Psych Scoop, 5/14/24

May 14, 2024

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. Summer Psych Scoop Schedule

The Summer Schedule for the Psych Scoop is bi-weekly. Announcements will be sent out every two weeks.

2. Psychology Engagement Award - Summer Applications Now Open

Are you taking classes & volunteering in your community this summer? 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 2024. The application deadline is Monday, June 17th. For details about the awards and application materials, visit our webpage.

3. Summer Session Courses Still Available

We have a handful of summer courses still available for enrollment at this time. Courses that still have summer availability include PSY 1001: Intro to Psych, PSY 3011: Learning and Behavior, PSY 3031: Sensation and Perception, PSY 3051: Cognitive Psychology, PSY 3206: Health Psychology, PSY 3604: Psychopathology, and PSY 4521: Stress and Trauma. As a reminder, all summer courses are online and these courses start on June 3rd.

4. Student Position in Psychology Department - PSY 1001 Lecture Recording Support Tech

The Department of Psychology is looking for a reliable and punctual UMN student to support the PSY 1001 (Intro to Psychology) lecture streaming and recording. The student must be available M, W, and F from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm at Willey Hall (West Bank TC campus) during the Fall (and ideally Spring) semester. Hourly pay is $16.50. To view this job description, visit here. To apply, please visit the U of M Job Website and enter Job ID 360929. All questions can be directed to Silke Moeller at smoeller@umn.edu and Liza Meredith at mere0032@umn.edu.

Events

5. Sci Pride 2024

Saturday, June 29, 2024, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm CST
Cost: Free
Location: Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113

The Bell Museum will once again be celebrating the scientific contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community at the University of Minnesota, in partnership with the College of Food Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, the School of Public Health, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the UMN Office of Equity and Diversity. We will celebrate Pride and showcase the work of LGBTQIA+ scientists at the Spotlight Science: Sci Pride event at the Bell Museum on Saturday, June 29, 2024, 10 am - 2 pm. We invite LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and research staff across the University to share their science through fun, hands-on activities and demonstrations at this all-ages open-house event. You can learn more about the monthly Spotlight Science series here, and you can view a presentation on translating your work into engaging activities for the public here. If you are interested in showcasing your work, please fill out this interest form. Responses are requested by Friday, May 31. Questions? Contact Kelsey Griffin (griff538@umn.edu), Bell Museum Gallery Programs Coordinator.

Courses of Interest

6. PSY 5960-001: Topics in Psychology - Socio-Cultural Psychology - Fall 2024 (3 credits)

This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to general theories and methods in socio-cultural psychology. The course examines how social environment and culture shape psychological and physiological functioning, along with the cyclical nature of these relationships. Together, we will focus on specific topics that bridge sociocultural psychology and identity, including group and identity formation, stereotyping, prejudice, stigma, intergroup contact, and multiculturalism. We will also focus on how diverse aspects of humans’ day-to-day lives - including social relationships, cognitive processes, basic visual perception, judgments of morality, and mental illness - both differ and are constant across cultures. Last, we will place special emphasis on critiquing research methods and analyzing real-world treatments of culture based on topics covered in the course. This course has a significant and sustained emphasis on diversity, power, and justice issues.

PSY 5960-001 will meet in Elliott Hall N391, Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:45 am- 11:00 am CST

Instructor: Dr. Drexler James

Note: This course counts as elective credit for the Psychology majors. If you are a minor, please email us at psyadvis@umn.edu about the course.

7. PSY 5960-002: Topics in Psychology - Brain, Reward, and Motivation - Fall 2024 (3 credits)

Can activities like video games or gambling be addictive? What do designers of apps and rewards programs do to make you decide to use their product more than you would otherwise? Does something have to be rewarding for you to do it? This course is aimed at providing an overview of the concepts of reward, motivation, learning, and decision-making, and understanding the brain circuits and molecules that support these processes. We will have a combination of lectures, readings, and discussions on our current scientific understanding of reward and motivation across species, and compare the science to pop culture claims about the brain, memes about dopamine, and ways in which modern apps and video games design take advantage of these insights.

PSY 5960-002 will meet in Elliott Hall N668, Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:15 am- 12:30 pm CST

Instructor: Dr. Nicola Grissom

Note: This course counts as elective credit for the Psychology majors. If you are a minor, please email us at psyadvis@umn.edu about the course.

