Psych Scoop 12/31/24

Psychology Advising Announcements

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

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Happy New Year's Eve! 

We at PsyAdvis wish you a Happy New Year! As we gear up for the Spring semester, plan ahead and schedule a meeting with us! If you have any questions about courses, planning, or post-grad, we are happy to help! See you next year!

Psychology Engagement Award - Spring 2025 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 2025. The application deadline is Wednesday, February 5th (12:00 pm CST). For details about the awards and application materials, visit our webpage.

Apply for the 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. Applications will be reviewed starting in early December, with acceptances communicated on a rolling basis throughout the Winter Break. The application should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Events

International Student Mental-Wellbeing Event

• Date:  Tuesday, January 28, 2025
• Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall, Room N219 

The President's Initiative for Student Mental Health (PRISMH) is inviting undergraduate international students to participate in an event for a research study focused on improving the mental well-being of international students. As part of this study, we have developed educational materials designed specifically to support international students' mental health, and we are seeking your feedback. There will be free food and compensation. RSVP Required! Reach out to Will Greenberg at [email protected]. 

Latinos For Psychology!

• Date:  Thursday, January 30, 2025
• Time: 5:00 pm CT
• Cost: Free
• Location: Elliott Hall, Room S160

Are you a Latino or Hispanic student interested in the subjects of mental health or psychology? Latinos for psychology is a new club starting up this spring! LFP aims to create a community for psychology majors in addition to starting larger conversations about mental health. All are welcome! Follow @latinosforpsych on Instagram for updates and email [email protected] with any questions.

Courses of Interest

For more detailed information on each of these courses, refer to Schedule Builder.

PSY 5960 - Topics in Psychology: Psychology, Pandemics and Climate Change

• When: Fridays from 9:05 am – 11:35 am
• Location: Elliott Hall, Room N639 
• Instructor: Iris Donga Vilares

In this class, they will discuss some of the biggest challenges the world is facing nowadays (Climate change; and pandemics) and what psychology can do to help. We will address underlying reasons why people behave the way they do and discuss ways of constructing environments and incentives such as to promote behavior that addresses the common good. They will also discuss how psychology, climate change, and the pandemic influence and are influenced by each other. This class will be interdisciplinary and combine decision-making and game theory with Biology, Economics, and Social and Cognitive Psychology. At the end of the class, students should be able to understand the crucial role of psychology in addressing major world challenges and be equipped with scientifically principled tools to help solve them. Read more about course details on Schedule Builder. 

Prerequisites: Junior, Senior, or Grad Student

Note: This course may count to fulfill a psychology elective requirement for the Psychology BA or BS major. If you are pursuing a minor in psychology and are interested in taking this course, email [email protected]. 

PSY 4861 - Measurement: Quantifying Individual Differences for Research and Applications

• When: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 11:15 am – 12:30 pm (150 minutes)
• Location: Online 
• Instructor: David Weiss

“Garbage in—Garbage out” is a long-standing maxim of those who develop psychological measuring instruments, as well as some data analysts who are aware of the role of measurement in the data analysis enterprise. This maxim means that if you have poor measurements—the numbers that are used in all statistical procedures—your resulting statistical analyses will also be of poor quality. No amount of manipulation of poor numbers will enable useful findings to result from bad measurements. The purpose of this course is to sensitize you to the issues involved in creating good psychological measurements, which then allow the use of basic and advanced statistical methods to extract meaning from numerical data. To accomplish this objective, we begin with a discussion of why we measure (answer: because people differ on every psychological characteristic) and the role of measurement in science. This will lead us to consider how, in the framework of the scientific method, psychological observations are converted into numbers so they can be used in both research and applications of psychology in clinics, schools, businesses, industry, and elsewhere. Read more about course details on Schedule Builder. The course is offered online at scheduled times (11:15-12:30, T, Th). However, all classes will be recorded within Zoom and the recordings will be available later the same day. Therefore, if you have another class at the same time, you can enroll in this course with special permission and view the lectures at any time.

Prerequisites: Psy 3001W/3001V, Psy 3801/3801H, or equivalent 

Note: This course does count within the Psychology major or minor program requirements. This course may count to fulfill a distribution C or psychology elective requirement.

