Psych Scoop, 5/13/25

Psychology Advising Announcements

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

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Summer Psych Scoop Schedule

The summer schedule for the Psych Scoop is bi-weekly. Announcements will be sent out every two weeks. The summer Psych Scoop schedule will start on June 3rd. 

Summer Session Courses Still Available

We still have a handful of summer courses available for enrollment at this time. Courses that still have summer availability include: PSY 1001: Intro to Psych, PSY 3801: Intro to Psych Stats, PSY 3001W: Intro to Research Methods, PSY 3031: Sensation and Perception, PSY 3051: Cognitive Psychology, PSY 3206: Health Psychology, PSY 3511: Counseling, PSY 3604: Psychopathology, PSY 3666: Human Sexuality, and PSY 4521: Stress and Trauma. As a reminder, all summer courses are online, and start on June 9th.

Psychology Engagement Award - Summer Applications Open

Are you taking Summer classes & also volunteering in your community? 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 enrolled psychology majors who engage in unpaid learning experiences beyond the University campus and classroom environments (i.e., unpaid internships, volunteer experiences, or a study abroad containing a psych-related internship). Up to two awards of $500 will be offered for Summer 2025. The application deadline is Monday, June 9th. For details about the awards and application materials, please visit our webpage.

Events

Free Thursday Meals at Coffman Memorial Union

• Date:  Thursday, May 15, 2025
• Time: 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm CT
• Location: Coffman Memorial Union - (Room 103A behind the Goldy Gopher statue)

Free, chef-prepared to-go meals are available to any University of Minnesota student. Meals are provided through a partnership between Kitchen Coalition (a program of Second Harvest Heartland), the Campus Club, and Swipe Out Hunger.

PAWS in the Summer!

• Date:  Wednesday, May 21, 2025
• Time: 11:00 am CT
• Cost: UMN Student (bring student ID) - Free; Community members - $13 - $15
• Location: Coffman Memorial Union - Mississippi Room, 3rd floor

Boynton Health’s PAWS (Pet Away Worry & Stress) sessions feature registered therapy animal teams—including dogs, bunnies, cats, chickens, and other therapy animals as available. Sessions are FREE and open to the University of Minnesota community. All are welcome!

Sci Pride 2025

• Date:  Saturday, June 14, 2025
• Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm CT
• Cost: UMN Student (bring student ID) - Free; Community members - $13 - $15
• Location: Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113

Celebrate Pride when we center the work of LGBTQIA+ scientists and allies at the Bell Museum! Meet researchers and experience their work through hands-on activities for all ages around the museum. This public program is open to all. Spotlight Science is a regular program that shines a light on current science conducted at the University of Minnesota and in our community. Drop in to join researchers, students, and special guests for conversations and unique interactive experiences. This is an in-person event at the Bell Museum. Activities and events will be held throughout the museum and are included in the cost of regular admission.

Non-Carceral Harm Reduction Seminar: Introduction to The Impacts of Carceral Systems and How We Can Do Better

• Date:  Sunday, June 22, 2025
• Time: 2:00 pm CT
• Cost: Sliding scale $50 - $110 - Some Scholarships Available
• Location: Virtual

Traditional mental health practices seek to keep people alive at all costs - on one hand, this makes complete sense, as lives have value and we want people to live those valued lives. On the other hand, interventions such as wellness checks and forced hospitalization often escalate mental health crises and increase trauma. How can we do better for each other? Learn with us! Questions may be directed to Ash Parker at [email protected].

Courses of Interest

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

PSY 3960: Undergraduate Seminar in Psychology - 1 Credit

Psychology Research Preparation Course - a part of the Department of Psychology's Pathways Program. 

• Course: Second Half of Term Course - Mondays, 4:00 - 5:40 pm CT
• 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. Email Maya at [email protected] or [email protected] to request a permission number to enroll!

PSY 5960-002: Topics in Psychology - Drugs of Abuse - Brain and Behavior - Fall 2025 

• Course: Tuesdays & Thursdays - 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm CT 
• Location: Elliott Hall N119
• Instructor: Kurt Fraser

Drugs of Abuse - Brain and Behavior This course will provide an overview of the major behavioral and neurobiological aspects of drugs of abuse, how they function, why humans use and abuse drugs, and contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches to studying substance use disorders. This course is intended for upper-level undergraduates interested in neuropsychopharmacology, medicine, and psychiatry. No formal requirements, but one or more of PSY 3011, 3031, 3051, 3061, or NSCI 3101, 3102W or BIOL 3211 are recommended. Undergraduate students should register for PSY 5960-002. 

