Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Opportunities for Undergraduates in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
Positions Available: For volunteer initially, but it could become for credit if the student demonstrates commitment to the lab.
Research Description: Humans spend about a third of their life sleeping. Yet, our understanding of the cognitive, emotional and neurodevelopmental functions of this essential behavior and how these may be disrupted in clinical populations is still very limited. Our focus is on defining the physiological features of sleep disturbances in psychiatric disorders, investigating their relations with symptoms and cognitive deficits, and examining the neural circuitry involved in these sleep deficits. Our lab exploits multimodal neuroimaging and electrophysiology techniques to investigate these questions. The ultimate goal of our research is to identify sleep-related biomarkers that play a causal role in psychiatric disorders.
Responsibilities & Expectations:
Students in this lab will have the opportunity to assist data collection in behavioral, sleep EEG or MRI experiments, organize and maintain databases, and aid in preprocessing of data. They may receive training on EEG and MRI data acquisition, sleep scoring, RedCap, and MRI safety. This is an attractive position for those who are interested in pursuing graduate careers in neuroscience, clinical or cognitive psychology in the future. There is opportunity to conduct honor theses if the student’s research interest aligns with the goals of our lab, and they demonstrate commitment and excellence. We seek mature, reliable, motivated, curious and diligent students who are eager to develop and hone their research skills. Any experience working with neuroimaging or clinical populations is highly desirable
To apply, please fill out this form: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7OiaD3OO45SL1jf
Contact Information: bengi-baran@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit NAP Lab Website
Positions Available: Undergraduate research position in developmental behavioral neuroscience
Research Description: Research in the Blumberg lab addresses the development of sleep, its neural control, and the contributions of sleep-related movements to sensorimotor development. We use a variety of behavioral, neurophysiological, and neuroanatomical approaches in our work. Although most of our laboratory research is performed in infant rats and mice, we are also doing work with human newborns. We encourage applications from exceptional students with an interest in developmental behavioral neuroscience, especially those who are interested in going to graduate school in this field. A GPA of at least 3.5 is desirable. Although most students begin as volunteers or receive course credit for their work, there are often opportunities for paid positions once a student has demonstrated a commitment to laboratory research.
Contact Information: cassandra-coleman@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit Blumberg Lab Website
Positions Available: For credit.
Research Description: How do ideas get communicated from one person to another? How do our thoughts change over time? Research in this lab explores the interaction of spoken language and hand gestures as children and adults learn new things and communicate about the world. We use nonverbal behavior as both a window onto how thinking changes over time and as a tool for facilitating change in thinking. Students are generally involved in every stage of the research process- including designing studies, and collecting, coding and analyzing data. We are looking for students who are curious and persistent, and who can commit to spending at least two semesters in the lab. We prefer students with a GPA of at least 3.5. To learn more about the lab and to submit an application, please visit our website.
Contact Information: susan-cook@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit CoLLab Website
Positions Available: For credit.
Research Description: My research focuses on the cognitive and neural mechanisms of action and learning. Specific interests include executive control, skill acquisition, and bimanual coordination. Research assistants will gain experience with many lab procedures (e.g., data collection and analysis) and have the opportunity to participate in independent research projects, such as honors theses. Minimum GPA of 3.0 and a two semester commitment are required.
Contact Information: eliot-hazeltine@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit Hazelab Website
Positions Available: Research Assistant
Research Description: In my lab, we study how vision and memory are used to support intelligent action. Specifically, we study scene perception, working memory, attention, and eye movements, with the goal of understanding how these systems interact to guide behavior. Research assistants will work on laboratory projects: from the development of the research question and experimental design to data collection and analysis. Projects can be independent, including honors theses. Research assistants will gain experience with data collection procedures (e.g., eye tracking) and analysis. Minimum GPA of 3.0 required. Students who have completed Research Methods and Introduction to Cognitive Psychology are preferred, although these courses are not required.
Contact Information: andrew-hollingworth@uiowa.edu
Positions Available: Volunteering or for-credit research assistant positions are available.
Research Description: The Hwang lab conducts research to understand the neural mechanisms of executive functions. Specifically, we are interested in discovering the neural architecture, processes, and dynamic systems that allow brain networks to select, inhibit, transfer, and integrate information. Together, these mechanisms support many important mental functions, such as attention, working memory, response selection and inhibition. We address our research questions with a comprehensive human neuroscience approach, combining multimodal research methodologies, including fMRI, EEG, TMS, eye tracking and behavioral testing.
