visit this link.

17. Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations Virtual Information Session

Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm CST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Please join us to learn more about the Human Resources and Industrial Relations Program and the opportunities it affords. Talk with our Director and a student or alumni as well as the admissions representative, and find out if the program is a good fit for you. To RSVP for the information session, visit here. Questions about the program or info session can be directed to mhrir@umn.edu.

18. Master of Marketing Virtual Information Session

Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm CST
Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Information sessions are a great opportunity for you to get general information about the Master of Marketing program, presented by the MS Programs staff. Following a program overview presentation is a Q & A session. This is an ideal session for people who want to pursue a Carlson School's Master of Marketing program but have not had the chance to research the program. To RSVP for the information session, visit here. Questions about the program or info session can be directed to msmk@umn.edu.

Research

19. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) Summer/Fall 2024 Deadline - February 26

UROP provides funding for students to complete 120 hours of research under the mentorship of a faculty member. Students can work with any faculty at the University of Minnesota and do not have to work with someone in their major or even their college. Depending on the academic discipline and faculty mentor, students can join an already established research project or create their own research project. Students set their own timeline for completing their projects, although most complete their UROP in a semester or over the summer. Students work closely with faculty mentors throughout their undergraduate research experience. Students gain valuable connections and skills and faculty are provided with talented undergraduates for research assistance. The application for Summer/Fall 2024 funds is Monday, February 26th, 2024. Learn more and apply online.

20. [Call for Papers] Sentience: Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

Manuscripts are now being accepted for the next issue of Sentience, the University of Minnesota Undergraduate Journal of Psychology! This is a great opportunity to have your work showcased in a peer-reviewed journal! Submit a paper based on research conducted in undergraduate courses such as Research Methods or Capstone Project, honors theses, or directed or independent research. The deadline for Receipt of Manuscripts is January 29, 2024. Questions can be directed to sentjour@umn.edu.

21. *Credit* Research Opportunity in Dr. Robert Krueger's Lab for Spring 2024

Dr. Robert Krueger's lab conducting two studies within the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) is recruiting up to 2 research assistants (RA) for two longitudinal studies on physical and cognitive health for Spring 2024. These projects will involve a range of different tasks including attending lab meetings, data management, assessment prep, and other tasks based on the needs of the projects. Preference will be given to students who are able to commit to more than one semester. Some tasks may be able to be completed remotely. RAs report to the Research Coordinator. Reach out to Ashe Gunderson at gunde705@umn.edu to express interest in applying.

22. *Credit* Undergraduate Research Opportunity at the Institute of Child Development

We are looking for responsible, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented students to work in Professor Glenn Roisman's Relationships Research Laboratory in the Spring of 2024 to help with the transcription of interviews about participants' childhood experiences with their primary caregivers. Prospective undergraduate research assistants must be prepared to sign up for 3 credits (approximately 9 hours of work per week, including a flexible schedule and 1-2 weekly, hour-long lab meetings). Please contact Professor Roisman by email at roism001@umn.edu if you are interested and indicate your availability for an informal, 15-minute interview via Zoom. Professor Roisman asks that you email in advance of your Zoom appointment your resume and a brief writing sample (no more than a 1-page excerpt) from a college paper.

Jobs/Internship Opportunities

IMPORTANT: Organizations listed below are not necessarily affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Psychology or Psychology Undergraduate Advising. Please exercise the same discretion you would in viewing any other source.

23. Resource Advocate - Tubman

Would you like to support people who are experiencing relationship violence, legal concerns, mental or chemical health challenges, and other forms of trauma? Apply for the Resource Advocate internship! Resource Advocates provide supportive counseling, safety planning, crisis intervention, and resource referrals to community members calling in for support. Resource Advocates work within a team in Tubman's South Minneapolis site. If interested in finding out about this and other opportunities, as well as applying, please visit the Volunteer and Intern area of our website. Applications are due January 8th, 2024.

24. Full-time Research Assistant Position

The Sleep Lab is looking for full-time research assistants (RAs) to assist the efforts of the Sleep and Circadian Methods Research Core (SCMRC) of the COBRE center. The SCMRC RA is responsible for leveraging numerous methodologies to assist center-funded investigators and projects. Current and recent scientific themes include the measurement of sleep and circadian rhythms in pediatric anxiety, adolescents who experience psychosis, teens involved in the justice system, autism, epigenetics, and more. These projects may involve in-person assessments, laboratory and field monitoring, wearable technologies to track sleep, biometrics, and brain activity, saliva sampling, and cognitive testing. Commitment for two years is preferred. The SCMRC RA aids in methods documentation and dissemination, training faculty, and assisting in data collection, data organization, processing, and summarization. They also aid in preparing regulatory documents, and drafting reports, and can contribute to presentations, publications, and the center’s broader academic activities (e.g., journal clubs). This is a dynamic position allowing the incumbent to interface with both the breadth of sleep and circadian rhythms basic science methodology and our center’s wide reach in the clinical domains of child and adolescent mental health. Ideal candidates are excited by human-subjects research and often pursue careers in graduate school, medical school, or a career in the behavioral sciences. If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to Cristal Medeiros at CMedeiros13@lifespan.org.

25. Curatorial Research Associate

The Bell Museum is hiring a Curatorial Research Associate. We seek a full-time (in-person) research associate to assist in a newly funded project to create a network across Minnesota that will help collect and prepare scientific research specimens from salvaged wildlife. This term position is funded until June 30, 2026, by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. The aim is to take carcasses of Minnesota birds and mammals to collect and analyze data for research into ecology, evolution, and environmental health. Each carcass will eventually also become part of the archival record at the Bell Museum for future research. This position will be responsible for managing the transfer of specimens and communication between partner institutions and the Bell Museum; dissecting and preparing various kinds of research-quality museum specimens from salvaged material; collating and entering data associated with these specimens; analyzing data from specimens using summary statistics; and participating in outreach events to educate the public on our work. For more information and how to apply, please visit the U of M Job Website (Job ID #358598).

26. Full-time Case Aid

Exciting and rewarding opportunity to gain experience in the mental health field!! Work hours contribute towards achieving mental health practitioner status. Full-time Case Aid in Housing Support program for mentally ill adults. Work closely with Sr. Mental health Practitioner to provide person-centered, evidence-based services to 18 men with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness diagnoses. Assist clients in creating and addressing a workable plan to achieve their goals and maintain stability, independence, and a sense of well-being. Duties include: Direct and admin. services, coverage shift tasks, documentation, medication administration, assistance with ILS and ADLs, transport and accompanying clients to appointments and errands as indicated symptom management, and psycho-social rehab. activities, crisis prevention, and intervention, some case management as needed, benefits acquisition and maintenance, conducting weekly check-in meetings, giving input into service plans, and maintaining a good working knowledge of residents' baseline presentation, issues, needs, and changes. Be an active and contributory member of the agency's interdisciplinary team. For more information and how to apply, visit the job description. For questions about the position, please direct them to Sara Williams at Sara.williams@ogrtc.com.

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