Research

Research Assistant Opportunities

Domestic Violence and Patient Physician Communication Research

Supervisor: Diane Morse, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry)
Recruiting for Summer and Fall 2013

We currently have a series of projects ready for data analysis, and could mentor a student who would learn research methods for qualitative analysis, data entry, grant writing, and about domestic violence research strategies. Subsequently, there will be some quantitative data analysis as well. Most of our research relates to domestic violence and substance abuse, some in the court setting. However, one of the projects has patient-physician communication data. Ideally, the internship would be 15-20 hours weekly, which could be flexible during exam or school break times. There is also the option of working with us for course credit or during the summer.

Contact: Dr. Diane Morse, diane_morse@urmc.rochester.edu, (585) 275-6484

Laboratory for Innovations in Child Mental Health Care Delivery

Supervisor: Linda Alpert-Gillis, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Fall 2013 and Spring 2014

Description: The Laboratory for Innovations in Child Mental Health Care Delivery is the research group for Strong Behavioral Health Child and Adolescent Outpatient Services (CAOS). The research group has active research projects that focus on the development and evaluation of services within all settings in which intervention services are provided. Current projects include: Development, implementation, and evaluation of our Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment (EBAT) seminar for clinicians; Evaluation of outcome data for Early Recognition and Screening of Pediatric patients; Development and evaluation of Family-based Just in Time Treatment for families under stress.

The Child and Adolescent Outpatient Service offers unique and exciting opportunities for highly motivated undergraduates to participate in our clinic to gain experience working with children and their families who are seeking behavioral health treatment. Experiences can be targeted towards direct applied experiences, towards research oriented tasks, or a combination based on the interests o the student. Ideally, the internship would be at least 6 hours weekly, which could be flexible during exam or school break times. There is also the option of working with us for course credit (minimum of 10 hours per week) or during the summer.

Contact: Dr. Elizabeth Handley, elizabeth_handley@urmc.rochester.edu

Alternate contact person: Dr. Kenya Malcolm, Kenya_Malcolm@urmc.rochester.edu.

Project BRIDGE: Parents & Teens

Supervisors: Melissa Sturge-Apple, Ph.D.; Patrick Davies, Ph.D.
Recruiting through Fall 2013

Project BRIDGE is a multidisciplinary study that examines parent-child relationships in early adolescence. Research assistants who join our lab will have the opportunity to work directly with families as well as gain a better appreciation of all the work that is done “behind the scenes” to ensure a smoothly-running large research study. An optional seminar component is available for students who wish to learn more about the implications and general theories of the project.

As part of the data collection team, research assistants will be trained on how to conduct semi-structured interviews, administer cognitive assessments, and collect saliva samples. A highlight of our project is our innovative attachment and problem-solving tasks in which physiological reactivity is measured through EKG (heart rate), continuous emotion reporting, and voice analysis. Research assistants will also be trained on how to operate synchronized audio-visual equipment and biofeedback software.

Students can receive up to 4 credits during academic semesters and some paid summer positions may be available. Due to families’ work/school demands, some weekend and late afternoon-early evening (e.g., 4-10pm) availability is required.

Contact: For more information, or to receive an application, please visit www.RochesterFamilyResearch.org, karin.gasaway@rochester.edu

Project CONNECT

Supervisor: Melissa Sturge-Apple, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Fall 2013

Project CONNECT is an ongoing study of early child development including executive functioning, emotion regulation, stress physiology, and parent-child relationships. We are searching for undergraduate RAs for the Spring 2013 and Fall 2013 semesters to assist with running child visits for our third wave of data collection (5.5-year-old children) as well as observational coding paradigms assessing domains of child development. RAs will have direct experience with children and mothers.  If you are interested in working on this project, please contact Samantha Spivey for an application and to set up an interview.

Contact: Samantha Spivey, projectconnect0@gmail.com

Project STEP: Family Conflict and Young Children's Adjustment

Supervisor: Patrick Davies, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Summer 2013 and Fall 2013

We are recruiting responsible and motivated undergraduates to get hands-on experience working with children and families.  The study is examining the impact of family conflict on preschool children - including their physical, social, and psychological well-being.

