Psych Scoop, 2/3/21
February 3rd, 2021 |
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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 AnnouncementsFeedback for the department? Check out our suggestion box. 1. Letter from the Department Chair - Jeff SimpsonWow, to say that 2020 was quite a year is definitely an understatement. I remember back in March, after being told by President Gabel that we had only a matter of days to shut down on-site operations and transition to fully remote, that I grabbed my laptop thinking we would be back relatively soon. Now, here we are nearly 11 months later, still teaching and working primarily from home. I am truly impressed and thankful for how you, the students, have responded to this ongoing and complex crisis. I am grateful for our Department faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly to make the transition so successful. They continue to put in significant time and effort to ensure the continuation of high-quality teaching and learning, critical research, and important services and operations, and I hope that you are able to see the benefits of being a student in the Department of Psychology. We are proud of your connections with us. When the pandemic hit last spring, it quickly became apparent the extent to which psychologists were uniquely positioned to do good. The Department has featured a variety of stories on our website illustrating how UMN Psychology researchers are exploring ways in which people, communities, and organizations are impacted by COVID-19, including how each can best manage and respond to stressors, transitions, and challenges that they are now confronting. Undergraduate students have been a critical part of all of this in various research labs and engagement experiences. So thank you! In other news, I am excited to highlight that we are in the midst of hosting a virtual Health Disparities Colloquium Series, and I hope you will join us! Edith Chen, Ph.D. of Northwestern University, kicked off our series on December 14 speaking on the topic of “Socioeconomic disparities in health: Costs of upward mobility?”. Her talk was followed by Dr. John Ruiz of the University of Arizona last week. Upcoming still are: Finally, I want to note the murder of George Floyd in our city last May. That horrific act, and the subsequent unrest, has deeply affected our community and department. Our students, faculty, and staff are working together to develop recommendations for change in our department, specifically short-term and long-term action steps we can implement to address the inequities and injustices that exist in our research, teaching, and service/community outreach. We are committed to this work and are in it for the long haul. In addition to departmental action, individuals and student organizations are already doing important work within this space. I also want to thank the Association of Black Psychology Students and Cheryl Olman, Ph.D., for their recently highlighted work to advance diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. Please take a moment to read through and learn more about their work and outreach. Finally, as I have noted before, our accomplishments and work cannot happen without the support of all staff, faculty, and students. I want to commend all of you for everything you have accomplished this year, especially as we continue to deal with the challenges posed by the lingering pandemic. Warm regards, 2. Psychology Engagement AwardAre 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 15th. For details about the awards and application materials, visit our webpage. 3. Psychology Undergraduate Spring Semester Town HallThursday, February 25th, 2021, 11:00 am- 12:00 pm CST The Psychology Department is hosting the Spring 21 Town Hall for undergraduate psych students. The goal of these town halls is to connect students directly with the Department of Psychology leadership. If you are interested in attending, please fill out the Google Form to RSVP. The Zoom link will be sent out to those who RSVP in advance. If you are unable to attend this event, you can leave comments/questions in the form; feedback will be shared anonymously at the Town Hall. The town hall won't be recorded, however, meeting minutes will be shared out afterward. Meeting minutes for the Fall 20 Town Hall can be found here. |
Events4. Celebrating Black History Month 2021various dates in February Throughout the month of February, MCSE is proud to be working in collaboration with other university affiliates such as SUA, BSU, and the African American & African Studies Department to celebrate Blackness in the past, present, and future. Events include Trivia Night, learning about Neglected Black History, panels, and more. Learn more and get the Zoom links. 5. "Working Internationally" Alumni PanelThursday, February 4th, 7:00 am- 8:00 am CST In a world that is increasingly globally connected, Gophers are pursuing career opportunities around the world. Join this panel to hear about real ways that fellow University of Minnesota alumni have succeeded in working outside their home countries. The panel includes two international alumni and two U.S. alumni, all working outside of the U.S. Everyone is welcome to attend! RSVP and learn more. 6. University of Wisconsin Diversity Day & Law FairFriday, February 5th, 2021, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm CST You are cordially invited to join admissions officers, faculty, and staff from the University of Wisconsin Law School and the Marquette University Law School at the Ninth Annual Wisconsin Pre-Law Diversity Conference and Law Fair! Register and learn more. 7. International Student Virtual Career Fair Preparation WorkshopFriday, February 5th, 2021, 3:30 pm- 5:00 pm CST All UMN International Students