Project Mentor

Dr. Margaret Briggs-Gowan
Department of Psychiatry

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	This coming summer, our lab will be conducting multiple studies to learn about how stress and violence affect infants and young children. The first study is an NIMH-funded study investigating the effects of domestic violence on young children, ages 4-6 years. The summer intern will have the opportunity to assist with study activities which include developmental testing, computerized activities that assess children’s processing of facial and auditory stimuli, puppet interviews, and in-depth interviews with mothers about family life and the child’s development, posttraumatic stress, and well-being. Psychophysiological data are acquired during visits, including event-related brain potentials. The second study will be investigating how stress associated with the pandemic is affecting infants born during the pandemic. This study will involve multiple methods, including surveys, interviews, videotaped assessments, DNA samples and potentially MRI. The summer intern will be an integral member of our study team and will have ample opportunity to get hands on research experience in these studies.
Project Direction	This research will help us to understand the different ways that children respond to stress. We hope to identify factors that will ultimately help us to improve treatment strategies for these very vulnerable children. Students will have ample opportunity to learn about developmental psychopathology and the effects of stress and trauma on young children’s development and mental health.
Mentorship and Supervision	I will meet weekly with the student intern for 1 hour to discuss their experiences, learning activities, and longer term goals. Feedback will most often be provided in person but may also include written feedback. The student also will participate in weekly staff study meetings. The student intern will work closely with an experienced research coordinator on our team to ensure that the student has ready access to a supervisor as needed.
Student Qualifications	Undergraduate coursework in psychology Direct experience working with children Strong time management and organizational skills Excellent interpersonal skills
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 24 to July 30, 2021 Schedule: M-F, 9am-5:00pm (flexible, some weekends) Location: UConn Health location at 65 Kane Street, West Hartford
Project Continuation	Fall 2021, Spring 2022
Academic Year Time Commitment	3-6 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	No

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRP21-5. The application deadline is Monday, February 1, 2021.

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