social sciences

Research Assistant for a Summer Field Survey Project

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Opportunity Description

Project: Dr. Steven Mellor (PSYC) has a model of psychological predictors of the decision to voluntarily leave one’s union. To test the model, data are needed from actively employed union members, in which the survey asks members to tell their union story. Field sites for data collection include open community events and local union meetings, in which survey participation is strictly voluntary and anonymous.

Responsibilities: In coordination with Dr. Mellor, student research assistants are expected to seek and find survey sites for data collection, and once found, to distribute and collect surveys.

Time commitment: The hours per week are not set. Devoted hours are dependent on how many sites can be generated and when survey administration is scheduled. The number of weeks is open, but could include June, July, and available weeks in August.

Pay: This is an unpaid assistantship, although Psyc 3889 course credit is available (Undergraduate Research-Independent Study).

Student Qualifications
Required qualifications: (a) Interest in developing basic skills in survey field research (assistantship includes one-on-one training and IRB certification) and (b) a valid drivers license and a car or ready access to a car (all survey sites are located off-campus).

How to Apply
Apply by emailing me (steven.mellor@uconn.edu) for a day and time to meet in my office (156 Bousfield Psychology Building, located on the Storrs campus); no resumé or application material is necessary.

Mentor: Steven Mellor, Associate Professor
Department: Psychological Sciences
Email: steven.mellor@uconn.edu
Timing: Summer 2025
Campus: Storrs & Remote work

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 Opportunity – Neurolinguistics and Neurocomputational Work

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    Opportunity Description

    The BrainLens Lab invites applications for research assistant positions focused on exploring the neural mechanisms underlying naturalistic language comprehension across populations with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This project employs a combination of behavioral and neural methodologies to enhance our understanding of how the brain processes language in real-world scenarios.

    Students are expected to conduct literature reviews, participate in data collection, and manage and analyze research data. The position requires less than 9 hours per week, with weekly to biweekly team meetings for progress updates. Course credits are available, and opportunities for publication involvement may arise based on progress and interest.

    Student Qualifications
    Background or strong interest in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, or a related field.
    Basic knowledge of statistical approaches and data analysis tools (e.g., R or Python) is a plus.
    Attention to detail and consistency is important.

    How to Apply
    If you are interested, please send an email to Dr. Chanyuan Gu (kmw24003@uconn.edu) with your resume.

    Mentor: Chanyuan Gu, Postdoctoral Fellow
    Department: Psychological Sciences
    Email: kmw24003@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Ongoing
    Campus: Storrs

    Social Media and Marketing Strategist

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    Opportunity Description

    This position will support the publication of a book on the topic of the politics of disability and the US care crisis. The writing relates to the ways ableism (or the devaluation of disability) is embedded into every aspect of our culture and society, which then translates into such things as a lack of care infrastructure and the resulting dependence on the unpaid care work of family members.

    I am looking for a student who can assist with social media and marketing. The student will conduct social media research (reviewing and compiling social media accounts and content related to topics covered in the book), navigate social media platforms, organize information gleaned from social media thematically in spreadsheets, synthesize broad trends, and advise on social media plans for the book, all while learning about the nonfiction trade book publishing process.

    Student Qualifications
    Required:
    – Social media literacy with IG, TikTok, and Twitter, and other platforms
    – Completed coursework in marketing/publicity, business/communications, and/or journalism

    Preferred:
    – Experience working in publicity, marketing, or advertising
    – Have interest in topics related to disability and/or caregiving

    How to Apply
    Please submit a resume and brief write up of why you are a fit for the position.

    Mentor: Laura Mauldin, Associate Professor
    Department: WGSS/SCI
    Email: laura.mauldin@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
    Campus: Storrs

    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 Opportunity – Fact Checker

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    Opportunity Description

    This position will support the publication of a book on the topic of the politics of disability and the US care crisis. The writing relates to the ways ableism (or the devaluation of disability) is embedded into every aspect of our culture and society, which then translates into such things as a lack of care infrastructure and the resulting dependence on the unpaid care work of family members. I am looking for a student who can assist with fact checking for the book, which is an important process in all researched/journalistic writing. Duties will include but aren’t limited to:

    • Checking cited references
    • Cross checking field notes
    • Learning how to use citation software
    • Creating bibliographies
    • General support

    Student Qualifications
    Qualifications:

    • Experience with research
    • Knowledge of fact checking processes

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience working for the school newspaper or in other journalistic endeavors

    How to Apply
    Please email your resume and a brief write up of why you think you are a good fit for this opportunity to Professor Laura Mauldin (laura.mauldin@uconn.edu.

    Mentor: Laura Mauldin, Associate Professor
    Department: WGSS/SCI
    Email: laura.mauldin@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
    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 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 neuro-developmental disabilities including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, etc. 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 multisystem, engaging, evidence-based, behavioural interventions and assistive technologies to empower the lives of people with disabilities.

    At present, the lab has 4 ongoing research projects – (1) exploring the utility and efficacy of using playful joystick-operated ride-on-toys to promote upper extremity function and spontaneous use in children with hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy both in a camp setting and as a home-based program. Specifically, we are also interested in comparing the efficacy of single versus dual joystick ride-on-toy navigation training in improving uni- and bimanual function in children with hemiplegic CP, (2) assessing the ability of healthy neurotypical children to drive joystick-operated ride-on-toys using their non-dominant side, (3) assessing physical activity and physical fitness levels in adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities compared to age-matched typically developing peers and understanding factors at the personal and environmental levels that influence physical activity engagement in young adults with disabilities, and (4) assessing the effects of a novel, icon-driven Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device on social communication and behavioral skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder using a longitudinal study design.

    We specifically need help with projects (1) and (2) listed above in terms of recruitment efforts, data collection, and data analyses.

    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 honor’s thesis.

    Students are required to commit to pursuing research in the lab for at least 2-3 semesters in order 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). 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 apply.

    How to Apply
    Interested students should contact Dr. Sudha Srinivasan at sudha.srinivasan@uconn.edu via email. Please attach your resume/CV and unofficial transcript to the email.

    Mentor: Sudha Srinivasan, Assistant Professor
    Department: Kinesiology (Physical Therapy)
    Email: sudha.srinivasan@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Summer 2023
    Campus: Storrs