PSY 3960 - Undergraduate Seminar in Psychology: Psychology Research Preparation Course - Key part of the Department of Psychology's Pathways Program

• When: (Second Half of Term class) Mondays from 4:00 pm - 5:40 pm 
• Location: Elliott Hall N639 
• Instructor: Maya Rogers ([email protected]) and Emily Saks ([email protected])

Joining a research lab can be a fun way to enhance undergraduate education in psychology. However, getting involved is not always straightforward. This course is designed to help first- through third-year students with all levels of experience learn more about research and develop skills that will support success in future research placements, such as a PSY 5993 course. We will cover a broad range of topics including different career paths in research, preparation of 5993 application materials, how to look for scientific articles, and different expectations that labs may have. Throughout these topics, we will emphasize issues of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in science. We hope to provide opportunities for students from all backgrounds to explore how personal identity can play a meaningful role in the research experience. A permission number is required to enroll; please contact [email protected] for information.

Note: PSY 3960 may be used as 1 Elective Credit in the Psychology Major.

Research

To register for PSY 4993 or 5993 credit, view the registration requirements on the Psychology Undergraduate Advising Website.

*Credit* Research Opportunity - Dr. Whitney Ringwald

Our lab is conducting research at the intersection of personality and clinical psychology and is seeking PSY5993 students. We aim to understand patterns of behavior that account for how people differ from each other and why some people have better or worse mental health. To answer these questions, we use methods that involve having people report their experiences using smartphones as they go about their everyday lives and by collecting data from smartphone sensors (e.g., GPS, calls). More information about our research can be found on Whitney Ringwald’s Google Scholar page. Students will learn about conducting research in weekly meetings, participate in study design/data collection, perform literature reviews, and complete an original study as a group. Ideal applicants are interested in pursuing a research career. Please apply through this Google Form. Applications must be submitted by January 6th, 2025  and select candidates will be contacted for interviews the week of January 13th.  Email Whitney Ringwald at [email protected] with questions.

*Credit* Health Disparities and Social Psychology Research Experience Opportunity

The HIES Lab is seeking two detail-oriented undergraduates who are interested in studying racism and homophobia, biological race essentialism, and health disparities. Students will have the opportunity to engage in various stages of the research process based on their interests and skills, including literature reviews, recruitment and data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. If publishable findings emerge from these projects, students will, based on prior agreements and their level of contribution, be credited as co-authors on any resulting conference presentations or journal articles. Students can earn 3 credits for PSY 5993 and will attend weekly meetings to discuss research progress, findings, and academic and career goals. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in psychology, social work, or healthcare. Interested students should send a copy of their CV to [email protected] and can direct any questions to the same email. Learn more about the HIES Research Lab and Team online. 

*Credit or Volunteer* Research Intern For a Brain Neuromodulation Project in Addiction - Psychiatry Department

The volunteer research position will assist in research conducted at the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department. The Department is currently actively recruiting participants for addiction research studies. Research participants are enrolled in a treatment program for alcohol and substance use disorders. Responsibilities will include working: on literature reviews, regular meetings via Zoom, MRI assistance, and administering transcranial direct current stimulation. This research is under the direction of Dr. Jazmin Camchong. Candidates must be able to work independently, detail-oriented, and willing to develop new skills. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; comfortable using basic computer programs and web applications. Candidates must be pursuing a degree in Psychology or a related field, and willing to commit 9-10 hours per week for a minimum of 12 months post-training. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Clarista Berg, [email protected]. 

*Credit or Volunteer* Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research

The Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research (MCEDR) at the University of Minnesota is looking for driven students and recent graduates to volunteer in our lab. MCEDR's volunteer and for-credit research assistants gain exposure to eating disorders and clinical research through their involvement with current research projects and educational seminars. Tasks can include tDCS, clinical diagnostic interview assessments, data entry/cleaning/analysis, recruitment, in-vivo laboratory-based "test meals", fMRI data collection, and more. RA's will also attend lab meetings and have an opportunity to develop independent research questions based on their interests and available data. Competitive applicants will have a strong interest in pursuing graduate-level education and an excellent academic record. The deadline is on a rolling basis. To apply please visit the Google Form. Any questions can be directed to [email protected] or 612-625-1542. 

*CPSY Credit* Firearm Violence Study in the Child Wellbeing Lab

Dr. Canan Karatekin's Child Wellbeing Lab is looking for highly motivated undergraduate students to assist with an exciting new research project! Firearm violence is the leading cause of death of American children, but research is only beginning to emerge on how it affects children's mental health, and what strategies are most effective for prevention and intervention. We are planning to conduct a scoping review on the state of child firearm violence and prevention research to understand where research efforts are being directed, the impact this research has, and what recommendations are being offered. As a member of this study team, you will gain experience learning how to systematically analyze research articles by developing and applying coding schemes, conducting data analysis, and integrating results into a research manuscript. If interested, please send your CV/ resume, unofficial transcript, and a short introduction to Rachel Kritzik at [email protected]. Thank you!

