Psych Scoop, 11/20/18

November 20th, 2018

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

1. Psych Advising Closed Thursday and Friday

Please remember that the Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office will be closed on Thursday, 11/22/18 and Friday, 11/23/18. If you have any questions, you can email us at psyadvis@umn.edu. This means that there are NO drop-in hours on Thursday. If you need to see someone on drop-in hours, there will be hours tomorrow, Wednesday, 11/21/18, 9:30 am- 11:30 am.

Courses of Interest

2. GCC 5022- The Human Experience of Sensory Loss: Seeking Equitable and Effective Solutions

This course focuses on the visual, auditory and other sensory pathways that convey information about the world to mind and brain. Millions of people worldwide experience deficits in a sensory function that affect their quality of life. We will focus on the characteristics of healthy sensory functioning as well as how sensory disorders can affect personal identity, impede information processing, and alter brain structure and function. The course will combine lectures, discussions, and student-led presentations of research papers. The course will include hands-on demonstrations of assistive technology and panel discussions with people with visual and hearing disabilities. During the semester each student (or pairs of students) will develop a mini research proposal to address a real-world issue related to sensory impairment.

GCC 5022 meets weekly, Thursdays from 2:30 pm- 5:10 pm

Elliott Hall N423

Instructors: Gordon Legge, Andrew Oxenham, Peggy Nelson, & Meredith Adams

Note: this course does not count as an elective in the Psychology majors or minors

3. PSY 3960: Psychology and Law

The purpose of Psychology and Law is to introduce students to a range of legal topics as seen through the lens of psychological science. We survey a range of sub-fields of psychology, including clinical, cognitive, developmental and social psychology, with an emphasis on theories, empirical methods and findings. The goal is for students to develop a broad understanding of the interplay between these two disciplines with an eye toward (1) being able to evaluate existing structures, rules, and norms of laws and justice, and (2) a better understanding of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of law and psychological science.

PSY 3960 meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 pm- 2:15 pm (UPDATED TIME)

Appleby Hall 219 (UPDATED LOCATION)

Instructors: Wen Bu and Lauren Clatch

Note: this course does count as an elective in the Psychology majors or minors

Events

4. YouMatter Speak Out Night

Monday, November 26, 2018, 5:30 pm- 9:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Coffman Memorial Union

YouMatter is also sponsoring a movie night on Monday, November 26 at 5:30 in the Coffman Theater in which they will be having a free showing of "Suicide: The Ripple Effect." This is the story of a man who jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge and survived. He shares his thoughts before, during, and after, and what he is doing now to share his story and end the stigma. They will have mental health resources on site as well as a panel discussion after the film. Check out the Facebook page here for more information.

5. Crisp and Green Wellness Expo

Thursday, November 29, 2018, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Peik Gym G65

Crisp and Green has paired up with students at the U to set up a Wellness Expo on Thursday, November 29 from 1-4 in Peik Gym G65. The expo is focused on wellness and informing students about ways to cope with the heavy stress that usually accompanies college. There will be a keynote speaker, two fitness classes, giveaway prizes, and multiple student groups raising awareness.

6. CLA Pre-Health Information Session

Friday, November 30, 2018, 1:30 pm- 2:30 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Bruininks 420A

CLA is a great place to prepare for a health career! In this session, students will learn what it means to be a pre-health student in CLA, how to navigate resources and build a unique portfolio. Learn more about this event and register on GoldPASS.

7. Social Justice Leadership Retreat

January 18th- 20th
Applications due Monday, November 26th!
Cost: FREE
Location: Annandale, MN at Camp Friendship

We are excited to offer the Social Justice Leadership retreat again this year! The retreat will take place from Friday, January 18 until Sunday, January 20, 2019, in Annandale, MN at Camp Friendship, about 60 minutes from the University of Minnesota campus. Transportation will be provided. We will depart for the retreat at approximately 3:00 PM on Friday and return to campus on Sunday at approximately 6:00 PM. More information will be provided upon your acceptance. Applications are due on Monday, November 26th at noon.

Research (for credit opportunities)

8. Undergraduate Volunteer Needed for Ongoing Brain Injury and PTSD Study at Minneapolis VA

A research laboratory at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center has an immediate opening for a Psychology or Neuroscience major interested in traumatic brain injury trauma, biopsychology, and/or psychological trauma research. Dr. Nicholas Davenport's current study examines OEF/OIF Veterans to determine if experiences encountered during combat influence thinking and cognition and if this trajectory can be seen in the structure and function of the brain. The ideal applicant is a junior or senior, has a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and has completed the following courses: psychopathology (i.e. abnormal psychology), biopsychology or fundamental neuroscience, and statistics. Responsibilities will likely begin with study material organization, data entry, and participant recruitment. Duties may expand into cognitive assessments, clinical interviewing, and MRI data collection and processing. Experience in this study can be used to support program research requirements (PSY 4993 credit) as well as entry into graduate school. If interested, please send a resume/CV, a cover letter describing your educational/career interests and current availability, and a current transcript (unofficial) to cassandra.fleming@va.gov. Please put “Research Assistant Application” in the subject line of your email.

