Psych Scoop, 1/21/20

January 21st, 2020

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. Welcome to Spring Semester!

As a reminder, for the first two weeks of the semester, we will be holding drop-ins on a consistent basis. Our goal is to try to have them for most of the day (8:30 am- 4:00 pm). There may be some changes day-to-day so be sure to check our website if you are interested in coming for drop-ins. Please keep in mind that drop-in appointments are specifically for quick questions, 5-10 minutes in length. Additionally, we have appointment slots available starting this week! Feel free to submit an appointment request and we will try to schedule you as soon as possible.

Courses of Interest

2. PSY 3896: Internship in Psychology - 1-4 Credits, Psych Majors

Make your internship experience count toward your Major! The class credits (1-4 credits) are based on the number of hours that you work at your internship during the Spring 2020 semester. The online course assignments are a complement to your learning in your internship setting. A syllabus from Fall 2019 is available for review. Example sites from the past include Minneapolis Public Schools, People Serving People, Sexual Violence Center, Tubman, and the Walk-In Counseling Center. Look for more opportunities in the Psych Scoop and more on GoldPassThe registration deadline is Monday, February 3rd. Steps to register for PSY 3896:

  1. Students secure an internship with a site
  2. Submit a "Request an Experience" form on GoldPASS and receive approval
  3. Permission number to register for the course will then be emailed to you

PSY 3896 is online

Instructor: Michael Houlahan

Note: this course counts as an elective in the Psychology majors. If you are a minor, please reach out to PsyAdvis@umn.edu for consultation.

3. PSY 4960-001: Interventions for Health and Wellness - 3 Credits

This is an advanced topics course for undergraduate students interested in learning about empirically-tested psychological interventions to increase health and happiness. Students will evaluate research on many types of intervention strategies, simultaneously learning about the strategies and learning how to conduct and evaluate intervention research. In the first third of the course, the focus will be on interventions to change health behavior, and students will test different strategies on themselves each week (as well as read the research literature on the strategies) as they attempt to maintain a new health goal. In the second two-thirds of the course, students will read about and test interventions (again, on themselves) to reduce stress and increase happiness. Students will also do a group project in which they use the psychological principles and strategies taught in class to create and implement an intervention to reduce the stress and/or increase the happiness of the campus community. The course will consist of lectures, discussions, and substantial hands-on learning. PSY 3206: Health Psychology is strongly recommended as a prerequisite.

PSY 4960-001 meets Wednesdays from 9:00 am- 11:30 am

Elliott Hall N391

Instructor: Traci Mann

Note: this course counts as an elective in the Psychology majors. If you are a minor, please reach out to PsyAdvis@umn.edu for consultation.

4. CSPH 5601: Music, Health and Healing - 3 Credits

"The Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing is excited to be offering CSPH 5601 Music, Health and Healing (link) for Spring semester 2020. This course is an in-depth exploration of the use of music in medicine--including music therapy, music medicine, and music psychotherapy practices, techniques and interventions. We are happy to announce that Jenzi Silverman, MA, Ph.D., will be teaching the class this term. Jenzi passionately believes in the power of music to heal. “I am fascinated with how the brain works and how the way we think and feel affects our bodies -- and my great passion in life is music, so teaching about music, the brain, and wellness is how I bring it all together!” Contact csh-academics@umn.edu for more information.

Note: this course counts as an elective in the Psychology majors. If you are a minor, please reach out to PsyAdvis@umn.edu for consultation.

Events

5. Applying to Law School Webinar

Friday, January 24, 2020, 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual - join at umn.zoom.us/j/767913963

This webinar is open to all UMN students and alumni, but it’s especially for those who know they're going to law school and would like guidance about the application process. We'll discuss application materials and deadlines, as well as how to prepare your materials so that you are the best law school applicant you can be. If you’re currently in the application process for fall 2020 or thinking ahead to fall 2021 admission, this is the place for you. You can also view more information on GoldPASS.

6. Being Brown in America: A Talk by Sumi Mukherjee

Sunday, January 26, 2020, 3:00 pm- 4:30 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Church of St. Patrick of Edina, 6820 Saint Patricks Lane, Edina, MN 55439

Author and Speaker Sumi Mukherjee focuses on writing non-fiction books based on real-life stories and speaking to various audiences around the country so others can benefit from his stories. His books and presentations are broadly focused on cultural diversity and other social justice issues. Since 2011, he has written 3 books and has spoken all around the country as well as in Canada. His 4th book is scheduled for publication in 2020. To reserve your spot, register on Eventbrite.

