Psych Scoop 6/6/23

June 6th, 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. 2023-2024 Psychology Undergraduate TA Positions

Each fall and spring, the Department of Psychology selects from a pool of highly qualified undergraduate applicants for paid undergraduate teaching assistant (TA) and section leader (SL) appointments. Serving as a TA or SL is a fantastic professional development opportunity to add to a resume, and it can also provide you with an integrated department experience to highlight on an application to graduate school. Our teaching assistants and section leaders work on average 5-10 hours per week per appointment and will be paid $16.50/hr in the 2023-2024 academic year. More information on eligibility, the application process, and typical duties can be found on the 2023-2024 Undergraduate TA Application Form. If you have questions, please contact Christina Wiencke at choldvog@umn.edu (Associate Director of Curriculum & Instruction) or Heidi Wolff at hwolff@umn.edu (Curriculum and Graduate Services Specialist).

2. Announcing the 2023 Diversity in Psychology Virtual Program

The University of Minnesota’s Diversity in Psychology Program is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the Fall 2023 virtual diversity program event (Friday, October 13, 2023). The program is designed for individuals who are historically underrepresented in psychology graduate programs and who are interested in earning their Ph.D. from the Department of Psychology, Institute of Child Development, or the Department of Educational Psychology, at the University of Minnesota. As a participant in the program, you will learn, through formal and informal experiences, how to construct a successful graduate school application. You’ll also have the opportunity to get a sense of the graduate school experience in our departments. If you are interested in applying for the Diversity in Psychology Program (or know someone who might be), please visit our website.

3. Apply for PSY 5993 Enrichment Program

As part of the Building Pathways committee’s aim to increase engagement in research-related psychology careers among underrepresented students, we have created an enrichment program for students enrolled in PSY 5993, to support and enhance students’ research experiences. The program consists of weekly meetings with a cohort of 10-20 students to provide support for PSY 5993 research experiences, build research-related skills, learn about research-related career opportunities, and present their work. Participation in this program will also include up to $250 in tuition support. We would like to invite undergraduates who identify with groups underrepresented in psychology research careers to consider participating in this program by completing a brief application. The form is due at 12:00 pm CST on Friday, August 25th, with acceptances communicated on a rolling basis throughout the summer, and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Events

4. Open House - University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Saturday, June 10, 2023, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm CST
Cost: Free
Location: Moos Tower, 515 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Please join the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry for its annual Open House! Hands-on activities, information sessions, and an opportunity to connect with current students, faculty, and staff in our dental hygiene (BSDH), dental therapy (BSDH/MDT), and dentistry (DDS) programs. If you are interested in attending, please register as soon as possible!

Courses of Interest

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

Make an internship experience count toward your PSY Major! PSY 3896 class credits (1-4 variable credits) are based partly on the number of hours you work at your internship during the Fall 2023 semester. Online course assignments are a complement to your learning at your internship site. Students apply to and secure a position on their own, but guidance is available. Example sites include ACR Homes, 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!

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.

6. PSY 4802: Using R to Create Reproducible Research in Psychology - 3 Credits - Fall 2023

Conducting psychological research involves collecting data, but what happens next? Completing research projects involves more than just analyzing data! In this course, we will learn how to incorporate Open Science tools like R programming into the research process in order to generate reproducible and transparent analyses. Specifically, students will learn how to clean data and create R Markdown files that contain statistics, data visualizations, and interpretations. Finally, students will learn how to share their code and data via GitHub and the Open Science Framework as well as how to use and evaluate each other's code. A large component of this course will involve applying R skills and Open Science knowledge in a group secondary data analysis project that will culminate in a brief presentation. Completion of PSY 3801 is strongly recommended, but not required.