9. Research on Communication - Opportunity for Spring

Our research team, under the direction of Drs. Mark Snyder and Alexander Rothman, is looking for an undergraduate research assistant (RA) for the Spring semester of 2019. The experience will involve research on how individual differences influence people’s receptivity to different types of information on health-, volunteerism-, and environment-related behaviors. RAs are expected to register for research credits (e.g., PSY 5993), and commit around 9 hours per week. Tasks will include attending research group meetings, reviewing literature, creating research materials, and data entry/analyses. To apply, please email Keven Joyal-Desmarais (joyal008@umn.edu). Write “RA position for Communications Project” as the subject line, and indicate your name, email, and reasons for applying in the body of the email. Please also attach your resume and a copy of your unofficial transcript.

10. Research Opportunity – Department of Veterans Affairs/UMN Longitudinal Study of Resilience in Military Service Members

The Readiness and Resilience in National Guard Soldiers (RINGS) research lab at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center is looking for volunteer research assistants to join a team of investigators engaged in cutting-edge clinical psychological research. Dr. Melissa Polusny and Dr. Chris Erbes, co-directors of the RINGS lab, are studying processes contributing to resilience in military personnel and veterans as well as developing and testing novel interventions for PTSD. Research assistants who join the RINGS lab will receive extensive training and gain hands-on experience conducting a large cohort study of resilience that utilizes evidence-based longitudinal tracking and survey methods. Responsibilities include: assisting with participant recruitment and baseline data collection at National Guard armories (involves some Saturdays/Sundays), engaging in participant outreach and follow-up, conducting eligibility screenings, questionnaire administration, data entry and report preparation, conducting literature searches, and may include assisting lab technicians with lab visits. Under the supervision of Drs. Scott Sponheim, Nick Davenport, and Shmuel Lissek (co-investigators on this project), research assistants may also gain experience with the collection of electroencephalography (EEG) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in conjunction with cognitive tests, interview-based assessments of symptoms, and questionnaires. For more information about the study, please visit the ARMOR Project website. We require a commitment of at least 10 hours per week, and those able to make a multiple-semester commitment will be given priority. This opportunity may also be eligible for PSY 4993 credit. Successful candidates typically have a 3.5 GPA or higher, have excellent interpersonal communication skills, are interested in pursuing an advanced degree (masters or doctorate) in psychology or related fields, and have sophomore or junior level credits. Those with customer service employment experience or background working with veterans or the military may be given priority. If you are interested, please send a copy of your unofficial transcripts, cover letter, and resume/CV to the project coordinator, Shelly Hubbling (mhubblin@umn.edu).

11. Undergraduate Research Opportunity - Start Spring and Continue Summer/Fall 2019

Professor Daniel Berry’s research team at the Institute of Child Development is seeking an undergraduate research assistant (UGRA) to begin this Spring and continue into the Summer/Fall. The UGRA will be involved with research projects in the area of developmental psychology. We are particularly interested in the interplay of environmental experiences, regulation, and the child's developing physiological stress system. Past UGRA's have helped with data collection and recruitment, data entry, video coding, working with physiological data, and performing literature searches. We prefer that UGRA's register for 2-3 credits of directed research via Psychology or Child Psychology Directed Research credits. UGRA's are expected to commit to an average of 9 hours of work per week, attend research meetings, work independently on assigned tasks, and take initiative in learning opportunities with research team members. Ideal candidates are conscientious and motived team players who are interested in research and think that children's minds are pretty amazing. Please visit our interest form if you are interested or email Isa Stallworthy (stall142@umn.edu) with questions.

12. Narrative, Identity, Culture, and Education Lab

The Narrative, Identity, Culture, and Education Lab run by Dr. Moin Syed is seeking undergraduate research assistants for Spring 2019 semester. Projects will focus on immigrants, young adults, identity, Muslim Americans, and discrimination. Tasks will include literature reviews, data collection, qualitative coding, quantitative data cleaning, and analysis. Preference will be given to applicants that can commit to 2-3 semesters (till Spring 2020). Find an application on the NICE Lab website and email the completed application to Ummul Kathawalla, kath0033@umn.edu. To be considered, please submit your application by Friday, December 7th, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

Research (volunteer opportunities)

13. Volunteer Research Assistant (2 positions available)

The Promote Independent Aging (PRIA) research study at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center is currently looking for new research assistants. The volunteer position supports the execution of research projects in the VA Geriatric Research Education & Clinical Center (GRECC) under Dr. Adriana Seelye, which contribute to national efforts to understand cognition and daily functioning in normal aging and prodromal Alzheimer’s disease and to develop and evaluate innovative technologies for cognitive assessment and patient support. Research assistant duties include entering behavioral and neuropsychological test data into the REDCap study database, verifying accuracy of data entered, assisting the study coordinator and PI with recruiting research volunteers, determining eligibility, facilitating study enrollment, making telephone calls to research volunteers, participating in regulatory compliance (IRB, HIPAA training) and attending weekly lab meetings. There are also opportunities to learn and administer assessments to research volunteers depending on one’s interest, time commitment, and skill level. Due to the training burden, Dr. Seelye expects research assistants to commit to at least 6-9 hours per week to the lab (internship for credit) and to start next semester (January 2019). Interested parties should send a cover letter addressing qualifications, a current resume or CV that includes any relevant psychology or research methods coursework and current GPA, and a list with the names and email addresses of at least 2 references who can address the applicant's qualifications for the position. Questions should be addressed to Adriana Seelye, adriana.seelye@va.gov or Mira Leese, mira.leese@va.gov.

