Psych Scoop, 10/7/25

Psychology Advising Announcements

Current majors are expected to know the announcements in the advising announcement section.

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Alumni Spotlight: Alaina Alwin

Psych Advising loves to show what our amazing psychology alumni are up to through our monthly Alumni Spotlight! Our October spotlight, Alaina Alwin (Fall 2022 - PSY BA) works as an Administrative Assistant at Premier Sport Psychology. 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!

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Kurt Fraser

• Date: Thursday, October 16th, 2025
• Time: 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall, Room N219 & Zoom

Exciting news! Get to know our featured faculty for Fall 2025, Dr. Kurt Fraser, on a personal and academic level. Dr. Fraser conducts his work within the Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CAB) area. At the event, you can ask questions ranging from "How did you find your passion?" to "What is your favorite Netflix show?". Feel free to join us in person or via Zoom on Thursday, October 16th, from 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM! Fill out the Google Form to register for the event!

Careers & Cookies: Business & Psychology

• Date: Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
• Time: 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall, Room N219 (North Side of Second Floor)

Want to know what it’s like to work at Amazon or Boston Scientific? Join our panel with 2 professionals who’ve climbed the ladder at top employers. Whether you’re curious about breaking into big companies, marketing your psych major, or just want career tips, this event is for you! Hear what it’s like, how they landed roles, and advice on setting yourself up for success. RSVP through the Google Form!

Psychology Student Groups 

All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psychology student organizations. To learn more, visit our website. Latinos for Psychology, Counseling Psychology Club, and Chinese Psychology Student Association are not formally affiliated with the Department of Psychology, as they are independent Registered Student Organizations with an academic focus in the field of psychology.

Chinese Psychology Student Association - Hiring Leadership Members

The Chinese Psychology Student Association (CPSA) is currently recruiting new members and potential leaders for the organization. Candidates from all years are welcomed, Members will be in charge of content creation (article compose/video editing), event planning and public relation management on social media. 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 to join us. For more information, please email Yuwei Xia at [email protected].

Screening and Discussion of ANXIETY CLUB

• Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

• Time: 7:00 pm

• Cost: Free 

• Location: Willey Hall, Room 175

Dr. Liza Meredith and Psi Chi invite you to a special screening of ANXIETY CLUB, a new documentary that provides a humorous and heartfelt look at anxiety through the eyes of some of the most brilliant (and anxious) comedians working today. ANXIETY CLUB, which had its world premiere in November at DOC NYC film festival (the first of 30 festival invitations) and recently won a Mental Health America Media Award, follows Tiffany Jenkins – a comedian and author with millions of followers – as she undergoes exposure therapy. On Tuesday, October 14th, at 7 pm CT in 175 Willey Hall, we will host an in-person screening of the 86-minute film followed by a Q&A. 

Career Spotlight 

Public Opinion Surveyor 

Majoring or minoring in Psychology can pave the way for careers across various industries. This week, we're highlighting a career in Public Opinion Surveyors. They are people who take data from the general public regarding a plethora of issues. These can vary from larger political policies to certain decisions that companies are making about products or employee conduct. A public opinion surveyor will analyze the collected data and interpret that data in a way that people in charge of high-scale decision-making can deliver what the public wants. This is a type of research that can be done by interviewing a sample of people that parallel the larger target audience. Oftentimes the research done by public opinion surveyors goes into marketing or campaign strategies in order for political candidates and companies to stay in tune with what people deem important. It's possible to find work in this career path right out of high school depending on the specific sector, however, most positions typically require a Bachelors degree and often the starting point is to be a research assistant or junior analyst. To learn more about this career, visit our office for in-person career resources, or set up a meeting with us to discuss your post grad plans and goals!

Events

Health Careers Fair

• Date:  Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
• Time: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Great Hall Coffman Memorial Union

The Health Careers Fair is a great opportunity for students interested in health careers to explore degree programs, valuable experiential opportunities, and pre-health clubs on campus to start building their network. Student pre-registration for the 2025 Health Careers Fair is open on Handshake. Pre-registering ensures that you receive fair-related updates, event reminders, and other relevant information.

Join Graduate Admissions for a Virtual Information Session!

• Date:  Thursday, October 9th, 2025
• Time: 9:30 am & 2:30 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Virtual

Curious about graduate school? The Graduate Admissions Office hosts virtual information sessions for prospective applicants. These sessions are designed to provide general information about the process of applying to a graduate program and answer any questions you may have. These information sessions are intended for individuals in the early stages of applying to graduate school.

Professional and Academic Email Writing Workshop 

• Date:  Friday, October 10th, 2025
• Time: 12:20 pm - 1:10 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Virtual; Zoom link to register

Student English Language Support (SELS) and Career Services are collaborating to help international students successfully navigate professional & academic email writing. In this interactive workshop, you will learn about professional email etiquette, appropriate language to use in professional/academic emails, and how to concisely write all parts of a professional or academic email. Email Jane, UMN International Career Consultant, with any questions about this event at [email protected].