Research assistants will gain valuable experience with cognitive neuroscience research. Specifically, the research assistant will assist with subject recruitment, behavioral/EEG/TMS/fMRI data collection, quality control of neuroimaging data, and execution of data analyses. If motivated, the applicant will also have the opportunity to learn advanced neuroimaging methods and develop research projects. Assistants are also encouraged to attend regular journal clubs to discuss the most up-to-date scientific literature.
Preference will be given to applicants who plan to pursue advanced training in a related area (e.g., PhD in Psychology or Neuroscience). Experience with programming/scripting languages, such as Python or Matlab will be a plus but not required. A two-semester and minimally 6-10 weekly hour commitment is preferred, with the understanding that continued participation beyond 2 semesters is encouraged. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
If interested, please email our lab manager Hannah Morrow (hannah-morrow@uiowa.edu) with your resume/CV and a letter of interest. Please list relevant courses taken and grades.
Contact Information: hannah-morrow@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit Hwang Lab Website
Positions Available: Volunteer or for credit.
Research Description: The Kliemann lab studies the neuroscience of human social behavior, from a basic research perspective, as well as in its applications to disorders, with a special focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and individuals with brain lesions. We are interested in the biological basis of cognition in the brain, especially how the brain compensates and re-organizes. How does variation in brain structure and function lead to intact or impaired social cognition? How can we use insights from neuroimaging to better understand the psychological mechanisms? We use a multimodal approach (including behavioral, eye-tracking, lesion studies, structural and functional MRI) to study brain-cognition-behavior relations that ultimately produce complex social cognition.
Responsibilities & Expectations:
We are looking for students who have an interest in studying social cognition, and/or possess an interest in working with individuals with autism. Students will have the opportunity to conduct behavioral research, receive training on MRI safety and data acquisition, maintain and update databases, and assist with data processing and analysis. This position is a chance to earn valuable research experience before pursuing graduate degrees in cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, or related fields.
If you are interested, please submit an application via this form: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_004xa5goF8fVt8F
Contact Information: PBS-kliemann-lab@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit Kliemann Lab Website
Positions Available: For credit, volunteer, or internship
Research Description: We are currently working on the Children and Parents Study (CAPS), which follows 200 families from infancy to age 4. The goal of CAPS is to learn about many aspects of young children’s social and emotional development. We are particularly interested in how and when very young children begin to comply with their caregivers’ requests and prohibitions, how and when children begin to learn to follow rules, avoid prohibited actions even when unsupervised, and engage in prosocial, desirable behaviors.
Responsibilities:
Students in this lab have the opportunity to work on a longitudinal study to help collect data during laboratory sessions, code behavioral data from video, and perform preliminary data management. Positions in our laboratory may be particularly interesting and greatly beneficial for students who plan to enter psychology graduate programs or pursue a career with youth (e.g., social work, occupational therapy, speech pathology, pediatric medicine, etc.). Students may have the opportunity to pursue an honors thesis within the lab.
Qualifications:
GPA of 3.5 is desirable. Applicants must supply two letters of recommendation. Excellent attention to detail, experience with young children, a strong work ethic, and a sense of responsibility are required. Preference is given to students who are available in the summer and can provide a two-semester commitment. We would like to recruit students for Fall of 2021 and Spring of 2022.
To apply, please submit the following application: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8CxQKbrvhVHX713
Contact Information: nicole-yeager@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit Child Lab Website
Positions Available: Undergraduate research assistant - for-credit opportunties preferred.
Research Description: The THRIVE Lab focuses on clinical health psychology research, including women's health, chronic disease, and the long-term impact of traumatic experiences. The lab examines the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness- and acceptance-focused behavioral therapy that seeks to promote psychological flexibility. We have also examined the modifiable therapeutic processes that play a critical role in the long-term consequences associated with traumatic experiences (both adverse and resilient outcomes).
Undergraduate research assistants will have the opportunity to learn data management, data cleaning, and data collection (virtually or in-person). Exceptional research assistants may have the opportunity to be trained to conduct structured diagnostic interviews or observe psychotherapy sessions. Research assistants may complete honors theses or participate in poster presentations or manuscript publications. Undergraduates are expected to attend weekly lab meetings, wherein all lab members will read and discuss empirical articles, and each lab member will lead a discussion of one empirical article each semester. Undergraduates are expected to commit 9-12 hours per week to the lab. Participation in the lab will be strong experience for those applying to graduate or professional programs (e.g., clinical psychology, medical school). Preference given to students who can continue research in the summer.