Research

7. *Credit* Research Assistant (PSY 5993) – Narrative, Identity, Culture, and Education (NICE) Lab

The NICE Lab, directed by Dr. Moin Syed, is seeking 1-2 research assistants during Spring 2020 for a research project on sexual behavior, body image, and perceptions of media in college women. Students will be part of a team responsible for coding open-ended responses from participants (i.e., reading through responses and looking for specific themes based on predetermined criteria) and will be expected to attend weekly meetings and work independently. Students will register for 3 credits of PSY 5993. Interested students should send a brief summary of their interest and relevant experience to Abbie Clapp at clapp055@umn.edu.

8. *Volunteer* Ramsay Lab RA Opportunity

The Ramsay Lab in the Department of Psychiatry is looking for a responsible, motivated, and detail-oriented student to volunteer in our lab. Our current research focuses on the paired use of non-invasive neuromodulation and computerized cognitive training to reduce the effects of cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. We are looking for help with data management, task administration, EEG collection, and other various tasks. We expect these tasks to take 5-10 hours each week, usually during business hours. In addition, volunteers are welcome to attend Journal Clubs and Grand Rounds in the department. Opportunities for credit may be available after one semester of volunteering. We prefer students who have taken a course in Abnormal Psychology, and preference will be given to those who can commit to two or more semesters in our lab. Please send your CV/Resume, unofficial transcript, and a short introduction to Brandon Schermitzler at scher488@umn.edu to be considered.

9. *Volunteer or Credit* Early Math and Numeracy Lab Research Assistants Needed

Credit or volunteer research opportunities are available in the Early Math and Numeracy Lab, to support one of three ongoing studies. One project concerns the relation between early math and language skills in young children (PreK to Grade 2). Another project concerns how parents promote early math learning opportunities for young children. The third project concerns conditions under which young children pay attention to numerical information. Student research assistants are involved in materials preparation, scheduling participants, videotaping research sessions, scoring measures, data entry, coding videotapes, lab readings, and general research support. There may be opportunities to be involved in data collection. We seek detail-oriented students who are enthusiastic about being a member of a research team, and we prefer to involve students who have completed a child psychology related course and who can make a commitment for at least two semesters. For more information on our lab, visit the lab website. To apply, please send an email with your resume and unofficial transcripts, and indicate the times during which you are available this Spring 2020 to Michele Mazzocco at Mazzocco@umn.edu.

Scholarships

10. Psychology Engagement Award

Are you participating in an internship here or abroad this spring semester? Or engaging in a learning opportunity that takes you outside of the classroom for a unique experience? 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 psychology majors who engage in learning experiences beyond the University campus and classroom environments (i.e. unpaid internships, volunteer experiences, study abroad containing a psych-related internship or research component, etc.). Up to three awards of $500 will be offered for Spring 2020. The application deadline is February 3, 2020. For details about the awards and application materials, visit our webpage.

Engagement

11. Multicultural Young Adult Advisory Board Member

The Multicultural Young Adult Advisory Board through the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota (NAMI) is currently recruiting. This grassroots youth board will provide outreach, education, and resources to the multicultural communities in which each member is a part. Board members will develop and implement a culturally relevant anti-stigma campaign within their communities, will be trained to recognize early warning signs of mental health, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and will promote mental health awareness. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about promoting mental wellness and providing education and support to their cultural population. Meetings are held digitally and at the NAMI Minnesota office, each 2 hours once per month. If interested, please follow this link to the interest form.

12. Learn About Working in the Fields of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Community Prevention

ALIVE is a school-based public health approach that aims to mitigate the impacts of toxic stress on our countries’ youth. Their programming has been implemented in Connecticut, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Washington, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Region. The purpose of their programs is to help identify and support students who are experiencing high levels of stress that they have not told anyone about. Students are taught lessons about norms of child safety, and encouraged to write letters to a fictional guardian figure known as "Miss Kendra." We are currently organizing a volunteer program to aid us in responding to these letters. Volunteers will serve the program under the direct supervision of our staff in Minnesota. This volunteer program is an excellent opportunity for students to discover what it is like to work in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and community prevention. If you have an interest in volunteering in one of our classrooms, and have 1-2 hours a week, or would like to learn more please feel free to contact Rose Gangl at rose.gangl@isd624.org or 651-347-1702.

