Psych Scoop, 9/13/22

September 13th, 2022

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!

Welcome from the Chair of the Department of Psychology

Welcome to the fall 2022 semester! The University of Minnesota campus is now buzzing again with student activity, and we are excited to welcome you all back. You may have heard that this year’s incoming class is not only the 2nd largest in the last 55 years, but also our most racially and ethnically diverse class ever. We are excited to meet the needs of students entering our classrooms, offices, and research labs for the first time, and we are working hard to ensure that you all have the best possible learning experience here at the University of Minnesota!

This year, we are also joined by two new faculty members, Drs. Juan Del Toro and Drexler James. Each brings with them an incredible background of research and education focused on health equity. Please take a moment to read more about them in this featured story on our website.

We have another exciting year ahead of us, filled with major initiatives and important events. Our Department's critical work to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in our teaching, research, and service continued over the summer with the development of new IDEA-related teaching resources and plans that will be implemented this coming year. We want our faculty and instructors to be the best-prepared educators on campus so they may incorporate practices that enhance the learning environment for all students. We will continue to invite your feedback, leveraging the Student Advisory Council, whose purpose is to facilitate communication between you, as a student, and Department leaders. I hope you will consider participating in this important group so we can hear about your concerns and ideas to improve the undergraduate experience.

Additionally, like last year, we are fortunate to be opening a search for two additional faculty members (one in the Clinical area and one in the Counseling area). Later this fall, undergraduates will have the opportunity to hear from our candidates during teaching demonstrations as part of the interview process. Please stay tuned for more information on this important process in your Psych Scoop!

In closing, I wish you all the best in the coming academic year. Have a wonderful fall semester and take care!

Jeff Simpson, Chair
Distinguished University Teaching Professor

Psychology Advising Announcements

Feedback for the department? Check out our suggestion box.

1. Department of Psychology Social

Thursday, September 22, 2022, 11:00 am- 12:30 pm CST
Cost: Free
Location: Elliot Hall N219

Join us to chat with psychology peers, student groups, and advisors to learn more about research, courses, and resources we offer through the psychology department! Grab some Insomnia cookies and paint a tote bag while you meet some peers. Also, you can get a chance to win a $25 Bookstore gift card by guessing the candy jar! Please complete this form by Monday, September 19th, to RSVP.

2. Psych Student Advisory Council Application 2022-23

Are you a psych major interested in helping the psych department at the U make progress? Do you want to improve your experience and other students’ experiences in the department? The Psychology Undergraduate Student Advisory Council (SAC) is the perfect way to do that! We are looking for passionate psych students to serve as members of the SAC. The SAC meets with the department leadership at least once a semester to voice their concerns as undergraduates. (All meetings for fall will be held virtually.) The position is for the entire academic year (2022-23) with the option of renewing membership for the next academic year. If you are interested in the position, please fill out the Google Form by Wednesday, September 21st.

3. Psychology Engagement Award - Fall Application Now Open

Are you volunteering in your community this Fall? 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 Fall 2022. The application deadline is Wednesday, September 21st (12:00 pm CST). For details about the awards and application materials, visit our webpage.

4. Which Faculty Would You Like to Get To Know?

We are preparing for this semester’s “Get to Know Your Faculty” event to help students connect with faculty outside a classroom setting in an informal environment. In the past, we’ve featured Dr. Traci Mann (Social), Dr. Amanda Woodward (Quantitative), and Dr. Bonnie Klimes-Dougan (Clinical) using the feedback we collected in Fall 2021. Now, we want to hear from YOU about which faculty you would be interested in connecting with. Please fill out this feedback form to help us decide which faculty to feature in the upcoming semesters.

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. Association of Black Psychology Students 2022-2023 Board Application

The 2022-2023 board applications for ABPS are now live. We are looking for responsible and motivated individuals to join the board! Please fill out this form and we will start the application review process in a timely manner. The priority deadline for board applications is Friday, September 16th at 11:59 PM CST. If you have any questions, please email blackpsy@umn.edu.

6. Join the Chinese Psychology Student Association

The Chinese Psychology Student Association (CPSA) is currently recruiting new members and potential leaders for the organization. CPSA is an academic student association composed of Chinese students with a major in psychology at UMN. Our intention is to set a foundation to unite and provide a platform to communicate, share, and establish comprehensive information in the psychological field between alumni and students, including topics on academic discussions, research/graduate programs, career perspectives, etc. We are looking forward to having people who would love to learn and share psychology knowledge join us. For more information, please email Pengxiang Xia at xia00116@umn.edu.

