Project Mentor

Dr. Margaret Briggs-Gowan
Psychiatry

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	We are studying the effects of domestic violence on threat-reactivity and symptoms in young children, ages 4-6 years at our lab in West Hartford. Mothers and children are being evaluated in our laboratory with interviews, developmental testing, observation of mother-child interactions, computerized “games” and puppet interviews. We are also collecting psycho-physiologic measures, such as heart rate reactivity, skin conductance, and event-related brain potentials. Internship activities will include helping with study recruitment (e.g., distributing flyers to childcare centers), assisting with study visits, data preparation, and conducting a literature review on a related topic of their choosing.
Project Direction	This experience will provide an introduction into developmental psychopathology, meaning how individual differences and experiences contribute to risk and resilience in early childhood development. The student will have the opportunity to explore a research question that will help them to understand how risk factors (e.g., violence exposure and poverty) may contribute to early mental health problems in young children.
Mentorship and Supervision	We would have weekly meetings focused on planning the research project. These could be in person or by phone to best accommodate the student’s schedule.
Student Qualifications	Introductory psychology course Experience with young children Interest in child development Interest in domestic violence Considering graduate training in psychology or a related field Spanish fluency is not required but would be a plus Note: As the research location is at the UConn Health facility in West Hartford rather than the main UConn Health campus in Farmington, shuttle transportation is not an option for this research opportunity.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 28 to August 2, 2019 Schedule: M-F, 9am-4pm or 10am-5pm with up to two weekend days a month assisting in lab visits
Project Continuation	Fall 2019, Spring 2020
Academic Year Time Commitment	6 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP19-2/. The application deadline is Monday, February 4, 2019.

This application requires a resume or CV and a brief statement of research interests.