Interested students can find the undergraduate research assistant application at: https://kroska.lab.uiowa.edu/join-our-lab. A GPA of 3.50 or higher is preferred. Required qualifications include: enthusiasm for learning, completion of a research methods and/or statistics course, experience with clinical populations, excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and strong work ethic. Preferred qualifications include: completion of clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, or laboratory coursework; prior research experience; and experience with statistical software or data management programs. To learn more about the lab, please visit our lab website: https://kroska.lab.uiowa.edu/
Contact Information: emily-kroska@uiowa.edu
Positions Available: For credit.
Research Description: Our primary research studies relationships between stress, resilience, emotions, and tumor growth in ovarian cancer. We are also involved in studies of pelvic pain. We invite students with backgrounds in Psychology, Health and Human Physiology, and/or Biology or related fields to consider joining our laboratory. Students involved in the lab will help in ongoing projects, and responsibilities may include patient screening and interviewing, immune and other laboratory assays, data management, library research, and web-based activities, depending on the background and interest of the student and the needs of the lab. Students need to have a 3.2 GPA and at least a B+ in their statistics and research methods courses. They should perform well independently, be 100% reliable, and be able to multitask. A two semester commitment is required. Practicum students ordinarily register for three semester hours (9 hours/week of working in the lab, including attending lab meeting which is usually Monday at 5 PM) each semester. This is an excellent opportunity for a student who has an interest in medical school or graduate training in clinical or health psychology. Freshman and sophomores are particularly encouraged to join the lab. We are especially looking for students who will be available over the summer.
Contact Information: susan-lutgendorf@uiowa.edu; ellen-kinner@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit Lutgendorf Lab Website
Positions Available: For credit.
Research Description: Research in the Mechanisms of Audio-visual Categorization Lab (MACLab) examines how people form and use perceptual categories to understand speech. We work with a variety of populations, including children, adults, people with cochlear implants, and people with specific language impairment. Our undergraduate research assistants learn to do language assessments, use computerized eye-tracking, and may have the opportunity to do event-related potentials (ERP) research. Contact us if you're interested in perception, cognition, or development-- we support a wide range of student projects! Priority will be given to students with a strong academic record who can make a two-semester commitment.
Contact Information: jamie-klein-1@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit MACLab Website
Positions Available: For credit.
Research Description: The Attention & Motor-Perceptual Systems (AMPS) lab is looking for qualified students to work as Research Assistants. We need people who have at least a C grade point average and have completed the Elementary Psychology course. We give preference to those students who have taken 031:016 / PSY:2601 (Introduction to Cognitive Psychology) or 031:121 / PSY:4020 (Lab in Psychology, Cognition and Action with Professor Hazeltine) and/or are already IRB certified. You will gain valuable experience working in a lab that studies both basic and applied information processing, using everything from simple, button-pressing experiments to driving simulations.
Contact Information: jonathan-mordkoff@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit AMPS Lab Website
Positions Available: For credit.
Research Description: Research projects in the Iowa ADHD and Development Laboratory focus on identifying the genetic and contextual factors that contribute to the development and persistence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from childhood through adolescence and young adulthood. In addition, we are interested in exploring the relationships between ADHD and co-morbid disorders and how factors such as neuropsychological functioning and temperament/personality may contribute to these patterns of overlap. Research assistants in the laboratory are trained to administer diagnostic and neurocognitive assessments and to collect biological samples for DNA analysis with both child and adult participants. Preference is given to students with a 3.5 GPA or higher who have earned at least a B- in Research Methods and Introduction to Clinical Psychology. Students who are highly organized and detail-oriented are especially encouraged to apply. A minimum of 6 hours per week of work is required for at least 2 semesters.
Contact Information: molly-nikolas@uiowa.edu
Positions Available: For credit.
Research Description: The Iowa Depression and Clinical Research Center (IDCRC) is jointly overseen by clinical psychologist, Michael O'Hara, and psychiatrist, Scott Stuart. We study women's mental health, with an emphasis on symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. We are currently conducting studies on the efficacy of psychotherapy and medication for postpartum depression and the long-term impact of prenatal stress on child outcomes. In addition, there is a growing emphasis on public health aspects of depression, and we are currently collaborating with state and local officials to develop new programs to identify and treat women at risk for depression. Other projects in the lab focus on the impact of traumatic life experiences and social support on psychopathology. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Department of Corrections, a treatment for men and women in a residential facility is being developed and implemented using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Practicum students have often completed honors theses in the lab. Also, practicum students benefit by receiving career and graduate school mentorship from our graduate students, by having opportunities to make research presentations and by learning about how clinical research projects are developed and implemented. Prospective students must complete an application, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, and must submit a letter of recommendation. Practicum students ordinarily make a two-semester commitment to the practicum and register for at least two semester hours (6 hours/week of working in lab, plus the Friday morning lab meeting) each semester.