7. Psychology Club Fall Kick-Off Meeting

Tuesday, September 20, 2022, email for the exact time
Cost: Free
Location: Appleby 3

Join us for our first meeting of the year! We will be playing bingo, eating pizza, and having a great time! Bring your friends and have the chance to meet other people that are interested in psychology. Please fill out the RSVP so that we can get an estimate on how many people will be attending. Please email psichi@umn.edu for more information.

Events

8. New Transfers: Make the Most of your First Six Weeks!

The First Six Weeks!
Cost: Mostly free, some may vary
Location: In-Person, Online, and Hybrid

There is a lot to explore and learn as you transition to a new campus! In order to help you get off to a strong start and take advantage of all the U has to offer, the Office for Transfer Student Experience created a calendar of events and resources just for you. Some of these events are just for transfer students, some are college or major-specific, and some are open to all U of M students. We are sure you will find something that interests you!

9. Intro to Pre-Law for Undergrads Event

Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm CST
Cost: Free
Location: Civil Engineering 212

Join us for an in-person social-informative event that introduces undergraduates to the pre-law path. Students will be able to dip their toes into pre-law by asking the PLS board members questions, receiving various informative handouts, connecting with like-minded individuals, and joining the pre-law society. Alumni Téa Baker, president of PLS in 2019, and Sam Ketchum, president of PLS in 2013-2014, from the University of Minnesota and the Pre-Law Society will be attending the event to discuss their pre-law successes and will be available to answer any questions as well. On top of all these great opportunities, Canes will be catered at the event! No RSVP is necessary.

10. International Student Career Fair Preparation Workshops

Friday, September 16, 2022, 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm CST, RSVP
Monday, September 19, 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm CT, RSVP
Cost: Free
Location: Online

Join this session to prepare for the upcoming career fairs! This event will feature helpful tips and information from presenters from ISSS and Career Services. All UMN international students who are attending fall career fairs are welcome to attend. This presentation will be offered live twice on two different dates and times. We recommend that you attend one of the two workshops. Recordings will also be made available. Register to receive the Zoom link. Please email UMN International Career Consultant, Jane, with any questions about this session at sitt0036@umn.edu.

11. Do you need new clothes for work? - JCPenney Suit Up Event

Sunday, September 18, 2022
Cost: Varies
Location: 1700 W County Road B-2, Roseville, MN 55113 or Online

Students, alumni, and staff are invited to purchase professional attire at a discount of up to 30% off the lowest prices at the JCPenney IN-STORE EVENT at Rosedale Shopping Center, 1700 W County Road B-2, Roseville, MN 55113. For students who need transportation, buses will run a shuttle loop every 15-20 minutes from Northrop Plaza to Rosedale beginning at 3:00 p.m. from campus, with a final shuttle pick-up from Rosedale at 6:15 p.m. To shop online, text GOPHERS to 67292 to get your 30% off coupon.

Research

12. *Credit* Addiction Neuroimaging Lab - Research Experience Opportunity

Dr. Anna Zilverstand is looking for volunteer research assistants to work with her Addiction Neuroimaging Lab in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Volunteers will have the chance to assist with a project focused on developing a new functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocol investigating cue reactivity to naturalistic scenes of alcohol and opioid use to be used in a study on participants currently in treatment for Alcohol Use or Opioid Use Disorder. Responsibilities will include assisting with protocol and method development, reading of scientific literature, and attending meetings with the lab and/or your assigned supervisor(s). A majority of the project will include viewing various feature films to rate scenes containing drug use/preparation/abuse, as well as rating of scenes including other salient stimuli of interest (eg, food, social interaction). This opportunity is eligible for PSY 4993 credit. 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 Anna Zilverstand at annaz@umn.edu and Gunner Drossel at dross008@umn.edu.

13. *Credit* Health Behavior Change Lab

The Health Behavior Change Lab, led by Dr. Alex Rothman, is seeking 1-2 student research assistants to work on a systematic literature review and meta-analysis about physical activity/exercise interventions. The goal of the project is to understand when and why interventions are successful (or not) at increasing physical activity. RAs will assist in coding and extracting data from journal articles to help synthesize information from a large body of literature. This position will require a commitment of 9 hours per week (3 credits) with opportunity and preference for those who can continue working on this project in the Spring semester of 2023. If interested, please send a brief introduction to Rina Horii at horii004@umn.edu.

