Psych Scoop, 1/9/24

January 9, 2024

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. Happy New Year!

We at PsyAdvis wish you a Happy New Year! As we gear up for the Spring semester, be sure to plan ahead - there is one week left before the start of the semester. If you have any questions about courses, planning, or post-grad, we are happy to help!

2. Alumni Spotlight: Nikhita Dhar

Psych Advising loves to show what our amazing psychology alumni are up to through our monthly Alumni Spotlight! Our January spotlight, Nikhita Dhar (SP '23 - PSY BS) works as a Patient Coordinator at MNGI Digestive Health. 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!

3. 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.

Minor of the Month

4. Communication Studies 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 Communications Minor is geared toward students who would like to become more articulate in speech, writing, and presentations. Students majoring in psychology can find that this minor can help them talk to clients in therapeutic practices, research participants, constituents, and colleagues. The Communications minor consists of 18 credits: one introductory course, two core (theory) courses focusing on media studies, interpersonal communication, or rhetorical studies, and three upper-level electives. There are also opportunities to gain credit for research and internships. Anyone can benefit from obtaining this minor as clear communication is an essential skill across all jobs. It is particularly helpful when working with counseling clients, non-profits, marginalized communities, and employees from a human resources perspective. If you're interested in declaring your Minor in Communications, visit their website!

Events

5. Walter Library and Toaster Open House

Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm CST
Cost: Free
Location: Walter Library

Join us for a “Library and Toaster Open House” on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Stop by Walter Library anytime from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm. Grab a hot beverage, explore and learn about Toaster Innovation Hub and Walter Library Breakerspace (basement level); Walter Library’s new *reflection and meditation* space (in Wilson Library too along with sensory-friendly study room); Walter Library 100 Pop-Up mini-exhibit in the historic Upson room (room 102) Additionally, get a behind-the-scenes look at Library resources and services including hands-on activities like 3D printing, Virtual Reality, and more. Grab a cup of coffee or even check out a fun book!

6. Power and Privilege Series

Friday, January 26, 2024, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm CST (Schedule: 12 pm - lunch and check-in, 1 pm - workshop begins)
Cost: Free
Location: Bruininks 412

Dr. Terresa Moses (she/her) is a proud Black queer woman dedicated to the liberation of Black and brown people through art and design. Terresa is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at the University of Minnesota’s College of Design (CDes) and the Director of the CDes Design Justice Network. She is also the Creative Director at Blackbird Revolt, a social justice-based design studio. This is a two-hour hands-on workshop. The goal is to help participants learn how to identify systems, artifacts, and experiences that perpetuate elements of racism and increase their capacity to re-imagine and develop forward-thinking design solutions. RSVP for the event here!

Courses of Interest - Available Seats Open!

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 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.

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.

Resources

9. Help Get Started with Faculty-Sponsored Research

University Libraries, in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Research, is offering "Think Like a Researcher," an online mini-course to help undergraduate students become comfortable with the skills and tools needed to participate in a variety of research opportunities. The Think Like a Researcher mini-course is designed to help undergraduate students learn about the wide variety of ways to get started with research including volunteering, taking a course, applying to the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), and more. The workshops are free and open to all U of M undergraduate students. Those who want to participate are asked to complete a short registration form. The Canvas course will include a mix of videos, short activities, and discussion posts. In total, the online course will take about 2-3 hours to complete on your timeline. Visit the University Libraries "Think Like a Researcher" webpage to register and learn more! If you have any questions, please contact Kate Peterson, at katep@umn.edu, 612-626-3746.

Note: This course is free and will not be graded or recorded on transcripts.

10. 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.

11. 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.

