Psych Scoop, 8/5/25

Psychology Advising Announcements

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

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Seats Still Available in PSY 3051 - Fall 2025

• Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm CT
• Location: 216 Pillsbury Drive, Room 275
• Instructor: Mark Stellmack ([email protected])

The Psychology Department has added a second section of PSY 3051: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology for the Fall 2025 semester. Students who are interested in the scientific study of the mind in terms of representation and processing of information, research and theory on cognitive abilities such as perception, attention, memory, language, and reasoning, and aspects of computational modeling and neural systems, are encouraged to register. PSY 3051 can count toward fulfilling distribution area A requirements, or psychology elective credit. Review course details on Schedule Builder. 

Seats Still Available in PSY 5036W - Fall 2025

• Time: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM CT
• Location: Elliott Hall, Room S204
• Instructor: Daniel Kersten ([email protected])

PSY 5036W: Computational Vision will cover visual perception from a computational perspective, examining how image information is transformed into neural signals that enable  inferences about the world.  The relationship between neural mechanisms and visual behavior is investigated through computer analysis and simulation. Students will learn how visual demonstrations and illusions can provide insights into the underlying computations. The course also compares current AI approaches to vision using deep networks to biological vision. Practical programming exercises in Julia, a state-of-the-art scientific language, are included. For more information contact Prof. Daniel Kersten: [email protected].

Seats Still Available in PSY 5015 - Fall 2025

• Time: Fridays, 1:25 pm – 3:55 pm CT
• Location: Elliott Hall, Room N423
• Instructor: Stephen Engel ([email protected])

This course is a survey of cognitive neuroscience and focuses on how psychology and neuroscience can be combined to understand how people perceive, remember, make decisions, and use language. Students will have the opportunity to explore one topic of their choice in depth. 

Note: Prereq: Junior or Senior Standing; completion of one: PSY 3011, 3031, 3051, or 3061. Recommended completion of PSY 3001W Research Methods.

Events

Mindful Mondays: Free Drop-In Sessions

• Date:  Weekly until August 25
• Time: 12:00 pm
• Cost: Free
• Location: Remote

Join the Earl. E Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing for an informal hour of gentle movement and guided meditation. Our experienced facilitators will guide you through a series of mindful movement and meditations that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. No prior experience or special clothing is necessary. Registration for remaining sessions is required.

Free Thursday Meals

• Date:  Thursday, August 7th
• Time: 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm (or until meals are gone)
• Cost: Free
• Location: Memorial Union, Room 103A

Free, chef-prepared to-go meals 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. Located at Coffman Memorial Union, outside the Nutritious U Food Pantry (Room 103A behind the Goldy Gopher statue).

Research

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

*Credit* MCTFR Krueger Research Lab - PSY 5993 - Fall 2025

Dr. Robert Krueger's lab is conducting research on cognitive and physical health on older twins and adoptive families as part of the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR). Our lab is looking for 2-3 candidates interested in a PSY 5993 directed research opportunity for the SIBS and MTR studies for the Fall 2025 semester. We are looking for candidates that would be interested in at least 2 consecutive semesters of work with our lab. Interested candidates should contact Ashe Gunderson at [email protected], and provide a copy of a resume/CV and unofficial transcript.

*Credit* Understanding Psychopathology and Personality in Daily Life Lab - PSY 5993 - Fall 2025

This PSY 5993 opportunity in Dr. Whitney Ringwald’s lab will involve research focused on studying mental health and personality in daily life.  Studies in this lab focus on identifying patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to better or worse outcomes using ambulatory assessment methods.  Coursework will entail weekly lab meeting, scientific article presentations, assisting with study procedures, and completion of an original group research study. Interested students must complete the application by August 22nd, with select candidates contacted for a Zoom interview the week of August 25th. Questions about this opportunity can be sent to Dr. Ringwald at [email protected].

*Credit* Evaluating Claims of Generalizability in Psychology Research - PSY 5993 - Fall 2025

This PSY 5993 research experience directed by Dr. Moin Syed involves working on a meta-scientific project that examines the claims that researchers make related to the generalizability and contextual nature of their research results. Students will read and summarize academic articles, learn and apply a coding system to quantify how published research results are discussed in terms of their generalizability, and write a brief paper summarizing their experience. Only one hour will be predetermined and mandatory on Thursdays from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Other lab hours can be selected by the student. Interested students should complete an application. Questions about this position can be directed to Moin Syed at [email protected].

