The research opportunities described here are provided by faculty and graduate students who are currently seeking undergraduate research assistants (as of January 23, 2012). These will be updated periodically as we become aware of additional opportunities, but you are encouraged to also talk with your course instructors and teaching assistants about research projects that they are conducting as well as visit faculty members' individual web pages. Once you have identified laboratories of interest, contact the person listed in the Contact Info column to find out about the availability of research assistant positions as well as the specific laboratory's application procedures. You are encouraged to do this as early as possible, as some laboratories have a limited number of available positions and fill them before the semester begins.
| Canine Cognition and Behavior | Ongoing projects look at canid social behavior, evaluate enrichment for captive animals, train shelter dogs, train odor detections and much more. See http://www.caninecognition.com for more details. | Data entry, video coding, and analysis. Coordination of subjects. Participation in experiments. | Nathan Hall, njhall1@ufl.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Clive Wynne |
Classes in behavioral psychology and behavioral zoology an advantage. Need to be confident around dogs to participate in experiments. Only seeking serious applicants willing to commit for multiple semesters. | Available to student volunteers who prove reliable. | Thesis supervision is available to motivated students. |
| Behavioral Economics: Using Monetary Incentives and Deposits to Promote Smoking Cessation | The current projects explore whether deposit contracts can help smokers quit. That is, smokers deposit a specific amount of money and pledge to quit smoking. They earn back this deposit when they demonstrate smoking reduction or abstinence. | Participant recruitment, conducting participant phone screenings, assisting with compilation of research materials, and data entry. If applicants are especially interested in this research, they may have the opportunity to be involved in writing up/reporting the results on conference posters and/or published manuscripts. Finally, if interested, applicants may be able to participate in weekly lab reading groups. | Please contact Brantley Jarvis at jarvisbp@ufl.edu to set up a time to meet. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jesse Dallery |
Applicants should be interested in behavior analysis and/or substance abuse treatment, and be motivated to learn about and conduct research. Applicants need to be dependable, responsible, and able to work independently. Applicants will interact directly with participants, so good communication skills and a profesional attitude are required. EAB 3002 or 3764 is required. | Flexible (1-3 credit hours/semester or volunteer based). Applicants who plan on working more than one semester will be given preference. | This will be determined on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with Brantley Jarvis' faculty mentor, Jesse Dallery. |
| Exercise and Smoking | Study will assess the effects of differing exercise intensities on objective and subjective measures of smoking using a lab model of smoking behavior. | Recruit participants with flyers/ads, collect data, data entry, run participants, make copies, etc. Data analysis can be done with me if student is interested and if time permits. | Allison Kurti, akurti@ufl.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jesse Dallery |
Reliable, dependable, good listener, flexible, previous research experience is desired but not necessary, good people skills, able to devote at least 3 hours per week, willing/eager about recruitment. | Preferably credit but volunteers can feel free to inquire. | Discussed on an individual basis. |
| Behavioral Determinants of Tolerance to Cocaine | Our work investigates behavioral mechanisms (i.e., environmental variables) of tolerance to chronic (i.e., daily) cocaine administration in pigeons. | Research assistants will be trained in drug administration, running sessions, analyzing data, and general animal husbandry. | Vanessa Minervini, v.minervini@ufl.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Marc Branch |
Preference also will be given to students who have taken and earned an "A" in EAB3002 and EAB4022. Preference will be given to students who are available Monday or Friday mornings (around 10am) for about 2 - 2.5 hours. | Flexible. 1-2 credits encouraged. | Discussed on an individual basis. |
| Human brain function in attention, emotion, and task performance | We are interested in electrophysiological indicators of visual and auditory processing as it is modulated by attention and emotion, using a variety of experimental paradigms with human participants. Many studies aim to find out what helps versus interferes with people's performance in a difficult task, and how the brain adapts to improve functioning in a complex multi-media world. | Depending on ability and preference, assistants are involved in data recording (behavioral data, electroencephalography), data reduction and analysis (e.g., learning to eliminate noise from the brain wave recordings), or stimulus programming. Our positions are almost all filled. But we always could use one additional person with good programming skills - or with a lot of time available for research. | Dr. Andreas Keil Email: akeil@ufl.edu |