Resources

8. Join Career STAR this summer!

Culture Corps Career STAR is a 7-session career skill development workshop series for undergraduate international students. This program is designed to help develop the necessary skills needed to obtain internships, and jobs after graduation, and plan for graduate school. Expand your network and development through this program where you can connect and learn with international student peers, professionals in the community, and international alumni who have graduated. The Career STAR Program will meet online 7 times within June and July, for 45-minute workshops. To achieve completion of the program we expect you will attend at least 5 out of 7 sessions. Learn more and apply here. The deadline to apply is June 7, and applications will be reviewed as received. Email Jane, UMN International Career Consultant, with any questions about the program at sitt0036@umn.edu.

9. Free Student Tickets for The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Thanks to generous funding from a small group of individual donors, tickets to regular SPCO concerts are free for students of all ages. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra is committed to sharing the music we play with the broadest possible audience in our community. We believe music has the power to inspire, challenge, move, and uplift and that everyone, including young people, deserves the opportunity to experience transformational performances. Free tickets for students expand access to the arts, making it easier than ever to experience SPCO concerts. To view the requirements to receive free tickets, click here!

10. Share Your Internship Story

Completing an internship is a great accomplishment and exemplifies the core career competency of Career Management. Other students in CLA can benefit from hearing about your internship success story! If you are interested in sharing your internship experience, please fill out this form!

11. National Student Exchange - Availability for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

National Student Exchange (NSE) is a consortium of U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota. Students who attend a school within the NSE consortium can go on exchange to any other member school. That means students can go on exchange for a semester, summer, or year to schools all over the United States (including Hawaii and Puerto Rico), as well as Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada! NSE provides academic opportunities and adventure. Imagine the academic choices students have when they can access courses from 190 schools! Think of the adventure, the diversity students can find among classmates and professors in new regions and the cultural and geographical differences they can explore. NSE offers a unique chance to enhance and expand their personal and academic horizons. Questions about NSE can be directed to David Holliday at holli107@umn.edu.

12. It's Fulbright Time - Application Open!

The Fulbright US Student Program has opened its application for the 2025-26 academic year. Rising seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students are invited to apply for awards that support independent research, graduate study, and English language instruction in countries around the world. Recent University of Minnesota students have received Fulbright Awards to study for graduate degrees in coastal ecosystems in Galway, Ireland, cultural studies in Istanbul, psychology in the Netherlands, and plant science in East Anglia, England. Students require an interview with a campus committee and an institutional assessment to complete their applications. Undergraduates and alumni interested in applying in the current cycle should contact ONIS at natschol@umn.edu to make arrangements. Graduate students should contact the Graduate College Fellowships Office at gradfellow@umn.edu. Both offices will be holding information sessions and workshops over the next months to help students prepare competitive applications. The campus deadline for submitting applications is August 28. Campus interviews will be conducted in September and final applications must be submitted by October 8. Visit the Office of Undergraduate Education for more information about the program.

Graduate School

13. The NextGen Psych Scholars Program is Recruiting

NextGen Psych Scholars Program is opening recruitment for 2024-2025! Please sign up if you hope to be a mentee or mentor for the next year. Please also share widely with your friends/professors/casual acquaintances! The goal of the NextGen Psych Scholars Program (NPSP) is to cultivate long-term support structures between diverse undergrad or post-baccalaureate mentees and current graduate students and post-docs to 1)embrace and celebrate the unique journeys that have led current graduate students to pursue a PhD and 2) to inspire and empower the next generation of scholars while enhancing feelings of belongingness in academia. In addition to outlining the process of applying to graduate school, a significant amount of time will be spent discussing how to both challenge and navigate the “hidden curriculum” (e.g. networking, advocating for yourself) of academia. Mentees are paired with current graduate students and post-docs to discuss their graduate school plans and workshop application materials. Prospective students at all stages of the process, from contemplation to application, are invited. If you are interested in joining for 2024-2025, please fill out our application by June 15th at 12:00 pm. All are welcome to apply but priority admittance to the program will go towards students from underrepresented groups. Notifications for acceptance into the program will go out by July 1st, 2024.

14. PhD in Behavioral and Community Sciences

The PhD in Behavioral & Community Sciences is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to conduct research to enhance the quality of life and productivity of individuals with social, emotional, academic, and behavioral challenges (e.g., mental illness, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, developmental delays and disabilities, and behavior disorders) and socio-cultural challenges (e.g., poverty, disparities, homelessness). Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early in order to ensure full consideration for scholarships and other funding opportunities that may have deadlines earlier than the final application deadline. The priority deadline for submission of applications for Fall 2024 admission from domestic and international students is December 15th, 2024. Interested individuals must apply directly to the University of South Florida Graduate School Admissions Office using the Online Graduate Application. For further information, contact Dr. Howard Goldstein at hgoldstein@usf.edu or 813-974-9613, or Allie Montoya at montoya1@usf.edu or 913-974-1990.

