Risk Behavior
Development Lab

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Join the Lab

Interested in Joining the Risk Behavior Development Lab?

Check out some of the benefits of being an undergraduate research assistant in our lab!

The Risk Behavior Development Lab is always on the lookout for motivated undergraduates to join the lab! Although the experience of being a research assistant (RA) varies, the potential benefits of being an RA in the Risk Behavior Development Lab include:

• Working one-on-one with a professor and graduate students. This can form the basis for letters of recommendation.
• Opportunities to work hands-on with mothers and daughters from diverse backgrounds
• Preparation for graduate school
• Learn more about personality, risk behaviors, and/or other areas of clinical psychology.
• Enhance critical-thinking skills and problem solving ability.
• Participate in the research process from beginning to end.
• Improve writing skills.
• Practice conducting literature reviews.
• Learn to analyze research data.
• Improve ability to work independently.
• Enhance ability to develop clear research ideas.
• Apply ethical principles to research situations.
• Improve teamwork and leadership skills.
• Improve communication skills.
• Learn to present research at a conference
• Opportunities to present at professional psychology conferences; learn about research being conducted at other universities, and meet students and psychologists from different universities and agencies.

Requirements for becoming a Research Assistant

RA's are provided with thorough training, guidance, and supervision, so previous research experience is not necessary. Instead, an enthusiasm for psychology and a desire to learn more about research are the most important qualities. Other desirable qualities for RA's include responsibility, good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and honest and ethical behavior. In addition, RA's should be prepared to work a minimum of 10 hours per week in the lab (other than the weekly lab meeting, these hours are flexible) for at least two semesters. Because of the nature of our data collection, it is also helpful if you have had experience working with chidlren, hold a valid driver's license, and have access to a car.

Conference Presentations by Research Assistants

Research assistants have made numerous conference presentations over the past several years. The following list shows RA presentations or co-presentations (RA names are in bold).

• DeAngelis, R. & Burnette, M.L. (2011, March).  Behind the computer screen: A study of cyber-antisocial behavior. Poster presented at American Psychology-Law Society Annual Conference, Miami, FL.

• Schmeltz, B.,Liebman, R., & Burnette, M.L. (2011, March). The psycho effect: Assessment of Implicit attitudes of dangerousness towards mental illness.Poster presented at the University of Rochester Undergraduate Research Exposition, Rochester, NY.

• Schmeltz, B.,Liebman, R., & Burnette, M.L. (2011, March). Survey of implicit atittudes towards mental illness.Poster presented at American Psychology-Law Society Annual Conference, Miami, FL.

• Wortel, S., & Burnette, M.L. (2011, March).  Everyone else is doing it! Peer, family, and mental health influences on adolescent risk behavior. Poster presented at American Psychology-Law Society Annual Conference, Miami, FL.

How to Apply:

1. Download the RBD Application.

2. E-mail your completed application, a copy of your unofficial transcript, and a resume/CV to Dr. Burnette Please type "RBD RA Application" in the subject line of your message.

3. We will contact you for an interview if you look like a good match!