Interested, motivated, self-directed, energetic, with a passion for science. Quantitative and programming skills. | 2-3 credits are possible. Preference is given to those who are able to contribute 5-8 hours per week - for a minimum of two semesters. | Senior theses are possible for students who have worked in the laboratory for more than 2 semesters. |
| Life Satisfaction and Excellence Lab | Our lab is geared towards students interested in graduate school in counseling psychology and/or Industrial/Organizational Psychology. We develop and conduct studies that examine factors related to achieving one's important goals and enhancing one's life satisfaction. We use the online Excellence Tree system to set and achieve our goals. Our team aims to create, enhance, and maintain communities of effective and satisfied individuals. In the upcoming semester, we are specifically researching time perception and its effect on goal achievement and barriers, the effect of social support on goal achievement, and understanding when competition advances and when it retards goal achievement. | Lab members must attend weekly lab meetings. Other duties include: literature reviews, generating research ideas, meeting in small groups to work on lab studies, and participating in fundraising activities. | Send resume to Emily Goldsmith Email: egoldsmith@ufl.edu Faculty sponsor: Dr. Martin Heesacker, heesack@ufl.edu |
Searching for dedicated, achievement-oriented psychology majors with an interest in Counseling and/or Industrial/Organizational psychology graduate school. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be willing to make a minimum 2-semester commitment to the lab. Must be motivated, innovative, goal-oriented, a team player, and display high levels of personal initiative. | Your first semester you will volunteer. During your second semester, effective performers may either continue as volunteers or elect to receive 1-3 credits. | Though not guaranteed, senior theses are a possibility. |
| Behavioral Medicine Research Team and Health Psychology Research Team | Both of Dr. Carolyn Tucker’s research teams conduct research under the auspices of the recently formed UF Health Disparities Research and Intervention Program (funded by UF's Office of Research, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and College of Medicine). Research activities include (a) developing and testing evidence-based health promotion interventions targeting overweight/obesity and related health conditions and diseases in racial/ethnic minority and low-income communities; (b) empirically evaluating the impact of culturally sensitive health information technology on the health outcomes of patients; (c) increasing the participation of racial/ethnic minorities in health research, including clinical trials; and (d) training racial/ethnic minority and majority students and faculty to conduct culturally sensitive, community-based participatory health disparities research. | Research assistants gain valuable hands-on research experience by assisting with various aspects of community-based participatory research studies. Research activities include preparation of research materials, participant recruitment, data management, data analysis, assisting with health promotion workshop implementation, etc. | Research assistant positions are available on the Health Psychology Research Team for Spring 2012. For the Health Psychology team contact Caitlyn Schroeder, Email: cschroeder@UFL.EDU For the Behavioral Medicine Team contact bmedras@gmail.com. Dr. Carolyn Tucker is the faculty advisor. |
We are looking for dedicated, hard working individuals who have an excellent academic record. Applicants must complete a written application and undergo an interview (which includes a writing sample). A 2-semester, 6-hour per week minimum commitment is required. Research assistants must register for 2 credits of PSY 3912 for each of their first two semesters on the team. Completion of Introduction to Health Psychology and/or research methods/writing courses preferred. | Students must register for 2 credits of PSY 3912 for each of their first two semesters on the team. | Outstanding research assistants may have the opportunity to do a senior thesis after working on one of the teams for at least 2 semesters. Senior thesis opportunities will be considered and discussed with students on a case-by-case basis. |