Instructor: Dr. Amanda Woodward

Note: This course counts as a 4xxx Level PSY Distribution Area C

7. PSY 5960: Race and Life Course Perspective - Fall 2023

In this course, students will review racial, ethnic, and cultural (hereafter: REC) diversity in child and youth development and how this diversity influences their lives. Students will learn about the long history and recent resurgence of research into the role of REC contexts for children and adolescents. This research often challenges popular notions while revealing broader themes regarding the role of REC in development. Consequently, the main goal of this course is for students to learn about these research findings and draw implications for child and youth development, particularly for those populations who are stigmatized due to racial, ethnic, and cultural status. A second main goal of the course is for students to learn about the developmental progression in how children and youth make sense of the REC aspects of their lives and social worlds. Students can apply this knowledge to design developmentally-sensitive programming and dialogues with children and youth. A third goal of the course is for students to develop an understanding of broad themes and principles that are consistent across REC contexts but may be expressed differently in specific REC contexts. These broad themes include ethnic/racial stigmatization, cultural socialization, and REC identity development which are expressed differently in each ethnic, racial, and cultural context. The fourth goal of the course is for students to gain skills in understanding how themes associated with a particular REC group are expressed uniquely by individuals. No enforced prerequisites, PSY 3001W or equivalent recommended.

PSY 5960 - 001 will meet in Elliott Hall N555, Tuesdays from 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm CST

Instructor: Dr. Juan Del Toro (jdeltoro@umn.edu)

Notes: This course counts as elective credit for the Psychology majors only. This course was previously offered as PSY 4960 in Spring 2023 as "Race and the Developing Child." Students may not complete both offerings.

8. CI 5116: Action Research in Educational Settings - Fall 2023

Action research is a form of investigation that helps collaborative groups solve problems and improve professional practices in their own classrooms, schools, workplaces, or community settings. Through this class, you’ll learn to lead this type of collaborative research effectively and ethically. You’ll practice qualitative research methods such as survey design, interviewing, participant observation, qualitative coding, and thematic analysis. Because action research is always seeking social improvement, democratic participation, and greater mutual understanding in the research site, you’ll pay particular attention to issues of research ethics, collaboration, and researcher positionality. The course instructor offers substantial feedback to support your growth as a research-oriented writer. Final project options include individual, partner, or small-group final projects; conducting authentic, early-stage research; writing a short research proposal; or developing a portfolio of research artifacts. Instructor permission is required for undergraduates. You must be in your final year before graduation to enroll in the course. Questions about this course can be directed to Ashley Kalscheur at ashleyk@umn.edu.

CI 5116 is asynchronous and online.

Instructor: Susan Staats

Volunteer/Engagement Opportunities

9. Are you Interested in Volunteering at a Community Organization?

Volunteering offers many of the same potential benefits as other experiential activities, like interning, for example, or participating in research projects. Volunteering is yet another way you can continue developing the Core Career Competencies that signify career readiness. It also gives you a chance to explore various organizations, career paths, and work settings in a fairly low-key way. One way you can find Volunteer opportunities is through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning (CCEL). At the University’s Center for Community-Engaged Learning, staff members will ask you about your interests and then connect you with one or more of the 300 nonprofit community partners they work with. Additionally, you can often find volunteer positions posted on Handshake. Visit the CLA Undergraduate Studies website to view further instructions on how to navigate Handshake.

Learning Abroad

10. Are you planning on studying abroad in a future term? Learn about the studying abroad process through the Learning Abroad Center!

Are you interested in studying abroad? Begin the Study Abroad Process by taking a look at the 'Learning Abroad Process' page on the LAC website. The process described on the website is the basic check off list that you'll complete in order to learn abroad. The order in which you do things is somewhat flexible. If you're interested in psychology-related programs, check out the psychology major guide to studying abroad as a psychology major and a list of suggested programs. For more information, visit the Learning Abroad Center website.

Graduate School

11. Master of Marketing Virtual Information Session

Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM CST

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 did not have the chance to research the program. Registration is required. If you have any questions about the event please contact msmk@umn.edu.

Research

12. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) Summer Deadline - June 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 2023 funds is Monday, June 26th, 2022. Learn more and apply online.

13. *Volunteer or Credit* Neuropsychology Research Opportunity

Dr. Anna Zilverstand is looking for a volunteer research assistant to work with her lab in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Her lab investigates how individual differences contribute to human drug addiction and their main study focuses on acquiring data from those currently in treatment for substance use disorder using multiple methods, such as interviewing, neurocognitive testing, questionnaires, and multi-modal neuroimaging. Volunteers will have the chance to assist with study recruitment and screening of potential participants and analyze data collected by the study. This opportunity is eligible for PSY 4/5993 credit and the time commitment will be discussed with Dr. Zilverstand. Successful candidates typically have a 3.5 GPA or higher, have junior or senior-level credits, and may have an interest in pursuing a higher degree in psychology or related fields. If you are interested, please send a copy of your cover letter, CV/resume, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Anna Zilverstand at annaz@umn.edu and Reed Evers at evers356@umn.edu.

