Psych Scoop, 11/27/18

November 27th, 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. Drop-In Changes!

There are a few changes to the drop-in schedule for the next few weeks. They are as follows:

Drop-in hours will be CANCELLED Tuesday, December 4th

During the week of Dec 10th, drop-ins will be moved from Dec 11th to Monday, Dec 10th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. This means that the hours will not be happening on Tuesday, Dec 11th.

Psychology Student Group Announcements

All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psychology student organizations. No previous participation or membership is required. If you're interested, please attend! To learn more, visit our website.

2. Psi Chi / Psychology Club Pizza Party!

Monday, December 3, 2018, 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Location: Elliott Hall N647

As the semester comes to a close, we would like to thank everyone for participating in our events thus far. We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces come spring! We are so appreciative of your involvement and feedback. That being said, we would like to host a closing pizza party/destress event to thank you all for your commitment to the club. There will be Dominos pizza, refreshments, and coloring. We hope to see you all there!

3. IOPC De-Stress Event

Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm
Location: Elliott Hall N391

Are you feeling stressed? Do you need a break from studying and preparing for the end of semester finals? Take your mind off school and join IOPC for our De-Stress Event on Tuesday, November 4th from 5:30-6:30 pm. You will be able to connect with other psychology students, participate in de-stress activities and grab some free food! We look forward to seeing you all there!

Courses of Interest

4. PSY 3896: Internship in Psychology (3 credits - Elective)

If you are planning to complete or interested in an Internship during the Spring 2019 semester, you may be eligible to sign up for PSY 3896: Internship in Psychology (3 credits to count toward PSY Major Elective credit). In addition to your Internship Hours (average 6-8 hours/week for 15 weeks at your site).

PSY 3896 class meets weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 pm- 5:15 pm

Folwell Hall 3

Instructor: Dr. Amy Landers

Please email psyadvis@umn.edu for more information and any questions about this opportunity!

5. PSY 3960: Psychology and Law (3 credits - Elective)

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

Appleby Hall 219

Instructors: Wen Bu and Lauren Clatch

Events

6. Pre-Law Society: Law Student Grad Panel

Wednesday, November 28, 2018, 5:30 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Tate Hall Room B65

This Wednesday, November 28th we will be hosting a panel of Minnesota Law Students at 5:30 pm in Tate Hall Room B65. Students will have the opportunity to ask current graduate students about their law school experience, so be sure to come with questions. As this is an informal discussion, questions can really be whatever you'd like. For those of you looking to apply, you might ask about their experiences with the admissions process or the LSAT. If you've already applied, this is a great opportunity to learn about how to prepare for law school. For more information, you can email prelaw@umn.edu.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. November Nutritious U Food Pantry

Happening Now!, November 27th-29th, 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Coffman Room 210

Do you worry your food might run out before you can buy more? Do you lack reliable transportation to an affordable grocery store? If you struggle to get enough, quality food to eat - visit Nutritious U November 27th-29th from 12-6pm pm in Coffman room 210! Any registered undergraduate, graduate, and professional student is welcome! No verification of income required. We care about sustainability - if possible please bring your own reusable bag! We believe that healthy food in college is a necessity and not a luxury. For more information, check out the Facebook event here.

Research (for credit opportunities)

10. 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 on 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.

11. 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.

12. 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).

13. 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.

14. 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)

15. 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 trainings) 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.

16. Volunteer Research Assistant Positions

The Research Exploring Psychological Assessment and Individualized Rehabilitation (REPAIR) Lab, led by Dr. Jacob Finn, at the Minneapolis VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC) is currently looking for new research assistants. The REPAIR lab has two current projects: one outpatient traumatic brain injury study (TBI) and one longitudinal TBI study. The outpatient study focused on mild TBI, and the longitudinal study focuses on the full range of severity. Research assistant duties include screening participants, recruitment of new participants, scheduling research appointments, running research sessions, calling participants for follow-up assessments, conducting interviews to assess functioning, documenting efforts in clinical charts, coordinating participant payments, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, reporting progress to collaborators and other agencies, and disseminating results locally. Due to the training burden, Dr. Finn expects research assistants to commit at least 8 hours per week to the lab and to commit to at least two full semesters in the lab. Interested parties should send a copy of their transcripts and a curriculum vitae/résumé to Dr. Finn (Jacob.Finn@va.gov).

Graduate School

17. Info session: Arts in Education teacher licensure and master's in education programs

Tuesday, December 4, 2018, 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Peik Hall 365

Explore the Arts in Education program and a career as a teacher in either dance, visual arts, or theatre arts. The 13-month master's degree program will prepare you to step into your own classroom with a K-12 teaching license and all the required student-teaching hours before graduation. Learn how to complete prerequisites for the program while in your undergraduate degree, details about what you will learn in the program, admissions information, and job outlook for teachers in the arts during the info session. Questions? Contact Quinn Nelson, qnelson@umn.edu, academic adviser.

Resources

18. Exam Jam is here!

Connect with other students for free tutoring, review sessions, and destress activities in a relaxed atmosphere to prepare for final exams. Exam Jam will be Saturday, December 8th to Thursday, December 13th in Walter Library, Appleby Hall, and nearby classrooms. For more information, check out the website here.

19. NEW Career Chat Thursdays

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

Learning Abroad

20. 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.

21. Full-Time Research Assistant

Scott Sponheim, director of the Cognition and Brain (CAB) In Psychopathology Laboratory at the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis VAHCS, is seeking a full-time research assistant to begin in early 2019 (start date flexible). Primary responsibilities will include working directly with study participants, and managing and analyzing study data collected across research protocols, with additional responsibilities possibly including recruitment, screening, scheduling, and scoring cognitive and clinical assessment. Candidates should expect to gain an understanding of EEG preprocessing methodologies using ICA and learn best practices for implementation of the event-related potential (ERP) technique in MATLAB. This position is well suited for those interested in pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology or neuroscience. Motivated research assistants frequently achieve authorship on conference posters and co-authorships on manuscripts highlighting their contributions. Requirements include Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or related field with a minimum GPA of 3.5; strong motivation to learn EEG research methodology and signal processing methods; interest in integrating clinical psychology and neuroscience; and excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and time management skills. A 2-year commitment is strongly preferred. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Sponheim at sponh001@umn.edu. Please include an updated resume’, and describe past research experiences, interests, and long-term goals. More information about the laboratory can be found on their website.

22. 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).