PSY 5960-004: Topics in Psychology - Visual Hallucinations and Illusions - Fall 2025 

• Course: Fridays - 11:15 am - 1:45 pm CT 
• Location: Elliott Hall N423
• Instructor: Steve Engel

This course will cover how, when, and why we perceive things that are not there. Specifically we will discuss the nature and origin of visual hallucinations and "positive" illusions, in which things are perceived that do not appear to have a clear origin in the external world. We will discuss both behavioral experiments that measure both what hallucinations look like and neuroscience experiments that attempt to uncover how our brains produce them.

Research

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

*Credit* DSCN Undergraduate Research Assistant Openings - Summer 2025

The Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab is looking for responsible, motivated, and detail-oriented students to volunteer in their lab for credit. Their research focuses on development of executive function skills including attention, working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and reflection in children. The DSCN Lab has several studies looking for help with data management, survey and assessment administration, data analysis, literature reviews, and other tasks. There may be opportunities to assist with EEG data collection. In addition, students can attend weekly lab meetings. Please refer to the application or email DSCN lab managers at [email protected] to be considered.

*Credit* CFL Lab Recruitment for The CARPE DIEM Study - Summer 2025

The Culture and Family Life Lab, directed by Dr. Gail Ferguson, is conducting an exciting study in collaboration with the Early Language and Experience Lab and the Child Behavior and Perception Lab. The CARPE DIEM Study is an antiracist parenting intervention study for White parents of young children. We are seeking new research assistants (RAs) who identify as White to help conduct family visits with families who come to our lab on weekday afternoons/evenings (3:30-7:30) and on weekends (Saturdays/Sundays) during the Summer and Fall semesters. RAs will register for at least 3-4 credits of CPSY 4994 (equivalent to 9-12 hours weekly) or volunteer for a similar amount of time. NOTE: After RAs are trained and error-free, it is possible to arrange to conduct summer family visits from a confidential location in your home. To apply, please complete the online RA application and direct any questions to [email protected]. Apply now for priority consideration!

*Volunteer or Credit* Early Language and Experience Lab Seeking Research Assistants - Summer 2025

The Early Language and Experience Lab, directed by Dr. Melissa Koenig, is looking for undergraduate RAs to join the lab this summer! At the ELE Lab, we investigate how infants and young children learn from what other people tell them. We think this is an important question because so much of what we know comes from other people - through direct conversations, from overhearing others, from reading books and newspapers, to using the internet and television. From the many words offered by their parents and others, children learn about language, social values, past and future events, what town they live in, the names of their parents, the geography of the world, scientific discoveries, and many other domains that play important roles in their lives. For a description of current projects that are ongoing in the lab, check out our lab website. If you're interested in working in the lab this summer, fill out the interest form. Questions about the position may be directed to Yeonju Suh at [email protected]. 

*Volunteer* Minneapolis VA Volunteer Research Opportunity - Summer 2025

Dr. Nicholas Davenport, PhD is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our resarch team at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System as a volunteer clinical research assistant starting in May 2025, with an opportunity to eventually transition into a paid position. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in clinical psychology, neuroscience, or the intersection between neuropsychology. The individual will be working on the LIMBIC-CENC multisite study, which examines active military and Veteran populations to learn about how mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affects the brain over time, including the development or progression of various conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dementia. This will be an in-person part-time volunteer position. If interested, please email your resume/CV, unofficial transcript, and a cover letter to Jada Loleng at [email protected] with the subject line "Volunteer Research Assistant - Your Name". Questions may be directed to Jada Loleng (study coordinator) at [email protected] or [email protected].

*Volunteer* Undergraduate Research Opportunity: Youth Mental Health - Summer 2025

We are looking for undergraduate students to volunteer in Dr. Meredith Gunlicks-Stoessel’s research lab this summer. Students would primarily be working on a study evaluating youth and caregiver attitudes about mental health services, barriers, and preferences for types of services. Participation would involve collecting surveys from families attending county fairs in rural Minnesota communities and the Minnesota State Fair as part of the UMN Driven to Discover (D2D) Research Program. All expenses, including mileage, hotel, and food will be covered. There may be opportunities to continue to work on other research projects into the 2025-2026 academic year. To apply, please send a cover letter including GPA and resume to [email protected].