Native & Proud, Out & Loud: Celebrating Indigenous People’s Day and National Coming out Day

• Date:  Monday, October 13th, 2025
• Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Pattee Hall, Room 18

Join the GSC, COIN, American Indian Studies, the Women's Center, and OED Education Team in a joint celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day & National Coming Out Day on October 13th in Pattee Hall. This event is open to all UMN community members!

Screening and Discussion of ANXIETY CLUB

• Date: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025
• Time: 6:30 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: To Be Determined 

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is pleased to announce a screening of ANXIETY CLUB, a new documentary that provides a humorous and heartfelt look at anxiety through the eyes of some of the most brilliant (and anxious) comedians working today. On Tuesday, October 14th at 6:30 pm CT, we will host an in-person screening of the film, followed by a Q&A featuring the documentary’s director. 

University of Minnesota Graduate Programs Fair

• Date:  Tuesday, October 14th, 2025
• Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Great Hall Coffman Memorial Union

The Graduate School is proud to host this year’s Graduate School Fair in partnership with the TRIO McNair Scholars Program. The Fair offers opportunities to connect directly with graduate program representatives across the University of Minnesota. This event is open to all students—whether you are just beginning to think about graduate school or actively preparing applications. The University of Minnesota’s Department of Psychology will be representing Psychology Ph.D. programs! Register for the fair now!

Life Sciences Graduate School and Career Fair

• Date:  Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
• Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Great Hall Coffman Memorial Union

Looking to explore career and academic pathways in the life sciences? Attend the 2025 Life Sciences Graduate School & Career Fair hosted by the College of Biological Sciences. This career fair will connect you with companies and master's and PhD programs related to the life sciences, where you can learn how industry experience and/or an advanced degree can support your career goals. This fair is open to ALL UMN students and alumni. Student pre-registration is open on Handshake.

Department of Psychology - Interpersonal Relationships Research (IREL)

• Date:  Thursday, October 16th, 2025
• Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall, N219 & Zoom 

The Department of Psychology’s Interpersonal Relationships Research (IREL) is happy to announce Dr. Emma McGorray from Carlton College presentation on “Who Gets Me and Why? Examining Perceptions of Felt Understanding in the Context of Minority Stress”. Register on the Department of Psychology’s event website. 

Learning Abroad in France Drop-in Info Session

• Date:  Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025
• Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Peik Hall, Room 152

Meet Corrine Dumas from Montpellier to learn about two learning abroad programs: Education in France and Youth Development and Psychology in France. Drop in anytime to ask questions and explore opportunities. Staff from the Learning Abroad Center and Developmental Psychology Academic Advisor, Meghan Eliason, will also be there to provide more information.

Women in AI & Data Science (WiADS) Conference 2025

• Date:  Monday, November 3rd, 2025
• Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
• Cost: $45 in person, free for virtual attendance
• Location: McNamara Alumni Center

The Women in AI & Data Science (WiADS) Conference 2025 is coming on November 3, 2025! Join us at the McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, or online, for a day celebrating the voices shaping the future of AI and data science. All are welcome to attend. Register and learn more online.

Learning Abroad 

For additional information about learning abroad opportunities, refer to the Learning Abroad Center’s website.

National Student Exchange (NSE) - Apply for the 2025-2026 School Year!

Now is the time to plan your NSE exchange for Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, or Spring 2027! 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! Check out the 165+ NSE campuses available for exchange. Alaska, Hawaii, California, Maine, or anywhere in between...where do you want to go? NSE is affordable and accessible, and credits transfer back easily into your degree. Learn more at an NSE Info Session or email [email protected].  Begin your NSE application anytime. Now is the time to apply for Spring 2026. February 25th, 2026 is the priority application deadline for the 2026-2027 school year.

Graduate School

Columbia Occupational Therapy Info Sessions

• Date:  Tuesday, October 14th, 2025
• Time:  1:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Virtual Registration 

The Columbia University Programs in Occupational Therapy offer an entry level Masters Program as well as an accelerated MS/OTD program for our students and a part time online Post-Professional OTD program for working occupational therapists. Students who are interested in learning more about our entry level program can attend one of our virtual information sessions or sign up to sit in on an in person class on campus in New York City. Sign up for a 1:1 meeting with an admissions officer to answer any questions you have about the program. Sign up for office hours with an admissions officer. Reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.

