Psych Scoop, 12/19/23

December 19, 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! 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. Additionally, the next edition of Psych Scoop will come out on January 9th. Good luck on finals and have a relaxing break!

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.

Career Spotlight

3. Substance Abuse Counselor

Majoring or minoring in Psychology can pave the way for careers across various industries. This week, we are highlighting the career of a Substance Abuse Counselor. Substance Abuse Counselors plan, assess, and execute clinical and empirically-based interventions to help clients who are struggling with substance abuse. They employ a variety of methods to help clients meet their goals, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, altering the course of treatment when necessary. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a common approach among substance abuse counselors. They work in collaboration with the client's medical team so they can receive a well-rounded approach that allows them to get closer to their goals. In addition to providing counsel to addicts, they also serve as a beacon of information for the community. They often go out to schools and community centers to advise people about addiction. This career best suits those who have deep compassion, logic, and perseverance in their work. They must have an interest in caring for others, as well as determination and problem-solving abilities to find solutions for their clients. You need at minimum a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or social work to enter the field, but obtaining a master's degree is far more common if you have an interest in advancing in the career. After earning one or both degrees, you must satisfy the necessary clinical hours for licensure and sit for a certification exam. To learn more about this career, visit the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy website, visit our office for in-person career resources, or set up a meeting with us to discuss your post-grad plans and goals!

Courses of Interest

4. 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 relation to 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Engagement Opportunities

7. Youth Outreach Advocate

Interested in supporting youth and young adults in a safe space at the mall? Volunteer as a Youth Outreach Advocate at NorthStar! Youth Outreach Advocates provide resources and advocacy to young people ages 10 - 24. They maintain a safe and empowering space right in Maplewood Mall by providing support to youth, young adults, and children who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness, violence, and trauma. To view our open volunteer and internship positions, check out the upcoming training schedule, and apply, please visit the volunteer area of our website. Questions about this opportunity can be directed to Katie Massie at volunteer@tubman.org.

Resources

8. 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 eligibility information, read the descriptions of each scholarship.

9. CLA Internship Scholarships

CLA has several Internship Scholarship opportunities currently open. Use your time over winter break to complete the applications! Do you have an unpaid internship lined up for the spring semester? Apply for the CLA Internship Scholarship ($2000). Planning on doing a summer internship? Apply for the Mulhollem Cravens Leadership Scholarship ($5000) or the Department Internship Scholarships ($1000-$2000). Deadline is February 6. Learn more about these opportunities online. The deadline for all scholarships is January 22.

10. Pre-Law 101 Module

Check out the Pre-Law 101 Module on Canvas. This module is perfect for someone just starting to explore law school and outlines how to explore ways to gain experience and a brief overview of the timeline and application process.

11. 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.

12. 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.

Learning Abroad

13. May & Summer Program Expo - Learning Abroad Center

Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm CST
Location: Walter Library, Room 101

Explore study abroad opportunities available over May and summer 2024. Program representatives will be available to answer questions. Pizza will be served at noon. Registration is not required for you to attend this event, you may just show up. If you do enter your information, the LAC will send you a calendar invite and a reminder for this event. Registering also lets us know you're interested, even if you're unable to attend. Please RSVP here.

Research

14. *Credit or Volunteer* Research Opportunity in D.A.N.C.E. Lab - CPSY 4994

D.A.N.C.E (Development, Affective Neuroscience, Culture & Environment) Lab led by Dr. Ka I Ip at the Institute of Child Development is recruiting Research Assistants, starting in Spring 2024. The position is given with registration of CPSY 4994 with a commitment to at least 2 semesters. D.A.N.C.E lab's current work focuses on typical and atypical emotion regulation development, cultural factors that shape regulation, and how early life stress, social determinants of health, and structural racism (e.g., discrimination, neighborhood disparities) may “get under the skin” to confer intergenerational risk and resilience for developmental psychopathology and health disparities, especially among children and adolescents from marginalized backgrounds. Students will gain hands-on experience (but not limited to): (1) literature review, (2) survey design using Qualtrics and REDCap (3) interview assessment, (4) mobile EEG & fNIRS experiment set up, (2) subject recruitment and flyer design, (3) data coding and collection, and (4) other administrative tasks (e.g., IRB) as needed. If interested, please send your Unofficial Transcript, CV/Resume, and a short introduction to Yangchenchen Liu at liu00956@umn.edu. I The deadline is January 12th, 2024 and interviews will be hosted from 1/16-1/18.