| Life Story Lab: Autobiographical Memory Across Adulthood | Our research examines how people use memory of their life's events to maintain self-continuity, create social bonds, and direct their future. This includes research on empathy, intimacy, and story-telling in daily life. Studies focus on differences between young, middle-aged and older people. Recent work also includes research on death-related memories and memorializing. | Research assistant's responsibilities may include recruiting participants from the community; conducting memory interviews with young, middle-aged and older adults individually or in small groups; conducting literature searches; transcribing interviews; data entry; data checking; and other stages of the research process. | Dr. Susan Bluck Email: bluck@ufl.edu Website: http://www.psych.ufl.edu/lifestorylab |
Anyone can apply. We prefer applicants with previous research experience, or who have taken research methods and statistics, particularly sophomores or juniors. Applicants should be interested in autobiographical memory and/or adult development and aging. | We prefer applicants who will sign up for 2-3 credit hours (i.e., 6-9 hours per week in the lab). You can sign up for PSY 3912, 4905. Credit is also available through the University Honors program. | Qualified research assistants are encouraged to do a senior thesis, and/or to apply for the University Scholars Program. Dr. Bluck works closely with such students. |
| NEW! Cognitive and Language Development Lab | The Cognitive Development Lab at the University of Florida studies the development of language and cognition in preschoolers and infants. One of our current projects deals with bilingual children's development of social cognition and executive functioning. | RA's will participate in data collection with preschool children, data coding and data entry. Data collection will be carried out at local preschools here in Gainesville, and in Miami, FL. | Vanessa Diaz, M.S. E-mail: vdiaz010@ufl.edu Supervisor: Dr. Jeffrey Farrar Email: farrar@ufl.edu |
For the bilingualism project, we are looking for Spanish-English bilingual RA's with good academic standing and with some experience working with children. We are looking for RA's who will be in Miami, FL or Gainesville during summer A and B. | Students who want research experience through Psy3912 generally work for 2 hours in the lab for every 1 credit of Psy3912 they are registered. However, we are also flexible if you wish to volunteer. | This can be determined in a case by case basis. |
| Social-Cognitive and Affective Development Lab: Attention and Memory Biases for Social-Emotional Information | Attention and Memory Biases for Social-Emotional Information: The research in our lab focuses on how and why adults of different ages differ in their attention and memory for social and emotional information. I particular, in a series of studies we examine how information related to one’s own age as well as information related to different emotions and goals or agendas affect attention and memory. We use a multi-methods approach that combines convergent measures, including self-report, behavior observation, eye tracking, and functional neuroimaging techniques. | Research assistants are involved in all phases of ongoing research projects. They will be trained in design and set-up of experiments and data collection. They will also contribute to data processing, data analysis as well as graphing and interpretation of results. There will be weekly lab meetings for presentation of data and discussion of lab-organizational and research-related topics. | Dr. Natalie Ebner Email: natalie.ebner@ufl.edu |
Ideal candidates are highly motivated, reliable, conscientious, and self-directed. Because research assistants will also interact with research participants of different ages, good social skills are very important. Prior research experience, completion of Research Methods, and knowledge and interest working with Excel/SPSS are a plus. Upon discussion, research assistantships during summer can be of greater commitment. | Preference will be given to applicants who sign up for at least 6-9 hours per week (2-3 credits or volunteer) for two or more semesters. Summer credits are also possible. | Supervision of senior theses are a possibility for qualified research assistants who have been engaged in the lab for at least 1-2 semesters. |
| Children, stress, and pet dogs | This research study examines the role of pet dogs in buffering children's biological response to stress. | Research assistant responsibilities include serving as confederates in research study, conducting literature reviews, processing and managing questionnaire, video, and/or biological data, preparing data for presentations and publications, and participation in weekly lab meetings. | For an application contact Natalie Hadad at geenidevelopmentlab@gmail.com. Principal Investigator: Dr. Darlene Kertes |
Preferred qualifications: highly responsible, punctual, comfortable around dogs, and possess the ability to stick to a script. Because research participants are grade-school children, availability on some weekday afternoons and Saturdays should be expected during data collection. Timing of data collection during summer months is more varied. | 2-3 credits/ 6-9 hours per week either for credit as volunteer for two or more semesters. | Senior theses are a possibility and are discussed on a case-by-case basis with who have already worked in the lab. |
