Psych Scoop, 1/24/23

January 24th, 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. Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Beneke

Psych Advising has started a monthly alumni spotlight to showcase what our amazing alumni are up to! Our spotlight for January is on Alexandra Beneke ('20) who now works at a treatment center for children who have been, or are in the process of being, diagnosed with Autism. Read more about her tips on finding a career path, getting the most out of your major, and more. Nominate someone who you think would be great to spotlight, including yourself!

2. Schedule your Junior/Senior Check-In! 

Do you have between 75-90 credits this semester? If so, it's time for your Junior/Senior Check-In! This one-on-one appointment with a psychology advisor will check your progress towards your major to make sure you're on the right track to graduate on time, connect you with career and grad school resources to begin making your post-college dreams a reality, and allow you a chance to give us feedback about your experiences as a psychology major. To set up your appointment, use our online Appointment Request Form

3. Drop-In Schedule

The Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office will be holding Drop-In hours which are great for addressing quick 5-10 minute questions or concerns related to psychology Majors/Minors. We hold Drop-In hours consecutively for the first two weeks of classes and will resume our regular Drop-In schedule starting Tuesday, January 31st. For a full appointment, please complete a request form or email our staff at psyadvis@umn.edu with questions.

4. 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 2023. The application deadline is Wednesday, February 8th (12:00 pm CST). For details about the awards and application materials, visit our webpage

Courses of Interest

5. PSY 3896: Internship in Psychology - 1-4 Credits - Spring 2023

Make an internship experience count toward your PSY Major! PSY 3896 class credits (1-4 credits) are based on the number of hours you work at your internship during the Spring 2023 semester. Online course assignments are a complement to your learning in your internship setting. Students must apply to and accept a position on their own, but guidance is available. Example sites include Minneapolis Public Schools, People Serving People, Sexual Violence Center, Tubman, and the Walk-In Counseling Center. Look for more opportunities in the Psych Scoop and even more on HandshakeRead more about what students have to say about PSY 3896! Students can register for PSY 3896 through Monday, January 30th. Steps to register for PSY 3896:

1.) Student secures an internship with a site

2.) Submit a "Request an Experience" form on Handshake and receive approval. 

3.) Permission number to register for the course will then be emailed to you. 

PSY 3896 is completely online

Instructor: Michael Houlahan 

Note: This course counts as elective credit for the Psychology majors only. 

Events

6. Boynton Health's Nutritious U Food Pantry

  Tuesday, January 24, 2023 - Thursday, January 26, 2023, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm CST

  Cost: Free

  Location: 103A Memorial Union

Boynton Health's Food Pantry is open the last week of every month during the semester (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), from 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm CST on the 1st floor of Memorial Union (Room 103A), across the lounge from the theater. Any student can visit the food pantry, no proof of need is required. Students choose from available food items when they show up. Learn more about the pantry on Boynton's website.

7. Pre-Health Opportunities Fair

  Thursday, February 9, 2023, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm CST

  Cost: Free

  Location: RecWell MAC Gym, 4th floor

Connect with local and on-campus organizations that provide experiences to prepare you for health professional school. This includes volunteer opportunities, part-time jobs, study abroad programs, gap year programs, research positions, and more! The Pre-Health Opportunities Fair is open to ALL University of Minnesota pre-health students and alumni (up to two years post-graduation). Pre-health is the larger umbrella that includes pre-med, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, pre-nursing, pre-PA, pre-vet, and other health professions. Anyone interested in exploring career pathways in healthcare is welcome to attend! Check out the CBS Career Fair Prep Guide for tips and tricks for before, during, and after a career fair. Any questions about the event, please contact careercbs@umn.edu

8. UMN Job & Internship Fair

  Friday, February 24, 2023, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm CST

  Cost: Free

  Location: Huntington Bank Stadium & McNamara Alumni Center

More than 200 organizations from all employment sectors will be recruiting for hundreds of jobs, internships, and other employment opportunities. The University of Minnesota Job & Internship Fair is open to all enrolled University of Minnesota students, including undergraduate and graduate, as well as alumni who graduated within the past three years (2020 - 2022). You must have your student UCard or know your ID # to get in. Check in to receive your nametag for entry. There is a free coat check upon entry, and make sure to dress to impress! Questions about the event, please contact your career services office. 

Research

9. *Credit or Volunteer* RA Position with Teen Depression Treatment Study

We are looking for student RAs to work on the Adaptive Treatment for Adolescent Depression Study in Child Psychiatry. The research project evaluates the effectiveness of personalized interventions for adolescent depression delivered in community mental health care settings. Students will also have the chance to work on other ongoing projects related to teen mental health in the lab. Primary responsibilities will include administering data collection procedures with adolescents and parents and data entry. In addition, students will attend a 1-hour bi-weekly Zoom meeting. Candidates must be pursuing a degree in Psychology or a related field and be willing to commit 4 hours per week for the semester, including some weekday evenings and weekend mornings. Preference will be given to students who can commit to more than 1 semester and summer availability. Students can earn 1-3 credits of PSY 4/5993. To apply, please send a cover letter and rescue (including GPA and class year) to ptad@umn.eduFor more information about the position, please visit the website. 