15. *Credit* Research Opportunity at the VA

A laboratory at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System is funded to conduct a feasibility study of a novel skills training intervention designed to improve employment outcomes for veterans with serious mental illness. There is an opportunity for 2 undergraduate students to become involved with this project as a Research Lab in Psychology experience during the Spring 2024 semester. The students will learn about cognitive and social-social cognitive functioning in individuals with serious mental illness and evidence-based approaches to intervention to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Students will work as a part of a research team led by a psychologist and will be involved with the development of the social-cognitive skills training curriculum, preparation of study materials, scoring measures, and entering data. As part of the research experience, students will attend a weekly lab meeting in which topics related to the project are discussed. In addition, students will write an APA-style paper on a related topic. All research activities are conducted at the VA Health Care System. Students must be able to commute to the VA. Students will be asked to register for research credit and to commit an average of 9 hours each week. Students must become volunteers at the hospital in order to participate in this experience. Volunteers are required to be U.S. Citizens. For more information, please send a resume to Tasha Nienow, PhD at Tasha.Nienow@va.gov.

16. *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.

17. *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.

18. *Volunteer* Research Opportunity For a Brain Training Project in Addiction - Psychiatry Department

This volunteer research position will directly assist research staff at the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department. The Department is currently running research studies in the active recruitment phase. Intern responsibilities will include working with databases, verifying the accuracy of study data collected, assisting in MRI, and administering brain training sessions involving transcranial direct current stimulation. This research is under the direction of Dr. Jazmin Camchong. Research participants are patients enrolled in a treatment program for alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder. Qualified candidates must be highly motivated, able to work independently, extremely detail-oriented, and willing to develop new skills as the need arises. Excellent communication (written and oral), organizational and interpersonal skills; comfortable using basic computer programs such as Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Excel, and web applications (e.g. Zoom and in-house software). Candidates must be pursuing a degree in Psychology or a related field, and be willing to commit 9-10 hours per week for a minimum of 12 months. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Clarista Berg, berg2920@umn.edu.

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.

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.

21. Postgraduate Position - Yale Fellowship in Developmental Psychopathology and Social Neuroscience

The Yale Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) and Yale Social and Affective Neuroscience of Autism Program (SANA) will select one or more highly qualified college graduates for research fellowship positions at the Yale Child Study Center (CSC). The Yale CSC is a leading institution for clinical diagnostic services and multidisciplinary research on ASD involving behavioral neuroscience, physiology, neuroimaging, molecular genetics, and early intervention. Through extensive interdepartmental collaborations, the SANA Program brings together experts in developmental psychopathology, experimental psychology, eye-tracking, and psychophysiology as well as statistics, neuroimaging, and computational science. The program is led by Dr. Kasia Chawarska and co-directed by Drs. Suzanne Macari, Kelly Powell, and Angelina Vernetti. The position is one year in duration with a salary of $39,480.00. Postgraduate positions are open to those who will have received a bachelor's and/or master’s degree before beginning the position, but not doctoral degrees. Reappointment to a second year may be possible and will be determined 4-6 months before the end date. The anticipated start date is July 2024. This is not a remote opportunity. This position is located at the Child Study Center on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, CT. Application Deadline is January 24, 2024, 11:59 pm EST. Please contact sanalab@yale.edu for any questions.

22. Paid Summer Research Experience at Minneapolis VA for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

We are excited to share that we are now taking student applications to join the next cohort of the Service to Science Scholars Research Program at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for the summer of 2024. This year we have 9 paid, full-time summer research positions for undergraduate/graduate students in psychology and related fields. During our 10-week Research Program, students will gain real-world experience conducting cutting-edge Veteran-focused research at a major VA medical facility. Our nationally and internationally recognized award-winning VA faculty are studying a range of questions relevant to Veteran populations, from PTSD, suicide risk and prevention, traumatic brain injury, cognitive aging, severe mental illness, addiction, sensor technologies, and mHealth assessments, to risk and resilience. The 9 positions include 6 undergraduates (junior or senior standing) and 3 graduate/medical student level trainees. Given the overall goal of this research experience to diversify the VA’s future scientist workforce, we strongly encourage applicants who are U.S. Veterans, current U.S. service members, or a dependent of a current U.S. service member or U.S. Veteran, but all are welcome to apply. The application deadline is December 31, 2023. Please contact Helen Frieman, project coordinator, at helen.frieman@va.gov with any questions. Visit their website to view additional information about the program structure and details on how to apply.

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.