| Infant stress responses | This research project centers on mechanisms by which life experiences "get under the skin" to influence biological stress responses in infancy via its effects on DNA. Participants are 12 mos old. | Research assistant responsibilities include: conducting literature reviews, assisting with data collection, processing and managing questionnaire, video, and/or biological data, preparing data for presentations and publications, and participation in weekly lab meetings. | For an application contact Natalie Hadad at geenidevelopmentlab@gmail.com. Principal Investigator: Dr. Darlene Kertes |
Anyone can apply. Because students are deeply involved in the research, students who can commit 6 or 9 hours/week for at least 2 semesters are preferred. Summer assistantships can be of a higher level of commitment if mutually agreed upon. Ideal candidates are responsible, detail-oriented, motivated, and comfortable around infants/toddlers. Because data is collected in a pediatric clinic, the RA must have a car. Interested applicants should specify whether they are primarily interested in the behavioral aspects of the work (questionnaires, behavioral observation), or the biological aspects (endocrine, genetic) of the project. | 2-3 credits/ 6-9 hours per week or more either for credit or volunteer for two or more semesters. Summer credits are also possible. | Senior theses are a possibility and will be discussed on a case-by-case basis for students who have already worked in the lab. |
| Memory and Beliefs | Studies will examine everyday memory and methods for maximizing the memory performance of people of all ages. All of the studies also include investigation of memory self-evaluation variables such as attributions about memory, beliefs about abilities, self-efficacy, etc. Some studies only include older adults. | All research assignments will be preceded by training. Depending on your availability, the specific project(s) we are conducting each semester, and the quality of your work, you will learn how to do all or some of the following: to prepare protocols for memory training, to develop a coding scheme for open-ended interviews, to work with others in a team effort, to conduct a research interview with adults of all ages, to score objective cognitive tests, to standardize experimental procedures, to enter data into a statistical program, to work with participants of all ages. | Dr. Robin West Email: west51@ufl.edu Interested students can fill out the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JT9JPTN |
Reliable, willing to learn, follows instructions well, good social skills, able to commit at least 3 hours per week; strong GPA and/or appropriate experience; I do not accept graduating seniors. | Flexible (volunteer or credit); prefer that students first join the lab as a volunteer or for only 1 credit, then obtain more credit in later semesters. | Students who work in the laboratory for more than one semester may talk to Dr. West about a senior thesis, which requires at least 3 semesters of participation in the laboratory. |
| Threat Management | We examine how people respond to information that threatens desired beliefs about themselves, their abilities, health, relationships, future, and important others. I am particularly interested in optimism, bracing for bad news, and information avoidance. | Running research participants, entering data. | Dr. James Shepperd (352) 273-2165 shepperd@ufl.edu For an application, go to http://www.psych.ufl.edu/~shepperd/. Look under research (above the picture). Submit an application by March 15 for fall research positions, and by October 15 for spring research positions. |
1) Must have done well (B+ or better) in social psychology; 2) 2 semesters minimum; 3) No outside job that takes more than 8 hours a week ; 4) must be at least a sophomore. | 1-3 credits | Rare and only for students who have worked in my lab at least a year and have demonstrated excellent writing skills. |
| Investigating Graduate Instructor Pedagogical Training | This study is designed to examine the efficacy of a newly implemented graduate instructor training program in the Department of Psychology. The short- and long-term effects of training within the coordinated general psychology program (CGPP) will be assessed in this research. Additionally, the effects of a short, intense, and departmentally specific training program, also called the “boot camp,” will be examined. Results will be used to improve or modify the training experience for first-time graduate instructors in the boot camp as well as instructors teaching within CGPP. | Research assistants will assist with whatever tasks are needed in the current phase of the project. Here are some example tasks: literature searches; proposal writing; consent document creation and revision; data collection; data entry; data analysis; and other necessary tasks. | Dr. Jessica Hill Email: hillpedagogylab@gmail.com |
