Life Sciences

Undergraduate Research Assistant in REINVENT-PT Lab

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Opportunity Description

The REINVENT-PT lab (REhabilitation INnoVations & Emerging Novel Technologies in Physical Therapy, PI: Dr. Sudha Srinivasan) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) is interested in understanding developmental trajectories of individuals with developmental disabilities including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, etc. across the lifespan.
The REINVENT-PT lab is interested in understanding developmental trajectories of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and Intellectual Disability across the lifespan. We are interested in studying how infants and children with developmental disabilities explore their physical and social environment compared to typically developing peers and the cascading effects of motor difficulties on a child’s social communication and cognitive development. We are also interested in assessing health-related outcomes in adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities, including their physical activity and physical fitness levels. Based on our understanding of the developmental trajectories of individuals with disabilities, our goal is to develop multi-system, engaging, evidence-based, behavioral interventions and assistive technologies to empower the lives of people with disabilities.

At present, the lab has 1 federally funded (funded through the National Institutes of Health) research project: a randomized control trial exploring the feasibility and efficacy of a novel upper extremity home-based training program using ride-on toys and navigational games to improve upper extremity function and spontaneous use in children with hemiplegia. Specifically, we are interested in comparing our novel ride-on toy intervention (called SPEED training) with a program based on conventional occupational therapy involving seated arts and craft activities (called CRAFT program).

Student Qualifications
We are looking for passionate, energetic, and empathetic undergraduate students interested in working on projects involving infants, children, and adults with disabilities. Students can pursue research at the lab for credit, for work study, and with the potential of converting a subset of the research into an honors Thesis. Students are required to commit to pursuing research in the lab for at least 2-3 semesters for the experience to be meaningful for students. Students are required to complete CITI training given that our research is with human subjects (details will be provided by the study PI).

How to Apply
Students from diverse backgrounds including but not limited to psychology, physiology and neurobiology, biology, exercise science, communication sciences, allied health, and education are encouraged to contact Dr. Sudha Srinivasan at sudha.srinivasan@uconn.edu. Please attach your CV/Resume and your unofficial transcript to your email.

Mentor: Dr. Sudha Srinivasan, Assistant Professor
Department: Kinesiology
Email: sudha.srinivasan@uconn.edu
Timing: Summer 2025, Ongoing
Campus: Storrs

Research Assistant in Child/Adolescent and Mood Program (CAMP) Lab

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Opportunity Description

Researchers in the Child/Adolescent and Mood Program (CAMP) Lab in the Department of Psychiatry at UConn Health are seeking undergraduate students to assist with their on-going research studies.

Primary responsibilities include:
➢ Participant Recruitment
➢ Helping study coordinators with administrative duties
➢ Contact with families and school personnel
➢ Data entry
➢ Scholarship opportunities
➢ Other duties assigned by the CAMP Lab

Student Qualifications
We are looking for volunteers who can commit to work a minimum of 8-10 hours per week for 1 year, which includes 1 in-person workday at our West Hartford location. This can be taken for course credit (PSYC 3889/3899).

How to Apply
Students should send an email describing their interest in working in our lab, their CV with current GPA, and a list of two references to Emilie Butler (ebutler@uchc.edu).

Mentor: Emilie Butler, Postdoctoral Fellow
Department: UConn School of Medicine
Email: ebutler@uchc.edu
Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Ongoing
Campus: Remote opportunity with a commitment of 1 in-person workday in West Hartford, CT

Research Assistant Needed for a Weight Loss Research Study

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Opportunity Description: We are seeking undergraduate student(s) to assist with a digital behavioral weight loss intervention targeting postpartum Black women. The study focuses on promoting changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors, with social support delivered through a private Facebook group. The undergraduate research assistant will be involved in managing REDCap surveys, creating infographics using Canva, and designing PowerPoint presentations. All duties will be conducted online, and weekly progress updates will be expected. This position offers a valuable opportunity for students interested in digital health, behavioral interventions, and health equity research. 

Student Qualifications

  • Students from any discipline with an interest in health research may apply
  • Must be available to work during summer
  • Remote work
  • Biweekly meetings
  • Basic knowledge of Canva
  • Interest in learning new technology

    How to Apply
    Please email your interest or any questions to Snehaa Ray at snehaa.ray@uconn.edu

    Mentor: Snehaa Ray, Doctoral Candidate
    Department: Department of Nutritional Sciences
    Email: snehaa.ray@uconn.edu
    Timing: Summer 2025, Ongoing
    Campus: All campuses (remote work)

    Research Assistant in Survey Research, Substance Use

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    Opportunity Description

    Research assistance with literature reviews, article revision, and/or statistical programming sought. Practical, hands-on experience in searching primary literature, study design, statistical programming, and/or writing articles. Five hours weekly commitment sought. Currently working on analysis of substance use (i.e., cannabis, alternative tobacco use) using nationally representative survey data.

    Student Qualifications
    Interested students should have at minimum an introductory statistics, econometrics or equivalent class. Basic familiarity with statistical programming from such coursework is needed; a desire to learn additional techniques is a bonus.

    How to Apply
    Please email me explaining interest. Provide a resume and please note any relevant coursework.

    Mentor: Stephen Amrock, Assistant Professor
    Department: Medicine
    Email: amrock@uchc.edu
    Timing: Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Ongoing
    Campus: UConn Health, Other – virtual possibility

    Research Assistant for Autism Intervention Systematic Review

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    Opportunity Description

    Join our systematic review project focused on understanding the effects of interventions on the brain and behavior of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We are conducting a comprehensive synthesis of neuroimaging and behavioral data from studies examining pre- and post-intervention changes in individuals with ASDs.