Resources 

Culturally-Responsive Counseling Resource

The Collaboration for Psychological Wellness (CPW) is a mental health practice dedicated to serving college students, young adults, families, and marginalized communities through inclusive, culturally-responsive therapy. Their goal is to make mental health care more accessible and to ensure students and community members know these resources are available, especially during these tumultuous times. Here are some highlights of what CPW offers: complimentary consults (free!); therapy for individuals, couples, and families; BIPOC and immigrant therapists providing culturally-matched services; stress & trauma therapy; college/young adult therapy; and parenting support. They offer both in-person and telehealth options and are in-network with all major insurance providers. Book a free consultation and learn more online!

Become a Synapse Chapter Founder

Synapse empowers undergraduates to work together to improve the lives of individuals with brain injury across the nation. Synapse's student-led chapters collaborate with physicians and community organizations to run peer support groups and organize events providing opportunities for individuals with brain injury to connect and support one another, foster relationships between students and individuals with brain injury  through a structured buddy program, and organize lectures by physicians and researchers to spread awareness about brain injury. Synapse has established chapters across the country from MIT to UCLA.  Become a chapter founder to join a national network of student leaders and to support individuals with brain injury in your community. Applications open now through Monday, October 20th, 2025 at 1:59 am CST. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

National Latinx Psychological Association - 2025 Conference

The National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA) is a national organization of mental health professionals, academics, researchers, and students whose objective is to generate and advance psychological knowledge and foster its effective application for the benefit of the Latinx population. National Latinx Psychological Association’s (NLPA) mission is to advance psychological education and training, science, practice, and organizational change to enhance the health, mental health, and well-being of Hispanic/Latina/o populations. The 2025 NLPA Summit theme is Psychology at the Border, Resilience, Mental Health, and the Immigrant Journey.  For more information about the conference theme and the story behind it, please visit their website.

Job, Internship, & Engagement 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. Looking for Psychology Internships? Get Started with Our YouTube Tutorials!

*Paid Position* TNTLAB Undergraduate Research Assistant Opportunity

The Testing New Technologies in Learning, Assessment, and Behavior Lab (TNTLAB), led by Professor Richard Landers, is hiring motivated undergraduate research assistants for a paid position on a project examining virtual video interviews. Responsibilities include reviewing participant videos and ratings, attending weekly research meetings, and supporting other research tasks as assigned. Students must be available at least 15 hours per week, and preference will be given to those with an interest in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. To view the full job description and apply, please visit this link. For questions, contact Vivien Lee at [email protected]. This opportunity does NOT count toward fulfilling PSY 4/5993 credit. 

Student Writing Support is Hiring Writing Consultants

Student Writing Support is hiring Writing Consultants this fall! If you want to join a vibrant community of other people who love to talk about writing, this job is for you. Sophomores and juniors are invited to apply. The deadline for applications is Monday, October 20, 2025. Please read the full eligibility requirements for the position, and submit an application on Handshake.  

Support Staff

Support staff position located in New Brighton, MN for a sweet woman with Spina Bifida. Flexible scheduling, 22+ an hour, and bonus opportunities! Hiring multiple candidates. Apply now! Must have transportation, no back issues, non-smoking, comfortable with dogs. Review more about the position on Google Documents! If you are interested in this position, reach out to Andrea McKee at 651-274-3574.

Full-Time Psychometrist - Minnesota Epilepsy Group 

The Minnesota Epilepsy Group has one position available for a psychometrist with a start date by fall 2025 or as negotiated. Responsibilities and expectations of the position include; administration of batteries of neuropsychological tests to adult and/or pediatric patients, primarily in an outpatient clinic setting, as well as hospital settings. Includes face-to-face administration of standardized tests of intelligence, academic skills, attention, memory, language, and other cognitive skills, as well as self-report measures of behavior and emotional functioning; accurate and timely scoring of neuropsychological tests using appropriate normative data and guidelines provided by neuropsychologists; observation and detailed recording of patient behavior during testing sessions; clerical tasks including file keeping, inventory management, supply ordering, and budget keeping. To be eligible for this position, you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience or related field.  Candidates with experience in healthcare settings or research with human subjects are preferred. Training provided. Those who are interested in applying should submit a letter of introduction and resume/CV to: [email protected].

Full-Time Research Assistant Opportunity Minneapolis VA Health Care System

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is seeking a Full-Time Research Assistant to support a variety of Industry-sponsored and VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) clinical research studies. This position is based on-site at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and will work under the direction of Dr. Areef Ishani, Principal Investigator and Srihari Raju, Program Manager. The primary purpose of this position is to provide research and administrative support for the team's current ongoing projects which are a mixture of VA sponsored trials and industry trials (pharmaceutical sponsors). A significant portion of this role involves participant recruitment and telephone outreach. The Research Assistant will also be responsible for obtaining informed consent, conducting study visits, performing study assessments, and supporting day-to-day research operations. To be considered for this position, please submit your CV/resume, and educational transcripts to Presley Clark at [email protected].