While a two semester commitment is preferred, a superlative potential research assistant will be considered for one semester. Priority will be given to students who have taken Research Methods (PSY3213L) and earned a B or better. Must be conscientious, reliable, and able to work as part of a close-knit team. All interested applicatnts will be interviewed by the current research team prior to being selected. | Students who are willing to work an average of 6 or more hours a week are welcome to apply! Because of the nature of our data collection process, research assistants must be flexible in terms of how their time is spent. Some weeks may require more work and some less. Some weeks may require mornings or evenings while others may require afternoons. All research activities will be on campus. | A senior thesis is possible for students who have previously worked in the lab. Dr. Hill's willingness to supervise the thesis will be determined on an individual basis. |
| Pediatric Psychology Research Lab | Our research is primarily in the area of pediatric obesity. Currently, several research studies are ongoing including a group-based weight management program for children in underserved rural settings funded by a 4.5 year $2.7 million grant from NIH. We also have an additional study that is examining disordered eating behaviors in youth and a study focusing on pediatric epilepsy. | Recruiting participants and collecting data in Shands-affiliated primary care clinics, assisting with design and preparation of treatment materials, data entry, and attending weekly laboratory meetings focused on discussing ongoing projects, critiquing journal articles, and discussing topics related to professional development. | Project Director: Crystal Lim, Ph.D. (cms528@phhp.ufl.edu) The faculty sponsor is David Janicke, Ph.D. |
Applicants should be motivated, dependable, and responsible students who are able to work well with others in medical settings and communicate effectively with patients, medical professionals, and graduate and undergraduate students. High attention to detail is a must. Students must be able to think critically, participate in lab discussions, work independently, and behave and dress professionally. | 2-3 credits (6-9 hours per week) for a minimum of two semesters. | Students may be able to conduct a senior thesis related to ongoing lab projects or an existing dataset. A 2+ semester commitment is required to be considered for a senior thesis. |
| VITAL (Village Interactive Training and Learning) Study | This is a Clinical and Health Psychology study focused on boosting older adults' cognitive performance (visuo-spatial processing). In VITAL we test the combined use of two of the most powerful cognitive interventions for older adults: mental training (computer game-like interface) and physical exercise. Individually, these two interventions have a wealth of pre-clinical and clinical data supporting their effectiveness as interventions to increase brain plasticity and enhance cognition. What is unknown, at present, is whether there is synergistic benefit that derives from combining these interventions, and if so the extent of this benefit. We specifically want to learn whether pre-dosing with physical exercise “primes” or augments the positive effects of cognitive training and whether this benefit occurs relatively quickly or more gradually over time. We also examine whether the expected cognitive benefits are associated with biological markers such as BDNF(Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) changes in overall physical fitness, mood, or other factors (i.e., self-efficacy). Finally, we want to learn whether the popular Wii-Fit exercise program exerts similar benefits on cognitive training as more traditional aerobic exercise. To address these aims, are conducting a randomized, parallel-group study of cognitive training (Posit Science Insight Program) combined with either a standard physical exercise or a video-based exercise program (Nintendo Wii Fit Plus). |
Several roles are possible: (A) Tester (receive training and certification in neuropsychological, cognitive, and sensory/physical assessment with older adults); (B) Interventionist (Coach and supervise aerobic, WiiFit, or computer-based cognitive training sessions); (C) Data management (Coding, scoring, entry, quality assurance) | Principal Investigators: Michael Marsiske (marsiske@phhp.ufl.edu) or Dawn Bowers (dawnbowers@phhp.ufl.edu) | Email your interest to Dr. Marsiske or Bowers; followup screening questionnaire and in-person interview may be scheduled. If accepted, students will have to complete (a) UF HIPAA training (b) Confidentiality Statement (c) UF Volunteer Record of Service (d) registration form (if applicable); See http://marsiskelab.phhp.ufl.edu/lab/ugrad.html#HIPAA for details. Students are expected to devote at least 4 hours/week (one morning or one afternoon) for each credit signed up for. Most activities will take place at The Village retirement community, which is located across from Santa Fe College. Students should have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be willing to commit for at least two consecutive semesters. Experience with Nintendo Wii, aerobic/endurance fitness (especially treadmills, recumbent bikes, and heart rate/blood pressure monitoring) are valued. We will ask students to get CPR certified before beginning participant contact. |