Opportunities are available for gaining valuable experience in:

  • Collecting information directly from children and families
  • Experience with multi-method research (survey, observation, interview, physiology, neurobiological and neuro-cognitive) data collection
  • Evaluating and coding family relationships and child adjustment
  • Managing video and audio equipment

Position requirements include:

  • Two semester commitment with between 8-14 hours per week
    • On-call yours are mandatory available hours, but may not always be utilized
  • Must be available SOME evenings (between 12pm and 8pm) and weekends
  • Previous experience working with research and/or children is preferred

Contact: Kashawmma Wright, kashawmma_wright@URMC.rochester.edu, (585) 275-2991 ext. 192

Research in Health and Mindfulness

Supervisor: Richard Ryan, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Fall 2013

The self-determination theory lab is looking for undergraduate research assistants to work on projects that will be investigating how mindfulness relates to psychological and physical health. We're seeking motivated and interested undergraduate research assistants, who have interests in clinical and social psychology. Students with course work or experience in BCS, neuroscience, health, or computers are especially encouraged to apply. Assistants will have the opportunity to take part in different phases of the research process, for example planning, data collection (running participants), and data coding/ analyses.


Contact: Pati Schultz, patricia.schultz@rochester.edu

If interested, please contact Pati Schultz with a resume and unofficial transcript (copy from UR ACCESS).

Research in Multiple Areas of Social Psychology

Supervisor: Miron Zuckerman, Ph.D.
Recruitment is ongoing

Research assistants are needed for research on religiosity, self-esteem, self-enhancement, health, and other topics within and related to the field of social psychology. Assistants help with a wide variety of tasks, and are encouraged to get involved at every level of the research process.

Contact: Miron Zuckerman, Ph.D., miron@psych.rochester.edu

Research in Prejudice and Stigma

Supervisor: Richard Ryan, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Fall 2013 and Spring 2014

The self-determination theory lab is looking for undergraduate research assistants to work on projects that will be investigating the emotional and psychological effects of prejudice and stigmatization in the upcoming Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 semesters. We're seeking motivated and interested undergraduate research assistants, who have interests in clinical and social psychology broadly, and ingroup/outgroup processes specifically. Students with course work or experience in BCS, neuroscience, or computers are especially encouraged to apply. Assistants will have the opportunity to take part in all phases of the research process, from planning to data collection (running participants) to data coding. Opportunities for course credit, developing an honors thesis or authorship on presentations may be available for highly motivated students.

Contact: Nikki Legate, nlegate@psych.rochester.edu

Send resume and unofficial transcript (copy from UR ACCESS).

Research on Achievement and Social Motivation

Supervisor: Andrew J. Elliot, Ph.D.
Recruitment is ongoing

We conduct research on why people behave the way they do in achievement situations (e.g., school, sports, work) and social situations. Our lab is quite diverse, usually comprising visiting professors and post-doctoral students from around the globe, as well as graduate students and undergraduate research assistants from the UR.  We are always looking for interested, hard-working undergraduates to participate in all phases of the research process, beginning with data collection (subject running) and moving toward more full collaboration (including honor's theses and other writing projects).

Contact: Rachel Korn, rachel.korn@rochester.edu

Research on Social Interaction and Close Relationships

Supervisor: Harry Reis, Ph.D.
Recruitment is ongoing

We conduct research on social interaction and close relationships.  We welcome participation by students as research assistants. Typically, students may expect to conduct any or all of several activities, including running experimental sessions, supervising Internet-based protocols, interviewing participants, coding open-ended responses, and data entry.

Contact: Harry Reis, reis@psych.rochester.edu

Sources of Strength Community Research Project

Supervisor: Peter A. Wyman, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Summer and Fall 2013 (beginning in April, 2013).

Sources of Strength is a suicide prevention program based on training Peer Leaders in high schools to deliver messages to their friends about positive coping norms, suicide prevention and breaking down codes of silence about suicidal behavior.  We are working with schools across New York state and also in North Dakota and Georgia.  Surveys are collected from both Peer Leaders and students in their schools to measure effectiveness of the intervention.  Tasks involved in assisting with this study include scanning collected data, checking information gathered by adult advisors from the schools, and preparing materials for new schools and surveys during the school year.  During the school year, students will have opportunities to attend trainings or visit schools when data is collected.