Contact Information: Kristen Merkitch (kristen-merktich@uiowa.edu); Lab phone: (319) 335-0307;
Website: Visit IDCRC Website
Positions Available: For credit or volunteering initially, but there may be opportunities for paid positions for students who have been in the laboratory for a while and demonstrated their commitment and interest.
Research Description: What We Study:
The Developmental Psychopathology Lab conducts research to understand how children develop behavior problems as well as positive adjustment. We have been particularly interested in externalizing behavior problems, such as aggressive, disruptive, and noncompliant behavior. We focus on the development of self-regulation skills and the consequences of children's self-regulation skills (or deficits) for their school readiness. The goal of our lab is to improve understanding about how children develop behavior problems from a very early age (3-7 years). We focus on the early development of behavior problems to improve the early identification of at-risk children before later, more severe, and more stable behavior problems develop, which may lead to improved intervention and prevention approaches.
How We Study It:
To study the development of self-regulation and behavior problems, we follow children and families longitudinally over time and we examine multiple levels of analysis, including how biological, psychological, and social-contextual processes relate to the development of behavior problems. For instance, we examine brain development (as measured by EEG/ERP), sleep, stress, parenting, temperament, and language skills in relation to the development of behavior problems. For even more information, please visit our website: https://psychology.uiowa.edu/developmental-psychopathology-lab
Expectations, Responsibilities, and Qualifications:
Research assistants will gain experience with many lab procedures (e.g., collecting data during child lab visits, data management, and video coding of parent-child interactions). There are also opportunities to complete honors theses for students who are interested and who have been in the lab for a while. Positions in our laboratory may be particularly interesting and greatly beneficial for students who plan to enter graduate programs in clinical psychology or developmental psychology. A two-semester commitment for three credit hours (9 hours/week of working in lab, plus 1 hour weekly lab meeting) each semester is preferred. Experience with young children is highly desirable. Completion of introductory courses in research methods and statistics is desirable but not required.
To apply, please submit the following application: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6foZRkaDKfsPf49
If you have questions, please contact the Developmental Psychopathology Lab at: devpsy-lab@uiowa.edu
Contact Information: devpsy-lab@uiowa.edu
Positions Available: For credit initially, although there are sometimes paid positions available for students who have been in the lab for a couple of semesters and who are interested in pursuing graduate work in developmental or cognitive psychology.
Research Description: Our lab focuses on a broad range of problems in developmental and cognitive psychology. More specifically, we're interested in problems such as how children and adults make decisions and coordinate movements when crossing roads, and how children and adults remember and communicate about where things are. In our work on risky decision making and perceptual-motor coordination, we use immersive bicycling and pedestrian simulators to study how children and adults cross traffic-filled intersections in a virtual environment. This work aims to understand factors that put people at risk for bicycling and pedestrian injuries involving collisions with cars. In our work on spatial memory and communication, we're interested in how people use spatial memory strategies to enhance recall and in how mothers talk to young children about finding things. Minimum GPA of 3.3 required. Please go to our websites to learn more about this research: https://psychology.uiowa.edu/perceiving-acting-thinking-lab and https://psychology.uiowa.edu/hank-virtual-environments-lab.
Contact Information: jodie-plumert@uiowa.edu OR 319-335-2405
Positions Available: Paid and for-credit positions are available.
Research Description: The research program investigates the neural correlates of higher-order cognitive and behavioral functions, including memory, language, perception, emotion, and decision-making. The primary approach is neuropsychological, whereby neurological patients with focal brain injuries are studied with standard and experimental cognitive tests, and the findings are related to specific neuroanatomical structures. Functional imaging approaches (fMRI, PET) are also used. Studies of healthy, non-brain-damaged participants are also conducted to collect normative data. Students with a GPA of 3.5 or better, who have completed at least one research methods course and who have some "hard science" background (especially biology and related courses), are preferred.