CLP 3911, 1-3 credits (counts the same as PSY 3912 for undergraduate major) | Occasionally possible for dedicated research assistants who have worked for VITAL for at least a year, and who have demonstrated excellent writing and conceptual skills |
| Insomnia and Adult Medical Populations | Our research focuses on sleep disorders in various medical populations. Current research explores the types of sleep disorders common in chronic pain patients and cognitive-behavioral treatment in individuals with both chronic pain and sleep problems. | May include: administering questionnaires to subjects, scheduling subjects for treatment, preparing treatment materials, scoring questionnaires, entering data into the study database, helping to design the subject database, assisting with polysomnography. This position requires evening hours (6pm - 9pm) at least one night per week. Specific requirements will vary. |
Christina S. McCrae, PhD, C.BSM. Send resume with GPA to: Christine Towler (project manager), chris36@phhp.ufl.edu. |
Introductory Psychology (PSY2012) or its equivalent experience interviewing patients and experience working in a medical setting would be helpful but not required | 2-3 | Possible, but only students who have worked in my lab at least two semesters. |
| Cognition and Reading Lab | This research investigates the role of working memory in complex conitive tasks and/or the relationship between discourse comprehension and representation. | Research assistants will gain experience in several areas, including but not limited to: brainstorming topics, literature searches, stimuli generation, helping to collect data, and instruction in writing up experimental results. | For an application please refer to: http://education.ufl.edu/therriault-lab/sample-page/undergraduate-research-assistant-application/". Send completed applications to Dr. David Therriault Email: therriault@coe.ufl.edu |
A two semester commitment is required. Cognitive Psychology (EXP 3604) is preferred but not required. There will also be a weekly one-hour lab meeting. Research assistants MUST be punctual, mature, and professional as you may need to interact with research participants. Interests in cognition and/or education are desirable. Must work well with others as coding may involve working with a partner. | Students must be willing to work 6-8 hours per week and work at a consistent time each week. Would prefer students to work two consecutive semesters. | Students may be able to develop a thesis project related to the study topic but would first have to show a commitment to the lab. Keep in mind that 2-3 semesters of work is required to complete a thesis. |
| Mechanisms Of Alimentary Chemosensation | Our laboratory is focused in general on taste perception. We utilize extensive behavioral testing with mice to determine how tastants (flavors) are detected and interpreted. We are also interested in the influence of taste receptors on nutritional intake, as well as the postprandial response to nutrients. We are attempting to assess how normal variation in taste functioning is associated with diet, lifestyle behavior, and metabolic disease. Since the sense of taste affects our food choices and eating habits, it may have a significant impact on obesity, diabetes and related disorders. Additionally, the recent discovery that taste receptors, which were thought to be expressed exclusively in the oronasal cavity, are also expressed in cells of the lower gastrointestinal tract, suggests that they may be involved in the nutrient-dependent regulation of metabolism, providing another route through which taste receptor polymorphisms may impact upon health. Thus, we are investigating the influence of variation in genes associated with gustatory function on obesity- and diabetes-related traits. These genetic studies will help us to better establish the relationships between taste function and disease. | Research techniques that assistants have the opportunity to experience include: * Histology and Imaging: Immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, live cell imaging; * Molecular biology: Cloning, Southern and Northern blot analysis, PCR, in situ hybridization ; * Biochemistry: Western blots, protein purification, ELISA assays, phosphorylation assays; * Cell and tissue culture: Transfection of cells and tissues; * Behavior: The assessment of taste-guided behavioral responses, intake testing, brief-access testing, and the analysis of conditioned-taste aversions. | Alicia Brown Email: arbrown@mbi.ufl.edu Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shawn Dotson |
Anyone can apply (experience with behavioral techniques desired but not mandatory). | 2-3 credits/ 6-9 hours per week either for credit or volunteer | Senior theses are possible for students who have worked in the laboratory for more than 2 semesters. |