Resources

13. Multicultural Young Adult Advisory Board Member

The Multicultural Young Adult Advisory Board through the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota (NAMI) is currently recruiting. This grassroots youth board will provide outreach, education, and resources to the multicultural communities in which each member is a part. Board members will develop and implement a culturally relevant anti-stigma campaign within their communities, will be trained to recognize early warning signs of mental health, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and will promote mental health awareness. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about promoting mental wellness and providing education and support to their cultural population. Meetings are held digitally and at the NAMI Minnesota office, each 2 hours once per month. If interested, please follow this link to the interest form.

14. Take a Minute and Explore Textbook Options for Spring

The UMN Bookstores and the U Libraries have a list of free U of M required books (including PSY 3135!) held in the eBook collection for the current semester. Explore tips and tricks to save money on course readings.

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.

15. Position Openings with MN Center for Twin & Family Research (Full- and Part-Time)

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) is seeking applicants for one full-time position, as well as another part-time paid undergrad research assistant (UGRA) position. To view full job postings, go to the UMN Job Board and follow the instructions below.

Full-Time: MCTFR Research Professional 1: CoTwins Study Coordinator. Click "External Faculty and Staff Applicants" or "Current U Employees" then search for the Job ID 334588.

Part-Time: Student Academic Support (Twin Locator UGRA). Click "Students," then search for the Job ID 334760.

16. Summer Fellowship Program - Center for Visual Science at the University of Rochester

The Center for Visual Science at the University of Rochester announces its 2020 Summer Research Fellowship Program in Vision Science. Students interested in vision science, neuroscience, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and biomedical science are invited to join the Center for Visual Science for a summer of supervised laboratory training. Applicants will be selected based on academic achievements and an interest in pursuing graduate studies in science. Both US and foreign applications will be accepted. The program will provide a stipend of $4,136 for a summer of continuous training in a faculty member's lab. In addition, our fellowship will cover travel for US citizens and permanent residents (and up to $500 in travel costs for foreign students) and cover the majority of on-campus housing expenses for non-local students. Training will also include an orientation, weekly talks from CVS faculty, and a poster session and CVS picnic at summer's end. Apply today (deadline is February 10th).

Note: The program is restricted to undergraduate students or recent graduates who have not been accepted to graduate school programs. Successful applicants are typically juniors or seniors who have research experience.

17. Human Services job opening for students and graduates who want to gain experience!

Behavioral Dimensions, a private company based out of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, provides intensive services to children with autism and related conditions. We are currently hiring undergraduate, college graduates, and graduate students from colleges and universities studying in a wide variety of human services fields. We at Behavioral Dimensions believe that the experiences we can offer students gives them excellent opportunities to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-life situations. Students will learn how to implement research-based behavioral techniques to teach young children a wide variety of skills as well as how to prevent and respond to challenging situations. Students receive many hours of training and support from professionals from several different disciplines, all with experience and training in Applied Behavior Analysis. For more information or to apply for the position, please visit our website.

18. Direct Care Professional - ACR Homes

ACR Homes is hiring psychology students to become Direct Care Professionals! Get some experience this school year and apply today (positions starting now, later this semester or even this summer)! You would work in a home setting alongside a co-worker to care for 4 people who have disabilities (amazing 1:2 ratio). 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 VERY flexible for students, pays starting up to $15/hr, offers paid training, and we have locations near campus, and you don't even need to have a car! We even offer custom research-based INTERNSHIPS that end with a letter of recommendation from our CEO who is a licensed psychologist! Contact Kayla Wildes at wilde177@umn.edu if you are interested in applying!

19. Cognitive Trainer Positions Open (Employee and Paid Internships)

We are currently seeking energetic individuals who have a strong desire to positively impact the lives of others through our intensive cognitive training program. Join our team as a Cognitive Skills Trainer at one of our centers in Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, and Shoreview. Like a personal trainer for the brain, our part-time Cognitive Skills Trainers work with students in an intense, one-on-one environment to improve learning, reading, and math. We utilize specific techniques to strengthen cognitive learning skills, attention, and memory in students from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups such as K-12 students, adults, and those with traumatic brain injuries and other cognitive impairments. We are looking for quick thinking, high energy individuals who are pursuing or have completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or other social science. We require at least four weekdays with availability from 4-8 pm or three weekdays from 4-8 pm and Saturdays 9 am-noon. This is a great long-term part-time position for individuals seeking psychology experience. Internship credit available along with starting pay of $14/hr plus signing and performance bonus'. Training is provided. For more information and to request an interview email your resume, preferred location(s) and consistent availability for the position to Nate Maus at nate.maus@learningrx.net.

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