Flexible schedule (4-8 hours per week). Close location (UR Medical Center). Learn about intervention research.

Contact: Karen Schmeelk-Cone, karen_schmeelkcone@urmc.rochester.edu, (585) 275-8221

The Peer Ethology Project (PEP)

Supervisor: Meredith Martin, M.A.
Recruiting for Fall 2013

Applying principles of evolutionary theory to understanding child social development.

We are now accepting applications from motivated, hardworking students to participate as research assistants on several coding projects for the Fall semester.  The first is focused on video-taped observations of children's (ages 5-12) behavior as they interact within small groups of peers, using an impoverished and largely maltreated (abused) sample.  Observational coding is focused on the strategies children use to maintain a sense of safety and security in coping with threat (e.g., conflict, rejection, victimization) within the peer group, and the implications of the these behaviors for their mental health and social adjustment.  Other opportunities include similar observational coding experiences of different videotaped tasks (e.g., small groups in cooperative or competitive activities, dyadic play interactions) and exploring a variety of social behaviors at both the individual and group level. Both projects are guided by evolutionary theory and research assistants will be trained in the application of an ethological/behavioral systems approach to quantifying relational dynamics within children's peer relationships. This project is particularly appropriate for students who wish to pursue an advanced degree in Developmental Psychology, Developmental Psychopathology, or Clinical Child Psychology. Preference is given to students with prior coding experience and/or experience in Psychology more broadly. A 2-semester commitment is preferred, but not required.

Students also have the option of supplementing the independent study experiences by attending regular seminar sessions that provide further information on the nature and implications of the research project (for four CSP/PSYCH credits). Inexperienced students are also encouraged to apply, particularly if they can take the seminar course, as we have a number of training positions to prepare them to continue in the lab as a coder. We do have both 4 and 2 credit positions available.

Contact: Meredith Martin, mmartin@psych.rochester.edu

The Senior Connection: A Randomized Trial to Reduce Late-Life Suicide Risk

Supervisor: Kim Van Orden, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 semesters.

Scientifically curious and motivated research assistants are sought for a two-semester independent study/research assistantship.  The primary responsibility is assisting with recruitment into a randomized trial of peer companionship for older adults.  Recruitment takes place in primary care clinics affiliated with URMC.  Some photocopying and data entry will be expected.  Educational opportunities include: sitting in on research interviews in subjects' homes, training in issues relevant to geriatric mental health and mentorship for graduate school/medical school applications.

Requirements:

  1. availability for Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 semesters (at least 4 hours per week), and
  2. access to a car to drive to primary care clinics.

To apply, please email the following to Kim Van Orden at the email address below:

  1. CV or resume and
  2. brief cover letter, e.g., no more than a page, describing your interest in the project including its relevance to your academic/career goals.

Contact: Kim Van Orden, kimberly_vanorden@urmc.rochester.edu

University of Rochester Friendship Study

Supervisors: Katie Devine, Ph.D.; Tristram Smith, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Spring 2013 and Summer 2013 semesters

The University of Rochester Friendship Study is seeking highly motivated students interested in gaining hands-on experience in research conducted in school settings. The purpose of this project is to better understand children's friendships. In some schools, we are conducting a 6-week intervention aimed to promote inclusion of all students in the classroom. Responsibilities include: (1) assisting in data collection using netbook computers with children in school classrooms; (2) working with experienced professionals to provide the intervention to a small group of students in schools; and (3) assisting in data management. The majority of the time will be spent working directly with children, not data management. Flexible daytime schedule (availability during elementary/middle school hours) and access to a car to drive to schools are needed. Students will meet weekly with the supervisor to discuss the project, relevant literature, and career paths for students. Additional opportunities for writing papers or presentations may be available. Educational opportunities include training in research ethics and regulations, critical discussion of current literature relevant to the social functioning of children, hands-on learning of intervention work, and mentorship for graduate school/medical school applications. Volunteer experience or opportunity for credit (with expected commitment of about 10 hours/week for 3 credit course).

Contact: Katie Devine-Recuay, Katie_Devine-Recuay@URMC.rochester.edu