10. *Volunteer* Undergraduate Volunteer Research Assistant in Alcohol-Anxiety Laboratory

The laboratory of Dr. Matt Kushner is looking for an undergraduate volunteer to assist in an ongoing NIH-supported study in the Department of Psychiatry. The purpose of the study is to test a computer-delivered therapy for alcohol use disorder and anxiety in patients undergoing addiction care at Fairview-Riverside. Primary responsibilities include data entry, conducting patient-participant appointments, and assisting in other study-related tasks as needed. Training and supervision for these tasks will be provided. The ideal candidate would be a senior in psychology (or related) major, be willing to establish a set 10 hours per week work schedule (preferably in the afternoons), and be able to commit to working in the lab for one year. Depending upon availability and performance, it is possible that the volunteer position could lead to a paid research assistant position. If you are interested, please email a copy of your resume and unofficial transcript to Lilly Hartnett at hartn077@umn.edu.

11. *Credit or Volunteer (under PSY 4/5993 or CPSY 4994 Credit)* RA Position in the Aging, Cognition, and Technology Lab

Dr. Adriana Hughes' Cognition, Aging, and Technology Lab is recruiting one motivated and detail-oriented undergraduate research assistant to start in the spring of 2023 or in the summer of 2023. Research projects in our lab include a project developing a new tablet-based memory and thinking program for older adults as well as a longitudinal study monitoring cognition and instrumental activities of daily living trajectories using in-home technology in order adults with cognitive impairment. The RA's responsibilities may include recruiting participants, data entry and verification, conducting literature reviews, and attending weekly lab meetings. The RA would need to be able to work onsite at the Minneapolis VA. The position can be volunteer or for PSY 4993/5993 credits, though there is an opportunity for this position to become a paid position in the future. We are especially looking for applicants who could commit to working in the lab for at least two semesters. Because our lab is affiliated with the VA, RAs are required to have US Citizenship. If you are interested, please fill out this form. If you have any questions, please email Catherine Ju at ju000036@umn.edu

Learning Abroad 

12. National Student Exchange (NSE) - Apply for the 2023-2024 School Year! 

Now is the time to plan your NSE exchange for summer 2023, fall 2023, or spring 2024! Through NSE, you can study at another school in the U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands for a summer, semester, or year! There are over 180 NSE campuses available for exchange. NSE is affordable and accessible, and credits transfer back easily into your degree. February 15th, 2023 is the priority application deadline for the 2023/2024 school year. Begin your NSE application anytime. If you want to learn more about NSE, join the Center for Community-Engaged Learning for a virtual NSE Info Session.

13. Study Psychology in Cologne, Germany Summer 2023!

Undergraduate students have an opportunity to experience a splash of Cologne, Germany through CLA. UMN-TC Communications, Journalism, and Psychology will offer four different courses in a new learning abroad program this summer. The courses are offered in two sessions that each last 3 weeks (6/19-7/7 & 7/10-7/28), taught in English by a CLA faculty member, and may count towards your major and minor requirements. No previous knowledge of the German language is needed and there are CLA scholarships available. We are highlighting PSY 3604: Intro to Psychopathology (formerly "Intro to Abnormal Psych") as a great opportunity to take the class in a smaller setting for a 3-week (2nd Session) July 10th-28th, 2023! (3 credits; PSY 3604 credit) Applications are due April 1, 2023.

Engagement Opportunities

14. Sukoon Helpline Respondent - Volunteer Opportunity

Sukoon: Healing of the Minds is a nonprofit that strives to provide culturally informed, holistic support and resources to meet the needs of Minnesota's uniquely diverse communities. We do this through community conversations and services such as the Sukoon Helpline, a free and confidential Helpline open to all, operating from 7:00 pm - 7:00 am, 7 days a week. A Sukoon Helpline Respondent is a volunteer who is responsible for responding to text messages and calls remotely via the Helpline communication platform with the purpose of providing emotional support, de-escalating crisis situations, and providing appropriate referrals and resources to users during helpline operating hours. This volunteer program is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in others' lives while gaining interpersonal communication skills, building emotional intelligence, and learning mental health first-aid skills ALL individuals can benefit from. No background in mental health is needed, and all necessary training will be provided. All you need is a secure personal laptop, a strong internet connection, a weekly 4-hour time block to work a scheduled shift, and the desire to touch others' lives through empathy and support. For questions or more information, check out our website, or reach us at info@sukoonhealingoftheminds.org. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or inquiries. Apply today or share the opportunity with someone who might.

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.

15. Research Professional 1 - PARKS Study

The PARKS study is hiring fluent Spanish speakers for recruitment and data collection. This study uses fee waivers and family outreach to promote youth use of park and recreation programs that support physical activity. It is a partnership between the University of Minnesota, the Minneapolis and St. Paul Park systems, and parks serving lower-income diverse youth and families. We need one or more friendly people to help us recruit and collect data from Spanish-speaking/English-speaking parents and children. Recruitment involves attending community activities to share information about the study. Data collection includes obtaining consent (explaining the study process) and doing surveys in English and Spanish. Late afternoon hours will be common. 10-14 hours per week (flexible). The pay range is $20-$24/hr. Interested? Please contact Reed Mitchell by email at mitc0186@umn.edu or read more online. 