are invited to join this workshop to learn how to best prepare for the virtual career fairs from Career Services and ISSS staff. You will learn what to expect at the fair, how to interact with employers, and more about your work authorization options. We hope to address any questions you might have. The presentation will be recorded and available afterward. We encourage you to register to share whether you will be attending the session or reviewing the recording. All event details are available in GoldPASS. To register to receive a recording of the presentation if you cannot attend the live session, please sign up. If you have questions, please email Jane at sitt0036@umn.edu. 8. Ask a Recruiter: Networking and Job Search StrategiesFriday, February 5th, 2021, 3:30 pm- 5:00 pm CST A panel of recruiters will discuss the process of applying for jobs, networking strategies during a job search, how candidates can make themselves more marketable, and hiring during COVID-19. Learn more and register. 9. University of Minnesota Job & Internship Fair 2021Friday, February 26th, 2021, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm CST Explore unique job and internship opportunities in a variety of industries by connecting with 300+ employers and the UMN Job & Internship Fair. This event is open to all students and is a great opportunity to expand your network and seek opportunities for 2021. The fair will take place virtually and is hosted on GoldPASS powered by Handshake. By using the link above, you can also access tutorials and how-to videos in order to successfully prepare for the fair. Learn more and register for this event. |
Research10. *Credit or Volunteer* Undergrad Research Opportunity in Ones’ Green LabProfessor Deniz Ones’ Organizational Environmental Sustainability “Green” research lab, headed by Yagizhan Yazar & Yilei Wang, is seeking undergraduate research assistants (UGRA) to begin working in Spring 2021 and to ideally commit at least two semesters (i.e. continue in Summer 2021). The program can be taken in exchange for credit for Spring semester and/or by volunteering. UGRAs are expected to commit to approximately 10 hours of work per week, attend research team meetings and work independently on assigned tasks. Ideal candidates are conscientious and motivated psychology students who are interested in gaining research experience. This research experience may be especially important for those considering applying to graduate school in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. If interested, please fill out this form. 11. *Credit or Volunteer* The Minneapolis VA Medical Center is looking for Research AssistantsDr. Nicholas Davenport is looking for volunteer research assistants to work at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Volunteers will have the chance to assist with multiple projects investigating the long-term neurologic effects and treatment outcomes related to traumatic brain injury and stress disorders in combat-exposed military service members. The research combines clinical techniques, such as cognitive testing and interview-based assessment of trauma exposure/symptoms, with biological techniques, including genetic analysis, electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Responsibilities may include assisting with participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, cognitive assessment, questionnaire administration, collection/management of genetic samples, and data entry. We require a commitment of at least 10 hours per week. Successful candidates typically 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 unofficial transcripts, cover letter, and CV/resume to the study coordinator, Cassie Nelson at cassandra.fleming@va.gov. 12. *Volunteer* Internship with Clinical and Research ExperienceThe Center for Practice Transformation in the School of Social Work is seeking highly motivated volunteer student interns to assist with community-based research. CPT is currently conducting outcomes research with a large substance use disorder treatment provider based in Minnesota. Student responsibilities would include participant outreach, phone-based data collection, and data entry. Qualifications include excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills; basic computer skills including use of Microsoft Excel, interest in clinical care for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, and the ability to work remotely. Preference will be given to students who are able to commit to 12 months of involvement and have availability after 12:00 pm for 2-10 hours per week. To apply, please contact Tanya Freedland at free0165@umn.edu with a brief statement of your interest and CV or resume. 13. *Credit or Volunteer* RA Opportunities in Research on Bipolar DisordersWe are seeking two highly motivated, responsible, and detail-oriented undergraduates of sophomore or junior standing to contribute to newly funded projects in Dr. Snezana Urosevic’s lab that examines neurobehavioral abnormalities in adults with bipolar disorders (BD) at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Both credit and volunteer opportunities are available, while paid positions are possible only for select, experienced RAs. Opportunities across open positions include project coordination, data collection, and data management, while contributing to a study examining smartphone apps’ ability to track symptom and functional changes in adults with BD and/or to a study examining new interventions for individuals at high risk for suicide during the post-discharge from an inpatient unit. Options to learn to preprocess and analyze EEG and/or MRI data also exist. Potential RAs will attend laboratory meetings and have an opportunity to develop independent research questions based on their interests and available data. Past RAs have authored poster presentations and contributed to manuscript submissions. Competitive applicants will have a strong interest in pursuing graduate-level education and an excellent academic record. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Snezana Urosevic by email at snezana.urosevic@va.gov and attach an unofficial transcript and a resume that includes information about your work and research experience, references, software skills, and knowledge. 14. *Credit or Volunteer* Research Assistant Position Available at the Minneapolis VAThe Advancing Research on Mechanisms of Resilience (ARMOR) Project is currently accepting applications to fill several Volunteer Research Assistant (unpaid) positions on-site at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center ARMOR has implemented strict policies and procedures to ensure the safety of on-site staff and volunteers during COVID-19. The ARMOR Project, led by co-principal investigators Drs. Melissa Polusny and Christopher Erbes offers the opportunity to join an active team of investigators, including Drs. Scott Sponheim, Nick Davenport, and Shmuel Lissek focused on 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 ARMOR Project will receive extensive training and gain hands-on experience conducting a longitudinal cohort study of resilience that includes a laboratory component. For more information about this study, please visit the ARMOR Project website. Although not a requirement, candidates who are willing and available to volunteer time to the lab during some evening hours (4:30 pm- 8:30 pm) and on weekend days are preferred. We are particularly looking for students with research interests in stress, resilience, and anxiety-related processes, and/or interests in working with military personnel. This position includes a 2-semester commitment (Spring and Fall 2021). Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV/resume, and unofficial transcripts via email to Shelly Hubbling at Michelle.Hubbling@va.gov. |
Graduate SchoolFind Diversity Weekend programs - includes Fall, Spring, and Summer programs. Updated frequently. 15. Special Education MEd/Licensure, ASD Certificate, and Gap Year Classes Info SessionThursday, February 11th, 2021, 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm CST Join us for one of our upcoming info sessions on our MEd/teaching licensure programs to learn more about earning your graduate degree in special education at the University of Minnesota. We'll also discuss our Autism Spectrum Disorder certificate—which U of M undergraduates and MEd and licensure students can add to their coursework--and anyone else can add as a credential at the graduate level. Not certain you want to commit to graduate school next fall? We're also offering a series of graduate-level gap year courses for non-degree seeking students and will share information on those during the sessions as well. Contact Laura Paczkowski at laurap@umn.edu for more information. |
Resources16. Summer Research Experience: Lifespan Approaches to Diverse Psychological Science - Duke UniversityThe REU program is supported by an award from the U.S. National Science Foundation (Award #1950651) to Duke University as part of the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program. The Duke Psychology and Neuroscience REU provides underrepresented students with the skills, socialization, connection, and continuity to begin developing a scholar-researcher identity. This REU offers a truly unique research experience using a combination of methodological approaches across the life-span and across areas of psychology: Developmental, Social, and Cognitive Neuroscience. During this REU, students will get hands-on experience conducting experimental and observational research in addition to individually-tailored academic writing and GRE preparation sessions. Students will participate in weekly lab meetings, small group meetings, and one-on-one sessions with their mentors in addition to meeting with other Duke undergraduates and faculty. The second session will be virtual again during summer 2021 (May 11 – July 9). There will be no costs and students will earn a stipend for participating remotely. Learn more and apply on or before February 26th, 2021. |
Jobs/Internship OpportunitiesIMPORTANT: 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. 17. Direct Care Professional - ACR HomesACR Homes is hiring psychology students to become Direct Care Professionals! WE ARE NOW CONDUCTING 30 min FACETIME/SKYPE INTERVIEWS. Gain some experience and apply today (positions starting now, later this semester, or even winter break). 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/all over the twin cities, and you don't even need to have a car. We even offer custom research-based INTERNSHIPS that ends 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! 18. Cognitive Skills TrainerWe 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 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm or three weekdays from 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am- 12:00 pm. This is a great long-term part-time position for individuals seeking psychology experience. Internship credit available along with starting pay of $15/hr plus signing and performance bonus'. Training and certification are 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. 19. Behavior Technician - Behavioral DimensionsBehavioral 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 give 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. Many jobs in the human services field require a degree, internship, and experience in order to be hired. We can assist in providing the required hours of experience and the internship while students are completing their degrees. |