14. *Volunteer* Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research Volunteer

The Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research (MCEDR) at the University of Minnesota conducts research on eating and weight disorders and related behaviors, across a broad range of content areas, including identifying and intervening upon risk and maintenance mechanisms of these concerns. MCEDR's volunteer research assistants gain exposure to eating disorders and clinical research through their involvement with current research projects and educational seminars. The deadline to submit applications is September 30th!

15. *Credit or Volunteer* Youth Depression and Self-Injury Research Opportunity

Dr. Meredith Gunlicks-Stoessel is seeking undergraduate students to work on two intervention studies for teens with depression and self-injury. RAs will watch recordings of conflict negotiation discussions between parents and teens and code their behavior. No previous experience with observational coding is required, as all training will be provided. Students will be expected to commit to 5 hours/week. Preference will be given to students who are able to commit to more than 2 semesters. Ideal candidates must be detail-oriented, able to work independently, and highly motivated. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume with your GPA to Dr. Meredith Gunlicks-Stoessel at mgunlick@umn.edu.

16. *Credit* Social Psychology Undergraduate Research Opportunity

Professor Marti Hope Gonzales is seeking undergraduate students who are interested in gaining experience in social-psychological research. As part of our research on homophobic epithets and the motives underlying their use, we are asking participants to briefly describe a time when they overheard the use of a slur used either derogatorily by straight men or appropriatively by gay men. This is where you come in! We need detail-oriented, thoughtful individuals to help us code these short responses so that we can learn how participants reacted to those real-world situations, what motives they ascribed to the people who used the slur, and what psychological factors influence participants' inferences and reactions. Ultimately, we hope to learn whether these factors will convert passive bystanders to active allies. Depending on schedules this may be a remote position, so you should be comfortable working independently and you should have solid computer skills. If you are interested in joining our research team and registering for our section (Section 009) of PSY 5993, please contact Ian O'Dowd (odowd010@umn.edu). In your reply, please let us know (1) whether you have had research experience in psychology; (2) what psychology courses you have completed (preference will be given to students who have completed statistics, research methods, and social psychology, but this is not a requirement to register for this course; and (3) what you hope to learn by participating in research.

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.

17. Mental Health Youth Counselor - Children’s Residential Treatment Center

Children’s Residential Treatment Center (CRTC) is looking for more Residential Counselors. As a Residential Counselor, you gain hands-on, therapeutic experience without needing a Graduate Degree. If you are interested in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, learning de-escalation techniques, and being a positive role model for teens with various mental health diagnoses, I highly encourage you to apply for this job. Our Residential Counselors play a huge part in creating and maintaining a therapeutic environment for our kids. $500 Sign-on bonus! Apply online!

18. Behavioral Technician - Central Care Services Inc.

Central Care Services Inc. (located on 3355 Hiawatha Ave. Minneapolis, MN) is hiring Behavior Technicians! This is a great opportunity for those with majors/minors in Developmental Psychology or related fields to get first-hand experience working under a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. previous experience and training are preferred, but not required, as you will be trained after hire. Behavior Technicians work one-on-one with individuals on the autism spectrum, using ABA therapy to help clients reach their individual goals. Goals include skills such as social communication social interaction, motor skills, Self-care skills, etc. Starting pay is $18-20/hour, and preference is given to those who can work about 25-40 hours per week. Hours of operation are from 9:30 am- 6 pm on weekdays, and 1 pm- 6 pm on weekends. Please reach out to Info@centralcareservice.com with a copy of your resume if interested!

19. Teacher's Aide - Montessori Renaissance Academy

Montessori Renaissance Academy is a private, nonprofit Montessori school located in the north metropolitan suburb of Anoka, MN. For more than 22 years, we have been providing children from 16 months through 10th grade with an alternative to more traditional schools. We are seeking full and part-time teacher aides and assistants for our toddler, children’s house, and elementary classrooms between the hours of 6:30 am and 6:00 pm. As a teacher’s aide, you will work closely with the lead teacher to help implement the Montessori curriculum in a safe and nurturing classroom. If you are interested please email your resume and any questions to Madison at madison@anokamontessori.org!

20. Mental Health Practitioner - Fraser

A $750.00 hiring bonus is available for external new hires! As a Mental Health Technician, you will work in Fraser's preschool day treatment program supporting preschool-aged children. This is a great entry-level position located in school/community collaborative Fraser sites, to begin a career with Fraser and gain hands-on experience working with children! This employment opportunity might also qualify for an undergraduate school's internship requirements. Primary Responsibilities include working with children in a small group therapeutic setting, implementing and tracking goal progress for children, and supporting with personal care and daily living skills. Apply online.

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