    As a research assistant, your primary responsibilities will include:

    • Assisting with full-text screening of articles to determine eligibility based on our inclusion criteria.
    • Extracting data related to study design, participant demographics, intervention characteristics, neuroimaging, and behavioral outcomes.
    • Attending weekly team meetings (45 minutes online) to discuss progress, address challenges, and receive ongoing training and support.
    • Ensuring accuracy and consistency in data coding, and resolving discrepancies collaboratively.

    This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in research methods, systematic reviews, neuroimaging, and autism intervention research. Course credit is available for this role; however, monetary compensation is not available.

    Time Commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per week. Flexible schedule with an expected commitment for the Fall 2024 semester, with the possibility of extension into Spring 2025.

    Student Qualifications
    Required:

    • Junior or senior with interest in neuroscience, psychology, special education, or related fields.
    • Major in psychology, pre-med, neuroscience, education, or related field.
    • GPA of 3.5 or higher.
    • Attention to detail and ability to follow complex instructions.
    • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

    Preferred (but not required):

    • Previous research experience or coursework in neuroimaging, systematic reviews, or autism spectrum disorders.
    • Familiarity with academic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus) and citation management software.

    How to Apply
    To apply, please submit your CV, a brief statement of interest, and your weekly availability for Fall 2024 to deborah.schneider-richardson@uconn.edu at your earliest convenience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

    Mentor: Deborah Schneider, Post-Doctoral Research Associate
    Department: Psychological Sciences (BrainLENS)
    Email: deborah.schneider-richardson@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Ongoing
    Campus: Storrs

    Research Assistant at ECOM (Expression, Communication, and the Origins of Meaning) Research Group

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    Opportunity Description

    As an undergraduate research assistant at ECOM (Expression, Communication, and the Origins of Meaning Research Group), you will play a key role in organizing conferences and talks, contributing to the smooth execution of these academic events. You will also assist with research activities, particularly in conducting literature reviews to support ongoing projects. Additionally, if you have skills in website design, you will help maintain and update the ECOM website, ensuring it effectively communicates our work and events to the academic community. We are especially interested in students from philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, or related fields, as this role offers valuable experience in both research and event coordination, along with the opportunity to enhance your digital skills.

    Availability: Must be available to work approximately 9 hours per week, with some flexibility to accommodate key event dates. Specific times will be discussed during the interview process.

    Student Qualifications
    Academic Background: Must be an undergraduate student majoring in philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, or a related field.

    Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough literature reviews, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and synthesis of academic materials.

    Event Coordination: Interest in or experience with organizing academic events, such as conferences and talks, is preferred.

    Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in website design and maintenance is desirable but not required.

    Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for coordinating with event speakers, team members, and managing public-facing content.

    Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting, as well as independently on assigned tasks.

    Attention to Detail: Must be detail-oriented, especially in tasks related to research, event planning, and website content management

    How to Apply
    Interested students should submit the following materials to apply for this research opportunity:

    • CV/Resume: Include relevant academic background, coursework, and any previous research or event coordination experience.
    • Short Statement: Provide a brief statement (no more than 300 words) explaining your interest in this position, any relevant skills or experience you bring, and your availability.

    Please send your application materials to Utku Sonsayar utku.sonsayar@uconn.edu

    Mentor: Dorit Bar-On, Professor
    Department: Philosophy
    Email: dorit.bar-on@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
    Campus: Storrs

    • Research Assistant in Lab Exploring Outcomes After Pediatric Critical Illness

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    Opportunity Description
    Dr. Perry-Eaddy is focused on understanding outcomes in children after critical illness. Namely, she is interested in understanding the underlying biological mechanisms that may increase a child’s risk of poor recovery, such as hyper-inflammation. This position will include assisting in the start-up of a study of critically ill children who survive the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The student research assistant will aid in conducting literature reviews, analyzing literature, preparing grants, IRB submissions etc. Additionally the student will aid in the development of research data collection tools, as well as preparation of sample collection kits. The student will learn the essentials of launching a clinical research study. There may be opportunities for the student to have unique opportunities such as writing/publishing a manuscript or poster presentation, answering a research question with existing data, and applying for internal grant funding.

    There is a potential opportunity to receive honors course credit, which would be discussed with student and major advisor in advance.

    A list of potential tasks the student may perform include the following:
    -Conduct literature searches
    -Extract information from sources
    -Organize and classify data
    -Proofread and edit data collection forms in REDcap
    -Test data collection forms prior to going live with clinical subjects
    -Create sample collection kits
    -Assist in maintaining REDcap database
    -Look up and check references
    -Tabulate and analyze data

    Student Qualifications
    Required:
    -Be an undergraduate student in the Honors Program
    -Be able to operate computer, phone, and/or other research equipment
    -Have strong communication skills (verbal and written)
    -Be able to maintain confidentiality

    Preferred:
    -While not required, students with interest in clinical and/or translational research are best suited for this position. Especially those enrolled in health-related programs (i.e. nursing, pre-med, allied health, pharmacy, etc.).
    -Prior research experience, including literature reviews and/or completion of W-level coursework is strongly encouraged.
    -Knowledge of REDcap database is preferred, though not required.

    How to Apply
    If interested, please submit your resume and cover letter to Dr. Perry-Eaddy (mallory.perry@uconn.edu), addressing your interest in pediatric critical care clinical and/or translational research, and what you hope to gain from the experience.

    Mentor: Dr. Mallory Perry-Eaddy, Assistant Professor
    Department: Nursing
    Email: mallory.perry@uconn.edu
    Timing: Ongoing
    Campus: Storrs