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

Dr. Snezana Urosevic, Asst Prof. at the UMN Dept. of Psychiatry and clinician investigator at the Minneapolis VAHCS, seeks motivated and detail-oriented undergrads to contribute to a study identifying machine-learning/AI algorithms with phone app data predicting mood symptoms and functioning in adults with bipolar disorders. Credit and volunteer opportunities available. The position is a 9-hour-per week, 1-year commitment. Responsibilities include recruitment, data collection/management, learning about digital phenotyping methods in psychopathology research, and attending lab meetings. Also, an opportunity to develop independent research questions based on available data. Past RAs authored poster presentations and 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. To apply, email Isaac Thao ([email protected]) with an unofficial transcript, cover letter, and resume.

Resources 

Mentee Interest Form - First-Gen Student Success Center

The First-Gen Student Success Center invites third-year and beyond first-gen undergrads to join our new professional mentoring program, First Too! First Too pairs you with a dedicated faculty, staff, or alumni mentor who understands what it means to be first-gen and is excited to support you as you approach graduation and prepare for what's next. If you're interested in building a meaningful relationship with a mentor who's here to support your growth, complete the form! 

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!

Volunteer at the Fair - National Alliance on Mental Illness

Help NAMI reach out and connect with 1.5 million fair-goers! Volunteers staff the NAMI Minnesota booth in the education building; engaging the public with distributing literature and NAMI publications and providing basic information on NAMI, our programs, and the mental health system. Individual volunteers and couples are welcome, but we cannot accommodate more than 2 volunteers per shift due to space constraints. A staff member is also on hand to support the volunteers as needed. Volunteers will receive a free admission ticket to the fair on the day(s) they volunteer; and must commit to a minimum of a 4-hour shift. Priority shift preferences will be given based on overtime coverage and past participation. Please only sign up if you are 100% certain you can be there. 

Helpline Internship Opportunity - National Alliance on Mental Illness  

NAMI HelpLine interns work remotely to respond to inquiries by phone and text and provide valuable information about mental health conditions and treatment options, NAMI education and support programs, and other mental health resources. NAMI HelpLine interns also help individuals and families improve their lives and advance mental health recovery by listening to their concerns and providing brief emotional support. An internship with NAMI HelpLine is an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the mental health landscape, mental illnesses, treatment options and recovery strategies. Apply for the NAMI HelpLine Specialist internship opportunity online. If you have any questions about the internship opportunity or application process, reach out to Haley Mills, Manager of NAMI HelpLine Recruiting, at [email protected].

Join an Affiliate - National Alliance on Mental Illness  

Are you interested in advocating for mental health support at the local level? Are you a dedicated and passionate volunteer looking to make a difference in the long term? Considering joining a NAMI affiliate. These chapters are great opportunities for volunteers looking for leadership or for an opportunity to specialize or work on unique projects that require more intensive planning. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Use the Affiliate Map to find your local affiliate. Since most affiliates are led by volunteers, please allow time for a response when contacting your local affiliate.

TMS Technician - PrairieCare

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 recent graduates who have an interest in working directly with patients or pursuing medical or graduate school. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an FDA-approved treatment for severe depression in adults and can also be used for the treatment of OCD, Anxiety and smoking addiction. 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 or to apply, please visit their website or contact Maddi Moe, TMS Supervisor, at 952-737-4510.

Direct Care Professional 

Hiring Direct Care Professionals now! Seeking part-time employees who are kind, motivated, and caring to work with Annie, a young woman with physical and mental disabilities in our private home. Female preferred and no experience needed as paid training is provided. Hiring now but must be able to work some weekdays, approximately 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, once the semester begins. Starting pay is $22+ with flex pay available. If interested, contact Andrea Mckee at 651-274-3574 or [email protected].

Are you Interested in Volunteering at a Community Organization?

Volunteering offers many of the same potential benefits as other experiential activities, like interning, for example, or participating in research projects. Volunteering is yet another way you can continue developing the Core Career Competencies that signify career readiness. It also gives you a chance to explore various organizations, career paths, and work settings in a fairly low-key way. One way you can find Volunteer opportunities is through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning (CCEL). At the University’s Center for Community-Engaged Learning, staff members will ask you about your interests and then connect you with one or more of the 300 nonprofit community partners they work with. Additionally, you can often find volunteer positions posted on Handshake. Visit the CLA Undergraduate Studies website to view further instructions on how to navigate Handshake.