Research Assistant Opportunities
Domestic Violence and Patient Physician Communication Research
Supervisors: Diane Morse, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry)
Recruiting for Spring, 2012 and Summer, 2012
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 at diane_morse@urmc.rochester.edu or
(585) 275-6484
Feelings of Helplessness Among Children with Asthma, and Their Parents
Supervisors: Kelly M. Conn, M.P.H., Director, Center for Research Support
(Department of Community and Preventive Medicine)
Enrollment starting in November through May.
Two students are needed to help with enrollment for a study interviewing children with asthma and their parents about emotions and coping. The position will involve the following tasks (and possibly others depending on the course of the study): contacting day cares and clinic administrators, providing informed consent, conducting face-to-face surveys with children ages 7-12 and parents, data management and data cleaning, IRB amendments, etc. Data collection will occur in the Strong Pediatric Clinic and in day cares and other community settings in Rochester. We will travel to day care locations at times that are convenient for parents, children, and study team members (two team members will need to travel at all times since parents and children will be interviewed simultaneously). Students will also be able to learn about Human Subject Protection in research, IRB procedures and application process, and data analysis and interpretation.
Students will need to have a car to travel to locations within the community. This internship is on a voluntary basis (credit is available), but will also allow for students who are interested in public health or research to collaborate on this project. If interested, students may be able to add one or two questions of choice to the surveys and analyze data which may help with advancing their career/resume.
Contact: Kelly Conn at kelly_conn@urmc.rochester.edu sending a resume and cover letter.
Independent Study in Late Life Suicide Prevention
Supervisors: Kim Van Orden, Ph.D. and Alisa O'Riley, Ph.D.
Research assistants needed for the Spring 2012 semester to assist clinical psychologists with recruitment for a community-based study examining biological, psychological, and neuropsychological variables associated with suicide risk in late life. Independent study credit is provided. Opportunities to learn about suicide risk assessment are available, and mentorship on issues related to graduate school application is provided. Applicants must have access to a vehicle.
Contact: For more information or to apply contact Alisa O'Riley, Ph.D. at alisa_oriley@urmc.rochester.edu
To apply please email the following:
1) CV or resume; 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.
Maternal Depression and Child Adaptation Study
Supervisor: Tom Alexander
Recruiting for Spring, 2012
The Mt. Hope Family Center is looking for students interested in a volunteer opportunity to assist with a study on the effects of maternal depression on child adaptation in a high risk population. Responsibilities include data entry, coding EEG sessions and other data organization tasks. Candidates must be able to work independently and exhibit great attention to detail. Experience with Microsoft Access databases and Word is preferred. Flexible schedule (10-20 hours per week). This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in some of the day-to-day activities of a Research Assistant here at the Center.
Contact: Tom Alexander at (585) 275–2991, ext. 305, or email resume and questions to thomas.alexander@rochester.edu
Me and My Family Project
Supervisor: Patrick Davies
Recruiting for Spring, 2012
The main focus of this research is on examining why children, who are exposed to high levels of family discord, are at risk for developing psychological problems. We are particularly interested in understanding how children's coping strategies and reaction patterns to family stress, which are thought to develop out of histories of experiences in family relationships, may help to explain differences between children in their psychological adjustment. In our current study, we are finishing Phase 2 of a project that followed 200 mothers, fathers, and children who participated in middle childhood into adolescence. We are currently coding and analyzing observational, interview, self-report, and physiological data from the families. Opportunities are available gaining valuable experience in coding videotaped and questionnaire data from parents and children about family relationships and child adjustment. Flexible hours and great experience for future studies in psychology!
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.
Contact: Meredith Martin at mmartin@psych.rochester.edu
Project BRIDGE: Parents & Teens
Supervisors: Melissa Sturge-Apple, Ph.D. and 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 or to receive an application, please visit www.RochesterFamilyResearch.org or email karin.gasaway@rochester.edu
Project CONNECT
Supervisor: Melissa Sturge-Apple
Recruiting for Spring, 2012
Project CONNECT is an ongoing study of mother-child relationships, attachment, emotion regulation and related physiology. We are searching for undergraduate RAs for the Fall and Spring semesters (2011-2012) to help with our second wave of data collection. Responsibilities will include some or all of the following: Administering questionnaires/interviews to mothers and their 3 and 1/2 year-old children, supervising children during a laboratory tasks, filming visits, childcare, and coding videotaped mother-child interactions. Applicants should be professional, able to think on their feet, handle young children, and work as a part of a team. Also, a strong interest in family relationships is a plus. If you are interested in applying, please contact Mike Skibo for an application and to set up an interview.