Research

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

15. *Credit* Research Opportunity in the Early Math and Numeracy Lab

The Early Math and Numeracy Lab at the Institute of Child Development seeks several detail-oriented, motivated research assistants (RAs) to engage in our research projects during the 2024/25 academic year. Our lab focuses on preschoolers' and adults' numerical thinking. RAs register for CPSY 4994 credit and primarily assist with one or more projects. RAs may be involved in scheduling and greeting parents/children participating in a study, reviewing consent forms with parents or adult participants, supporting data collection and data entry efforts; and helping us develop or administer new studies including one focused on 2- to 4-year-olds' comprehension of number words and two experimental studies (carried out Spring 2025) that focus on 4-year-olds' and adults' decision-making during a task. Note that for Fall 2024 RAs need to be available Fridays (for 2+ hrs between 10:00-2) and are expected to attend lab meetings where we discuss lab-related research. RAs will be engaged in general lab support such as proofreading papers being prepared for publication. To apply, please email Dr. Mazzocco (Mazzocco@umn.edu) a brief introduction, a CV/resume if you have one prepared; and unofficial transcripts. We prefer that RAs make a two-semester commitment.

16. *Credit* Research Experience Opportunity – Child Wellbeing Lab

The Child Wellbeing Lab is researching the social and structural determinants of health and health inequities. Research assistants may be asked to enter data from publicly accessible sources on the internet (e.g., Centers for Disease Control) or conduct their own small-scale projects to elucidate upstream determinants of health and health inequities. Students can register for CPSY 4994 credit, as long as they can attend the weekly Zoom meetings of the research group. Meeting times are 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm on Mondays, and students can attend whichever one fits their schedule. To apply for a position, please fill out the RA application form here and send it to Dr. Canan Karatekin at karat004@umn.edu.

17. *Credit or Volunteer* Join the Culture and Family Life Lab & The CARPE DIEM Study

The Culture and Family Life Lab at the Institute of Child Development in collaboration with two other labs the Early Language and Experience Lab, and the Child Behavior and Perception Lab is working on an exciting research study called the CARPE DIEM Study. This study is actively seeking several new research assistants (RAs) who will meet with families on weekday afternoons/evenings and weekends during the Summer and/or Fall semesters. RAs will have the opportunity to register for CPSY 4994 credit. RAs will primarily assist with conducting pre-test and post-test assessments of families over Zoom and in ICD testing rooms (Fall). These assessments involve explaining consent forms, facilitating a mother-child storybook reading task, assisting children in completing a set of tasks/games, and guiding mothers to an online questionnaire. To apply, please complete the online RA application on Professor Ferguson’s Culture and Family Life Lab website. In the application, select CARPE DIEM as the project of interest. We are interviewing applicants now so we encourage you to submit your application for priority consideration! If you have questions please contact, Salma Ibrahim at ibrah247@umn.edu.

18. *Credit or Volunteer* Research Experience Opportunity - VA Medical Center

Dr. Nicholas Davenport is looking for volunteer research assistants for the Summer and Fall of 2024 to work at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Volunteers will have the chance to assist with projects investigating the long-term neurologic effects and treatment outcomes related to traumatic brain injury and stress disorders in military service members. Research combines clinical assessments with biological techniques, including electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and genetic analysis. Responsibilities are specific to assisting with participant prescreening, recruitment, scheduling, material preparation, and data entry. This opportunity is eligible for PSY 4993 credit. We require a commitment of 10 hours per week and preference will be given to applicants who are available for multiple semesters. 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 Helena Skadberg at skadb011@umn.edu.

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.

19. Open Student Worker Position - CSCI Dept Student Services

The Department of Computer Science & Engineering is looking to hire student workers for the summer to manage our front desk operations along with other projects and tasks. Job duties include Student Services center front desk coverage, staffing the Student Services front desk when senior student workers and the Student Services Specialist are not available, responsible for providing support & assistance to departmental visitors, and monitoring the email as a secondary account owner to the Student Services Specialist. Answer and direct phone calls, and clean and stock departmental spaces including the front desk, conference rooms, and kitchenette. To learn more about this position and to apply, please visit the U of M Job Website and enter Job ID 361036.

20. Clinical Research Assistant Position - Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital

Our research program focuses on advancing our understanding of the brain and behavior mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders, with a particular focus on autism spectrum disorder. Under the supervision of the principal investigator, the clinical research assistant will assist in the acquisition and analysis of participant information, including research assessments, medical record review, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, and will have opportunities to prepare and participate in presentations, posters, and manuscripts. This research experience would be helpful for candidates interested in applying for graduate and/or medical school in the future. A two-year commitment is preferred. Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, neuroscience, biological or behavioral sciences, or related area, including courses in research methodologies and statistics. Excellent communication (verbal and written) and computer skills, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and ability to work well with children, adolescents, and parents. Minimum of six months of research experience. Prior research experience in human subjects (including children and/or adolescents with neurodevelopmental and/or mental health conditions), psychology, neuroscience, neuroimaging, or a data-driven behavioral science is preferred. For further details about the position and to apply, please submit your application, cover letter, and resume/CV here.