Learning Abroad

12. 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

13. *Credit or Volunteer* RA Opportunity

Are you interested in Psychology research? Have you ever wondered how certain physical abilities might make some individuals fit into particular jobs over others? The Ones Lab in the I-O Psychology Department is seeking conscientious and motivated students to volunteer for our project on psycho-physical abilities. We are researching abilities regarding physical body motor movements (e.g., movement of fingers, hands, legs), fine motor skills (e.g. finger dexterity), coordination, and/or strength. These abilities are important to assess performance with jobs in these domains: sports (e.g., athletes), healthcare (e.g., surgeons), and safety and security (e.g., armed forces), and crafts & trades (e.g., technicians). Students will participate in identifying, retrieving, and organizing studies, as well as coding relevant research for a quantitative synthesis. We prefer a 2-semester commitment, and the availability to continue research over the summer is a plus! Interested students should submit this form, including a CV & unofficial transcript. Students who have taken courses in I-O psychology, quantitative methods, and individual differences (e.g., personality, abilities) will be preferred. Honors students who are interested in completing their theses using data from this experience or who are interested in seeking UROP funding for related research are encouraged to apply. Credit for 5993 will be provided for those interested. We look forward to your applications! Questions about this opportunity may be directed to Sarah Nakamoto at nakam087@umn.edu.

14. *Credit* Undergraduate Research Assistant Opportunity

The Developmental Cognitive Social Neuroscience Lab at the Institute of Child Development is recruiting RAs for credit in Spring 2024 and forward. If you are interested, please fill in the application in the Google Form. Questions about this opportunity may be directed to Louise Zhuang at zhuan160@umn.edu and Riley Maloney at malon678@umn.edu.

15. *Credit* Clinical Psychology Research Assistant Opportunity

Research opportunities in clinical psychology and behavior genetics. Assist with data management and design your own research project. If you are interested in this opportunity, reach out to Scott Vrieze at vrieze@umn.edu.

16. *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 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.

17. *Credit or Volunteer* CPSY 4994 Research Assistant D.A.N.C.E. Lab

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. IMPORTANT!: The deadline is January 12th, 2024 and interviews will be hosted from 1/16-1/18.

18. *Credit or 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.*Volunteer* TNT Lab seeking Research Volunteers for I-O Psychology and Technology Projects!

TNT Lab is looking for volunteers to join our ongoing project. As a volunteer, you will assist with tasks like recruitment, running experiments, data collection, and data analysis. You will gain valuable insights into leadership development and assessment as well as have the opportunities to explore the latest technology trends at work and grad school information. If you're detail-oriented, collaborative, and interested in research, join us to make a meaningful impact on workplace research! Please apply using this link. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in January. If you have questions regarding the application, please contact Nga Do at do000100@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.

20. Paid Research Assistant Opportunity - Shen Neurolaw Lab

The Shen Neurolaw Lab, directed by Dr. Francis Shen at the University of Minnesota, is seeking applications for a Spring semester, part-time Undergraduate Research Assistant position, with the potential for a permanent position through the summer and beyond. The application process is competitive, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting on January 22, 2024. The Lab motto is “Every story is a brain story,” and the undergraduate RA can expect to work on projects at the intersection of neuroscience and law. Current Lab projects explore portable MRI, representativeness in human neuroimaging research, a Career Network in Neuroscience and society, dementia and judicial decision-making, brain injury, and sports concussion, memory and lie detection, cognitive enhancement, applications of artificial intelligence, and more. Previous research experience and knowledge of brain science are not required but should be mentioned in the cover letter. Technical skills such as statistical analysis and graphics design should also be mentioned if applicable. Skills valued for this position include: ability for scholarly writing; attention to detail; ability to work independently; organization; and ability to complete projects in a timely fashion. Research responsibilities will include literature reviews, reviewing manuscripts, and communicating with research partners. The RA should be able to commit at least 10 hours per week. To learn more about the Lab’s research, visit the webpage. To apply for the position, please fill out the Google Form. For questions about this opportunity, please contact Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD at fxshen@umn.edu.

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 prior to 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. 2-Year Research Assistant Position in Pediatric Sleep at Brown Medt

We are currently hiring for a 2-year postbaccalaureate Research Assistant position for our Sleep and Circadian Methods Research Core at Bradley Hospital / Brown University's Alpert Medical School in Providence, Rhode Island. The Core RA is responsible for leveraging numerous methodologies to assist the investigators and projects funded by our NIH Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE). 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. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Fluent/native Spanish speakers are especially encouraged to apply, given the demographic characteristics of our urban population and our focus on health disparities across diverse samples including Latinx youth and their families. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Cristal Medeiros at CMedeiros13@lifespan.org.