*Volunteer or Credit* CPSY 4994 Gunnar Lab Seeking Research Assistants

The Gunnar Lab at the Institute of Child Development is looking for research assistants to start summer or fall 2025 semester. Our research focus is on stress and effects of early life experiences in children, teens, and young adults. We have a few research projects seeking dedicated research assistants who can commit to 3-9 hours per week. Tasks may include recruitment, scheduling research visits, in-person data collection, and remote work. Students fluent in Spanish are encouraged to apply. Students can earn 1-3 credits for CPSY 4994. To learn more about this position, please send your CV/resume and a short introduction to Bao Moua at [email protected] to be considered.

*Volunteer or Credit* Machine Learning/AI in Bipolar Disorders Research Study

Dr. Urosevic is seeking highly motivated and detail-oriented research assistants (RA's) (sophomore/junior standing) for a study using machine-learning/AI algorithms and smartphone app data to predict future mood and functioning in adults with bipolar disorders. Credit and volunteer positions available. Responsibilities include participant recruitment/retention, data collection/management, and learning about digital phenotyping methods in psychopathology research. RA's will also attend lab meetings and have an opportunity to develop independent research questions based on their interests and available data. Past RA's have authored poster presentations and contributed to manuscript submissions. Competitive applicants will have strong interest in pursuing graduate-level education and an excellent academic record. You must be a US citizen to apply. Contact Helen Frieman by email at [email protected] and attach an unofficial transcript, a cover letter, and a resume.

*Volunteer or Credit* Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research

The Minnesota Center for Eating Disorders Research (MCEDR) at the University of Minnesota Medical School 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 a strong academic record. The deadline is on a rolling basis. To apply, you must complete the interest form. Any questions can be directed to Emma Rasmussen at [email protected].

Resources 

Pre-Law Modules to Explore this Summer!

Check out the Pre-Law 101 Module. 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. The Applying to Law School module is intended for those who have completed the Pre-Law 101 module and want more details on the application process. It outlines every element of the application process and how to get assistance and support.

NextGen Psych Scholars Program is Opening Recruitment for 2025-2026!

Are you interested in applying to a psychology PhD program? Join the NextGen Psych Scholars Program! The NextGen Psych Scholars Program is a mentorship program for the underrepresented undergraduates and post-baccalaureates interested in psychology PhD programs. If you are interested in joining for 2025-2026, fill out the application. All are welcome to apply but priority admittance to the program will go towards students from underrepresented groups. Please note that this program is focused specifically on psychology PhD programs; if you are interested in mentorship for other types of programs (e.g. MA or PsyD) this program will likely not meet your needs. Notifications for acceptance into the program will go out by 07/01/2024. For additional information, visit the NextGen Psych Scholars 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!

Americorps Opportunities

Kickstart your career with AmeriCorps! Americorps offer paid service opportunities for current students and recent graduates. If you want to boost your resume and take action in Minnesota communities, apply now! They offer positions lasting up to one year with benefits like professional development, training, money for tuition and student loans, and more! Positions are currently available in fields like conservation, public health, education, and affordable housing. Visit the Americorps website to learn more or find them on Handshake.                

Be The Change: Volunteer at Walk-In Counseling Center!

Walk-In provides free, no-appointment, anonymous counseling every weekday. It is also the only clinic in the world (that we know of) that uses volunteer professional clinicians and advanced graduate students to serve clients. We’ve been in operation since 1969, so we know what we’re doing. Best of all, during our counseling clinics we require no appointment. You can volunteer remotely as a Spanish Language Assistant on the Spanish-voicemail line! Spanish voicemail line assistants provide an important service to an underserved client population in the community! To learn more about the Spanish Language Assistant position or if you have any questions, please contact Pang Chang, Director of Volunteers, [email protected].

Direct Care Professional

ACR Homes is hiring psychology students to become Direct Care Professionals! Apply today for positions starting anytime in the next 6 months! You would work in a home setting alongside a co-worker to care for 4 people who have disabilities. You will get the chance to gain Direct Patient Care Hours by caring for the medical, emotional, and physical needs of the residents as well as enjoying fun activities with them on your shifts. ACR is flexible for students, we only ask for 2 shifts/week, but you could work more. Starting pay is $15.50-$21.50/hr depending on the shift you work. We have locations near campus, and you don't need to have a car! On top of all of that, we offer optional custom research-based internships that end with a letter of recommendation from our CEO who is a licensed psychologist. We are doing interviews 30 min Zoom interviews now to secure your spot. You pick your start date. Contact Kayla Wildes at [email protected] if you are interested in applying!