Contact: Mike Skibo at mskibo@psych.rochester.edu
Project D.A.W.N: Depression, Abuse & Women's Interpersonal Support Network
Supervisor: Nancy Talbot, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Spring, 2012 and Fall, 2012
We are seeking highly motivated, independent, responsible psychology undergraduates with previous research experience. We are looking for a two semester (8 credit) commitment.
Students would be involved in several studies, at University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), primarily focused on interpersonal trauma, depression, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy.
Opportunities to work on two ongoing studies exist:
1) A pilot study of group interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed women with histories of intimate partner violence
2) A mixed-method study examining depression treatment expectations and experiences of African American women with childhood sexual abuse histories.
These studies are being conducted by Natalie A. Cort, Ph.D. and Nancy L. Talbot, Ph.D. of URMC Psychiatry Department.
This opportunity involves a commitment of 15-20 hours weekly, with flexibility during exam or vacation periods. Mentorship on the graduate school application process is provided.
Contact: Students can register for this research opportunity as an independent study course supervised by Associate Professor Nancy Talbot. If interested, please send a current CV and one paragraph describing your career goals to Dr. Natalie Cort at natalie_cort@urmc.rochester.edu
Research Assistant Responsibilities:
- Transcribing qualitative interviews
- Coding qualitative interviews
- Proof-reading research manuscripts
- Revising manuscripts using AMA, APA styles
- Data analysis (e.g., scoring, correlations, means)
- Data cleaning and entry
- Literature reviews
- Obtaining copyright permission (National Center for PTSD)
- RAs may have to conduct qualitative interviews and administer questionnaires
Project STEP: Family Conflict and Young Children's Adjustment
Supervisor: Patrick Davies, Ph.D.
We are recruiting for 2012 SPRING positions.
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
- Must be available SOME evenings (between 12pm and 8pm) and weekends
- Previous experience working with research and/or children is preferred
For more information or to apply to the Internship please contact: Diana Capous at (585) 275-2991 or email Diana_Capous@urmc.rochester.edu
Research in Developmental Neuropsychology of Autism
Supervisor: Loisa Bennetto, Ph.D.
Recruiting students for the Spring and Summer of 2012
The Developmental Neuropsychology Lab is conducting several projects focused on sensory processing. These projects involve children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and their families, as well as children without an autism diagnosis. We are looking for research assistants to assist with these projects and gain valuable experience in all phases of our research: research design, running participants, data coding, and interpretation.
We are seeking students who have excellent interpersonal/clinical skills (for working with children and families), attention to detail, and the ability to work with a research team. Students with backgrounds/interests in Psychology or Brain & Cognitive Sciences as well as other fields (e.g., Linguistics, Neuroscience) are encouraged to apply. Students can register for PSY 351 or PSY 352 (Research in Developmental Neuropsychology), or PSY 391 (Independent Study) to receive credit for their work during the academic year. All research is supervised by Dr. Loisa Bennetto.
We are particularly interested in students who are able to make a 2-semester (or summer+fall) commitment. If you are interested in joining our research team, please email a copy of your resume and transcript (unofficial from UR ACCESS is OK) to the contact listed below.
Contact: Robin Bender at rbender@psych.rochester.edu
Research in multiple areas of social psychology and brain-computer interfacing
Supervisors: Miron Zuckerman, Ph.D. and Jordan Silberman, M.A.
Recruitment is ongoing.
Research assistants are needed for research on smoking behaviors, non-conscious motivation, brain-computer interfacing, patient-physician communication, and several other topics in psychology. Research assistants help with a wide variety of tasks, and are encouraged to get involved at every level of the research process. Interested RAs will have an opportunity to work with EEG and BCI technologies, which allow people to control a computer with the brain along (no keyboard, no mouse).
Contact: Jordan Silberman - Jordan_Silberman@urmc.rochester.edu
Research in Prejudice and Stigma
Supervisor: Richard Ryan, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Spring, 2012
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 2011 and Spring 2012 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: If interested, please contact Nikki Legate at nlegate@psych.rochester.edu with a resume and unofficial transcript (copy from UR ACCESS).