Resources

14. Dance/Movement Therapy Training in the Twin Cities

Come to join us for any or all of these classes. Sign up for more than one for a discount. For questions contact: Barbara Nordstrom-Loeb/Embodying Psychotherapy at loebx001@umn.edu or 612-916-1829.

• The Language of Movement: Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (2cr/30hrs)
• Dance/Movement Therapy I – The Power of Movement (2 credits/30 hrs)

15. Exciting Summer Research Opportunity

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a 10-week internship that provides undergraduates with valuable research and professional development experience under the guidance of UVA Faculty conducting education research. This internship program is designed to encourage undergraduates students to pursue graduate study and consider careers in academic, policy, or research organizations. Interns will work on research focusing on schools, classrooms, and other settings as contexts critical to child and adolescent development. They will also participate in developmental workshops and meetings, and present at a research conference. For applications and more information, visit their website.

16. NEW Career Chat Thursdays

Career Counseling Drop-in Hours from 10am-3pm in 411 Bruininks Hall on Thursday, November 29th and Thursday, December 6th, where students can come in to meet with a career counselor, no appointment needed!

Learning Abroad

17. Summer in Scotland Research Track

New for 2019, the Research track of the Summer in Scotland program, based at the University of Glasgow, allows students in psychology and the STEM fields to undertake credit-bearing research projects, supervised by Glasgow faculty. Students apply to a specific project and are placed according to their background, qualifications, and interest areas. A final project list will be available online by the end of November, and students are encouraged to apply no later than February 1 to ensure full consideration. The Research track will run concurrent to the regular Summer in Scotland program over six weeks, June 19-August 2, and carry 6 academic credits. The program fee will be between $6,000 and $7,000 and will include tuition, housing, insurance, and field trips in Glasgow and the surrounding area. For more details, or a list of specific projects available contact Eric Leinen, lein0032@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.

18. University of Minnesota Press - Student Marketing Assistant

The University of Minnesota Press is a nonprofit, self-sustaining unit of the University of Minnesota. The Press is recognized internationally for its innovative, boundary-breaking editorial program in the humanities and social sciences and publishes about 110 titles per year. The Student Marketing Assistant position offers valuable exposure to book marketing and the publishing industry. Students will work on a wide range of marketing projects and administrative tasks, including publicity and research. The Student Marketing Assistant position is intended for a candidate with a genuine, serious interest in literature, publishing, marketing, and/or public relations. Interested applicants must be able to commit to 15 – 20 hours per week onsite during the school year and up to 37 hours per week during the summer. Work hours must be scheduled during Press operating hours, 9 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
To apply: Applications must be submitted online through the University of Minnesota job portal (327258)- due Dec. 1st. You must include a resume and cover letter to be considered. More information about the Press: www.upress.umn.edu.

19. Research Assistant Position

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Emotion and Development Branch, Section on Mood Dysregulation and Neuroscience (SMDN) and Neuroscience and Novel Therapeutics Unit (NNT), in Bethesda, Maryland, seek qualified individuals to fill IRTA (Intramural Research Training Award) positions, with employment starting late May/early June 2019. SMDN conducts research on the brain mechanisms of mental illness in youth.  Our particular research interest involves the investigation of the brain mechanisms associated with chronic irritability in children and adolescents. NNT uses brain-based knowledge to develop new treatments, such as a new application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). For more information and application process, visit the posting here (for applying, look for the "Application Procedure" heading).

20. SMART Learning Commons - Peer Tutoring Coordinator

he Peer Tutoring Coordinator is responsible for the supervision of the SMART Peer Tutors and for the management of SMART's internationally-certified tutoring program.This position manages SMART Learning Commons peer tutoring services including recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluating services of 35+ peer tutors. The Coordinator manages projects related to developing new services, and improving the quality of services across all locations on the East Bank, West Bank, and St Paul campuses, as well as online tutoring. The Coordinator participates in numerous outreach & retention events. Through this work, the Coordinator promotes retention and persistence towards graduation in students accessing services, professional leadership skills in the Peer Tutors, and collaboration among multiple student support service areas. This position will work under the guidance of the Director of SMART Learning Commons/Learning Support Network to collaborate with many stakeholders across campus. You can apply on the HR Website, job ID: 327629