Contact Information: daniel-tranel@uiowa.edu OR 319-384-6050
Website: Visit Tranel Lab Website
Positions Available: For credit, with some opportunities for paid positions after students have worked in the lab for a few semesters
Research Description: My research focuses on the cognitive and neural mechanisms of visual attention. Specific interests include attentional control--how attention knows where to go in a visual scene. Research assistants will gain experience with many lab procedures (e.g., data collection and analysis) and have the opportunity to participate in independent research projects, including honors theses. Minimum GPA of 3.0 and a two semester commitment are required. Students who have completed Research Methods and Introduction to Cognitive Psychology are preferred, although these courses are not required.
Contact Information: shaun-vecera@uiowa.edu
Positions Available: For credit, 2 positions available for pay (hourly rate dependent on experience).
Research Description: Our research examines the neurobiological mechanisms associated with cognitive aging and age-related neurological diseases, and how to effectively intervene for improved cognition and quality of life. One line of projects focuses on determining the effects of exercise, physical activity, and sedentary behavior on the brain and cognition in young and older adults. Another line of research examines age-related individual differences in the neural mechanisms of skill acquisition and associative memory. We examine neural mechanisms using non-invasive neuroimaging techniques, such as structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We are looking for undergraduates currently enrolled who would like to gain more lab experience, particularly in exercise psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Priority will be given to students who can commit to 2-3 credit hours over at least two semesters. We also have one full-time position open for next academic year. This position requires previous lab experience and a commitment of at least 1 year, and will include responsibilities related to study coordination and recruitment.
Contact Information: michelle-voss@uiowa.edu OR 319-335-2057
Website: Visit HBC Lab Website
Positions Available: For credit
Research Description: Our research examines the neural mechanisms that underlie flexible behavior and cognition.
We are interested in how humans carry out and maintain goal-directed behaviors; specifically, how the cognitive system resolves challenges to this goal. Common examples of such challenges are unexpected events and action errors.
We investigate the dynamic interplay between brain networks that subserve:
- The monitoring of the external and internal environment.
- The evaluation of action outcomes.
- The adaptation of ongoing behavior and cognition in the short and long term.
We use a variety of methods to study these questions, including (but not limited to):
- Scalp-recorded Electroencephalography (EEG).
- Invasive recordings of brain activity (ECoG and DBS-LFP recordings).
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).
- Computational modeling.
- Autonomic psychophysiology.
Finally, we study how pathological processes, brain lesions, and (ab)normal aging affect these networks.
As a research assistant, you will:
- Collect data from behavioral tasks
- Recruit research participants
- Learn how to collect electroencephalography (brain wave) and other physiological data
- Gain valuable research experience for graduate school.
To apply, you need to have the following:
- GPA 3.0 or higher
- Good work ethic and interpersonal skills
- Programming experience (MATLAB) preferred but not required
Contact Information: jan-wessel@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit CogNeuroLab Website
Positions Available: For credit.
Research Description: This lab conducts studies on judgment and decision making. Broadly speaking, the research topics are relevant to social psychology, cognitive psychology, and decision science. We are intrigued with issues of how people seek out, evaluate, and use information for making judgments about the future, choice options, themselves, and other people. We seek to understand how such processes guide decisions and behavior, especially when uncertainty is involved. Many of our studies focus on biases, their causes, and how they can be avoided. This focus makes the research findings relevant across various domains, with a primary example being how our findings are relevant to heath-relevant issues (e.g., encouraging prevention behavior, minimizing risky behavior, making wise treatment selections). Please look around our website to learn more about who we are and what we do.
We are looking for highly motivated, conscientious, and reliable students. A minimum GPA of 3.0 and a 2-semester commitment are required. There is an application link available on our lab website.
Contact Information: paul-windschitl@uiowa.edu
Website: Visit Judgment, Decision, & Social Comparison Lab Website
Positions Available: The National Advanced Driving Simulator seeks motivated undergraduate student research assistants for research in transportation human factors. Student research assistants will gain experience with experimental design, data collection and analysis, review of scientific articles, and other aspects of applied experimental research.
Research Description: The National Advanced Driving Simulator is located on the research park and conducts research on driver behavior and traffic safety. Ongoing research topics include automated vehicles, driver state monitoring (distraction, drowsiness), and advanced safety systems and displays. The research utilizes many driving simulators, including the full-motion NADS-1 simulator (one of the most advanced in the world), along with instrumented and on-road test vehicles. For more information, see: https://www.nads-sc.uiowa.edu. Interested students should have reliable transportation to and from the facility. Preference will be given to students willing to make a multiple-semester commitment.
Contact Information: John Gaspar, john-gaspar@uiowa.edu