21. TMS Technician

PrairieCare is looking for a motivated individual with a background in psychology, or a related field, who is interested in neurotherapeutic interventions! The position involves direct patient experience and working with a team of highly skilled physicians and technicians. It is a full-time, paid position that includes benefits like PTO, 401K, paid holidays off, and cost-effective health insurance. On-the-job training and certification is provided. This is a great opportunity for students graduating this semester who have an interest in working with patients or pursuing medical or graduate school. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an FDA-approved treatment for treatment-resistant depression in adults. The TMS Technician administers TMS treatments under the supervision of a psychiatrist. The TMS Technician sets up the equipment for each treatment, ensures patient comfort, and monitors for safety. They also provide questionnaires to monitor changes in symptoms and report information to the Physician. For more information and to apply please visit here.

22. Direct Support Professional

Hiring Direct Care professionals now. No experience is needed as paid training is provided. Pay starts at $20./hr with flexible scheduling depending on changing school schedules. Stipends and retention bonuses are also possible. Part-time hours 6-25? This is a great experience for healthcare majors. To learn more about this position, view the description here. Questions about this position may be directed to Andrea McKee at 651-274-3574 or admckee@comcast.net.

23. Volunteer Data Analyst - Anker Lab

The Anker Lab at the University of Minnesota's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Sciences is seeking a motivated and skilled Volunteer Data Analyst to join our research team. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research examining the links between smoking, recovery from alcohol use disorder, and stress utilizing psychophysiological data such as heart rate, skin conductance, eye blink, and EEG. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain experience in data analysis within a clinical research context, with opportunities for authorship on publications and involvement in future grant proposals. For more information, please visit the job description here.

24. Become a DiscoverU Mentor

Are you a young adult who values health and wants to give back to the next generation? Consider becoming a DiscoverU mentor! DiscoverU is an afterschool mentoring program for middle school students that focuses on physical activity and social connection to improve youth mental health. We ask mentors to commit to mentoring for a minimum of one semester. We expect mentors to do DiscoverU for at least 5 hours/week. 3 of these hours are spent mentoring adolescents after school at a local middle school. The remaining 2 hours are spent honing mentoring skills and working on your health so that you can be the best mentor possible. Mentors will earn $15/hour and must be available one day every week from 2:30- 5:30 pm and on Fridays from 3-4 pm. To express interest in becoming a DiscoverU Mentor, please fill out this interest form. Email Katie Hendel with any questions at karlingh@umn.edu.

25. Student Positions in the School of Public Health!

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health is looking to hire undergraduate students to work in the SPH Student Services office. The Student Assistant supports SPH Student Services by professionally communicating with prospective, enrolled, and continuing education students and SPH staff and faculty via email, chat, and telephone, and completing other duties as assigned. SPH Student Services is currently open, so the Student Assistant will be expected to work at the front desk of SPH Student Services located in the Mayo Building. The Student Assistant will also be responsible for greeting and assisting guests of the office and maintaining office organization and cleanliness. Applications will only be accepted through the University of Minnesota Job Application System (enter Job ID 360734). Interested applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter. Applications will not be considered without both a resume and a cover letter.

26. Volunteer as a Welcome Week Assistant!

Orientation & Transition Experiences is responsible for planning and implementing the University’s Orientation, Welcome Week, and Student Transition programs, which are an integral part of the college experience. Welcome Week focuses on providing a quality transitional experience for new students and helps new students prepare for their life at the U of M through planning, exploring campus, building community, and participating in campus traditions. Welcome Week Assistants are a team of volunteers who help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment during Welcome Week. ALL UNDERGRADUATES are encouraged to apply. This is a great opportunity to give back to the University of Minnesota Community. We will provide you with all the necessary training to help you lead new students. You must be available for a minimum of 2 volunteer shifts (3-5 hours) between August 26-30 to fulfill the requirements of this role. You may volunteer up to 40 or more hours for those interested in doing more! You will tell us if/when you are available during the application and training process, so you are matched with volunteer shifts that fit your schedule. To apply for this position go to the OTE website and complete an application. The deadline to apply is rolling, but you must commit by July 15, 2024. Applicants will be notified about being accepted into the program on a rolling basis. Email oteinfo@umn.edu for more information about the WWA role.