14. *Credit* Clinical Cognitive Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Assistant Opportunity

The Translational Research in Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms (TRiCAM) lab is looking for undergraduate volunteers for the 2023-24 academic year. Directed by Dr. Angus MacDonald, we are conducting several studies that investigate how cognitive and brain functions differ in people with psychosis-spectrum disorders vs healthy controls. Duties may include data curation & analysis for assigned projects, and creating & delivering a journal club presentation. Opportunities for observing/administering clinical interviews and combined MRI/EEG scans are also available. This is a great opportunity for students who want experience researching clinical questions. Research credit is available through Psy 5993 (3 credits) for both the Fall and Spring semesters. To apply, please send your resume and transcript (unofficial is fine) to Allie Loder, loder012@umn.edu. Questions may also be directed to loder012@umn.edu.

Scholarships & Awards

15. Psychology Engagement Award - Summer Applications Now Open

Are you volunteering in your community this summer? Or, participating in an unpaid internship here or abroad this summer 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 two awards of $500 will be offered for Summer 2023. The application deadline is Wednesday, June 14th. For details about the awards and application materials, visit our webpage.

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.

16. In-Home Patient Care Position

Looking for someone who is kind and caring to work with Annie, a young 42-year-old woman with physical and mental disabilities in a private home. Typical shifts include: helping Annie with personal care, Pt/Ot exercises, accessing the community, and fun activities. Great experience for those looking to work in the healthcare field. Requirements include no back or health problems, no smoking, a vehicle for transportation, and great communication skills. No experience is necessary as training will be provided. Flexible day and evening weekend shifts and we will work around any class schedule. The home is located 15 minutes from the University in a family home. If you're interested in learning more please call Andrea at (651)-274-3574 or email at admckee@comcast.net.

17. Full-Time Research Coordinator

Virginia Tech is looking for a full-time Research Coordinator in the JK Lifespan Development lab of Dr. Jungmeen Kim-Spoon. Projects in the lab combine developmental psychopathology and decision neuroscience to investigate brain function, emotion, cognition and personality processes, decision-making, and health behaviors. We use a variety of methods including structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, behavioral tasks, interviews, and questionnaires. You must have one year of research experience, including participant recruitment and data collection. Training will be provided for all aspects of the job. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in graduate school in clinical, cognitive, or developmental psychology/neuroscience. For a complete description of the job posting please visit the Virginia Tech website. If interested, please visit the Virginia Tech Job website and search for job posting #525770. Contact Megan Egan at megan217@vt.edu if you have any questions.

18. Clinical Research Assistant Position

PARC is looking for 2 full-time clinical research assistants to support a federally-funded research study testing TMS as an augmentation strategy for Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) for teens and young adults with OCD. Positions include a combination of research and clinical assessment components. Commitment to at least two years in a position is preferred. This is primarily an in-person position with some limited flexibility for working from home. The position requires relocation/the ability to commute to Bradley Hospital in East Providence, RI. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume/CV, and two written recommendations (sent directly by your recommenders) to Marika Marklin at parc.impact@gmail.com no later than July 1, 2023. We will review applications as they are received and contact applicants to extend interview invitations. Please address application materials to Kristen Benito, Ph.D.

19. ABCD Research Assistant

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) seeks to hire one ABCD Research Assistant (8352P1: Research Professional 1) responsible for executing all tasks associated with the ABCD (Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development) protocol which include neuroimaging, neurocognitive assessments, and clinical interview or self-report measures designed to assess eligibility criteria, psychopathology, medical health, social relationships, personality, and substance use. Research Assistants will review data to assure quality and transfer data to ABCD Informatics Center. They will work closely with the ABCD research participants assessing complex psychological traits—a bachelor’s degree in a psychology or related field is required, as well as a flexible work schedule (evenings and weekends) and the ability to work onsite at 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. Apply online via the University of Minnesota Employment System; reference job opening ID 355909.

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