16. Postgraduate Associate - Yale University

Our Developmental Psychopathology and Social Neuroscience Fellowship position will support the implementation of research protocols focused on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders. Research Fellows have opportunities to be involved in aspects of each study ranging from implementation of novel behavioral, eye-tracking, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging (fNIRS) experiments, to participating directly in subject characterization by conducting structured parent interviews and assessing participants, to data processing and analysis. Fellows will receive training in the administration of novel behavioral paradigms, eye-tracking, and psychophysiological sensing technologies. The position is one year in duration with a salary of $38,000.00. 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 2023. 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. The program is led by Dr. Kasia Chawarska and co-directed by Drs. Suzanne Macari, Kelly Powell, ad Angelina Vernetti. For more information on the application process, visit the lab website.

17. Job Opening for Psychology/Neuroscience *Full-Time* Research Assistant at Virginia Tech

A full-time research assistant is being sought to support multiple NIH-funded projects in the labs of Dr. Pearl Chiu (lab information) and Dr. Brooks King-Casas (lab information) at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia. Projects in the labs are highly interdisciplinary and combine methods from experimental and clinical psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics with functional neuroimaging and Vivo electrochemistry to investigate decision-making in healthy and clinical populations (focusing on adults with mood, anxiety, personality, or substance-use disorders, and at-risk youth). Training will be provided for all aspects of the job. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in graduate school in clinical or cognitive psychology/neuroscience. Those who are interested can also visit their website, and search for job posting #524168. 

18. Minneapolis VA Health Care System Service to Science Scholars Summer Research Program

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System Service to Science Scholars Summer Research Program offers nine full-time, paid positions to undergraduate and graduate students in psychology-related fields. Real-world experience with cutting-edge Veteran-focused research at a major VA medical facility. Our faculty are studying a range of questions relevant to Veteran populations, including PTSD, suicide risk and prevention, traumatic brain injury, cognitive aging, severe mental illness, addiction, sensor technologies, mHealth assessments, risk, and resilience. Faculty-led research seminars on various interdisciplinary topics in Veteran mental health research. Weekly seminars on professional development topics such as how-to's of applying statistics, scientific writing, and being an effective peer mentor. Tutorials on applying to, surviving, and excelling in graduate school and beyond. Social networking activities with other trainees in the program. Opportunities for co-authoring papers and scientific presentations. The daily experience of learning from faculty mentors, graduate students, and others farther along their career paths. Presentation of your research experience to other students and faculty at the annual Service to Science Scholars Research Program Symposium. How to apply and other information regarding this position are on their website. Submit application materials to Ednika.Dabney@va.gov, with the subject line "Service to Science Scholars Program Application [your name]". For more information, email Melissa.Polusny@va.gov and Snezana.Urosevic@va.gov. Applications are due January 30th, 2023. 

19. Principal Recruiter 

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research seeks to hire a "Principal Recruiter" (8352P2: Research Professional 2) responsible for overseeing research participant enrollment/recruitment in MCTFR longitudinal research protocols. These protocols include follow-up assessments in our longstanding twin and family studies. Position coordinates activities of one to two additional recruiters and tracks progress toward recruitment goals. It requires maintaining recruitment training materials, documentation, and ethical standards. Candidate expectations are: (1) preferred prior recruitment experience; (2) demonstrated ability to communicate well via multiple modalities; (3) preferred track record of achieving enrollment goals; and (5) able to work with a diverse participant pool. Position works closely with MCTFR Director, Principal Investigators, other committee leads, and all staff within the MCTFR so outstanding communication and organizational skills are essential. Starting pay is $20.01 an hour. For more information about this position and to apply, visit the website.

20. ABCD Research Assistant (Research Professional 1)

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) seeks to hire one ABCD Research Assistant (8352R1: Researcher 1) responsible for executing all tasks associated with the ABCD (Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development) protocol which include neuroimaging, neurocognitive assessments, and clinical interview of self-report measures designed to assess eligibility criteria, psychopathology, medical health, social relationships, personality, substance use, and more. Research Assistants will review data to assure quality and transfer data to ABCD Informatics Center. They will work closely with the ABCD research participants to assess complex psychological traits. A bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field is required as well as a flexible work schedule (evenings and weekends) and the ability to work onsite at and transition between the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) and Elliott Hall. Research experience, knowledge of DSM, excellent verbal communication, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently are preferred. For more information about this position and to apply, visit the website.

21. Student Research Support Assistant

We are looking for a new undergraduate to join CLA's LATIS Research team to start this spring semester and continue into summer and fall! Starting at $15.00, this position would involve supporting many technical aspects of LATIS' research support services, such as creating and testing online experiments, assisting with survey research data collection and preparation, helping manage LATIS' research workshops, and occasionally assisting with projects in our College of Liberal Arts social science labs. Please see the job description for more details! 

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