Summer & Fall 2025 UROP Deadline 

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides University of Minnesota undergraduates from every college, major, and discipline, the opportunity to partner with a faculty member on research or creative projects. The next deadline to apply for an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) award is March 17, 2025, for Summer & Fall 2025 projects. Research experience is important no matter what your discipline! The OUR staff is happy to help you get started. Not sure where to start? Go to peer drop-in hours to demystify the research process. They can help you figure out how to get started with research, go over the next steps, and answer general questions.

Learning Abroad

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

Learning Abroad Research Opportunity - University of Limerick

Are you interested in a unique learning abroad research experience next summer? The Honors program and Learning Abroad Center are launching an opportunity for 8 weeks of mentored research at the University of Limerick in June and July 2025, working with a University of Limerick faculty member. The course is open to all UMN students. For interested psychology students, find out more about this opportunity through the Google Document which outlines details of the experience.

New Learning Abroad Center Scholarship

The Learning Abroad Center has a new scholarship for first-generation college students. This award for first-generation undergraduate students covers airfare and $1,000 toward the cost of a student's program. The award is an early planning award, so recipients can use the award for a program offered any term starting the fall semester after they receive the award. Applications are now live and due February 12, 2025. Learn more about the award on the Learning Abroad Center website. 

Resources 

CLA Internship Scholarship 

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). The CLA Internship Scholarship Application for Spring 2025 unpaid internships will stay open until January 12, 2025, at 11:59 PM Central. Learn more about these opportunities online. 

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.

National Student Exchange (NSE) Info Sessions

Apply Now to do NSE during 2025-2026! National Student Exchange (NSE) offers study away to colleges and universities throughout the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for a summer, semester, or year. NSE offers 170+ campuses to choose from. Meet new people, see new places, take new classes, and expand your horizons! NSE is affordable and we will make sure your credits transfer back to the U of M. Learn more at an NSE Info Session. Start your NSE application today! Questions about NSE can be directed to David Holliday at [email protected]. 

Engagement Opportunities

U of M Women's Health Research Conference

The U of M Women's Health Research Conference, which will be held on February 13, is now accepting poster abstract submissions for completed research, policy projects, and preliminary research or works-in-progress with relevance to women's health, gender health, and/or sex-differences research. The submission deadline for award consideration is January 20, 2025.

2025 Summer Internship Program with Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health

The Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health represents a network of faculty and programs focused on research and capacity building around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the number of mental health professionals falls far from meeting the needs of communities. The eight-week Summer Internship Program allows intellectually curious undergraduate students to participate in a range of didactic seminars, network with professionals working in health fields assist Columbia staff and faculty with innovative research projects, and build meaningful relationships with other students. Internship positions are selected on a competitive basis and open to rising senior undergraduate students interested in global mental health. In the past, the Undergraduate Summer Internship Program has attracted applicants with a wide range of academic interests (e.g. policy, gender studies, medicine). We are open to all majors. The 2025 Summer Internship Program application is now open and can be accessed on their website. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025, at 5 pm EST. Any questions can be directed to [email protected].

Become an Orientation Leader! 

Summer 2025 OL applications are now open! Orientation Leaders create an inclusive environment for 6,900 first-year and 1,200 transfer students during New Student Orientation and Welcome Week, easing transitions for students and families while developing leadership skills and shaping the University of Minnesota’s incoming class. To apply to become an Orientation Leader, please apply through the application!

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.

Peer Psychology Subject Tutor- Lindahl Academic Center

Psychology peer tutors are needed for recurring weekly small group sessions. Paid positions with flexible availability are open to both graduate and undergraduate students. Those interested can find more information and apply on our website. Please direct any questions to Adam Demchak at [email protected].

Summer 2025 Psychology Internship - Northwestern University

The summer psychology internship at Northwestern University is now accepting applications! The 2025 internship will run as a partnership with the Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) at Northwestern from June 16th to August 8th. Applications are being accepted until February 10th, 2025 through SROP. Two Faculty Recommendations are needed, so planning is important! To be considered for acceptance into SROP, you must be a current sophomore or junior, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have an interest in pursuing a doctoral degree at Northwestern University. Those interested in pursuing an MBA, JD, or MD are not eligible. Those belonging to groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in graduate education (e.g., certain racial and ethnic minorities, women in STEM, first-generation college students, etc.) are encouraged to apply.