Research in Social Communication
Supervisor: Loisa Bennetto, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Spring, 2012 and Summer, 2012
The Development Neuropsychology Lab is looking for undergraduate research assistants interested in working on a study of social communication in typical adults. We are seeking students with interests in linguistics, nonverbal communication, and/or autism to start in the spring semester. Students with course work or experience in psycholinquistics and social psychology are especially encouraged to apply. Attention to detail, comfort with audio-visual technology, and the ability to work with peers on a research team are required.
We are very interested in students who are able to make a two-semester commitment (into Fall of 2012).
Students can register for this research opportunity through PSY 352 (Research in Developmental Neuropsychology) or as an independent study supervised by Professor Loisa Bennetto.
If interested, please contact Bryan Harrison at bryan.harrison@rochester.edu with a resume and unofficial transcript (copy from UR ACCESS).
Research on Achievement and Social Motivation
Supervisor: Andrew J. Elliot, Ph.D.
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: Adam Pazda at apazda@psych.rochester.edu
Research on Social Interaction and Close Relationships
Supervisor: Harry Reis, Ph.D.
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 at reis@psych.rochester.edu
Research on Treatment for Children with Autism
Supervisor: Tristram Smith, Ph.D.
We are looking for undergraduate research assistants to help with study visits for several studies that are testing behavioral interventions and medication for children with autism spectrum disorders. The studies are led by Tristram Smith, Ph.D., and Susan Hyman, M.D. Students will have direct interaction with children with autism and their families during study visits that take place in the General Clinical Research Center in the medical center or in the Towne House. The position is 5-10 hours per week for 1-2 semesters. We are interested in reliable individuals with strong interpersonal skills. Experience with children with autism or other developmental disabilities is preferred but not required. Opportunity for course credit through practicum or independent study course.
Contact: Nicole Holdsworth at Nicole_Holdsworth@URMC.Rochester.edu
Social Development and Family Processes Lab
Supervisor: Judith Smetana, Ph.D.
Recruiting for Fall, 2011
There are currently two studies underway in this lab.
***The Hong Kong-U.S. study is investigating Chinese and U.S. Kindergartners' - 5th graders' feelings and expectations about situations when authority dictates contrast with personal desires. Specifically, we are investigating how the importance of the behavior to the child and the way the authority figure expresses his/her wishes influence children's evaluations. Research assistants will assist with interviews with children and record responses. RAs may also be involved in coding of children's justifications. Students need to be available two to three afternoons (approximately 2:30-5:30 p.m.) to help with interviews.
***The Helping and Harming Project is a semi-structured interview study examining elementary-school aged children's understanding of when harm (physical and psychological) may be necessary to serve a greater good. Interviews will be conducted at local aftercare programs and after-school activities around the Rochester area. Research assistants will conduct interviews with children, record responses, and enter data.
Research positions will be worth up to 4 credits.
Contact: Courtney Ball at cball@psych.rochester.edu
Sources of Strength Community Research Project
Supervisor: Peter A. Wyman, Ph.D.
Recruiting is on-going for this Project.
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 at (585) 275-8221 or karen_schmeelkcone@urmc.rochester.edu
The Family Dynamics Study
Supervisors: Ron Rogge, Ph.D. and Jack Peltz, M.A.
Recruiting for Spring, 2012 and Summer, 2012
We currently have an opening for a qualified research assistant who is interested in the study of family processes. The project is aimed at understandinf how families with toddlers (2-3 year old children) navigate this challenging and rewarding period through a multi-wave longitudinal study of the various systems (e.g., parental, marital, etc.) within the family. Responsibilities would include recruitment and tracking of families, and, if interested, could also include home visits with participating families in the local area. Applicants should be familiar with Excel, well organized, and able to devote 6-10 hours per week.
Contact: Jack Peltz at (585) 275-2991 (x 221) or
The Peer Ethology Project (PEP)
Applying principles of evolutionary theory to understanding social development
Supervisor: Meredith Martin, M.A.
Recruiting for Spring, 2012
We are now accepting applications from motivated, hardworking students to participate as research assistants on two projects for the Fall of 2011. 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. The second project utilizes narrative interviews with adolescents (12-16) about their best friendship. The focus is distinguishing between relationship characteristics indicative of attachment (security-enhancing) from those reflecting affiliation (warmth, fun, companionship, mutuality), and how the balance between these two critical aspects of close friendship relate to mental health across adolescence. 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.
Contact: If interested, please contact Meredith Martin at mmartin@psych.rochester.edu for an application.