03/06/2012

The psychology undergraduate newsletter provides a weekly update on the latest course information, upcoming events, and currently available job, internship, and research opportunities relating to your major! Find past issues here. If you would like to start receiving the Psych Scoop directly to your inbox, send a request to: psyadvis@umn.edu.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
--1.ALL SPRING 2012 PSY 4993/5993 CONTRACTS MUST BE TURNED IN BY 3/12
--2.PSYCH ADVISING STUDY ROOM (S107) TEMPORARILY CLOSED 3/7, 2-4PM
--3.PSYCH ADVISING OFFICE CLOSURE & WALK-IN HOUR CHANGE THURSDAY 3/8
COURSES/LECTURES OF INTEREST
--4.BOARDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER COLLOQUIUM
--5.PRE-HEALTH? AHS 2300: ORIENTATION TO CLINICAL RESEARCH
PSI CHI/PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATION
--6.PSI CHI MEETING 3/7--FACULTY PANEL PLUS FREE BAGELS & CREAM CHEESE!
--7.INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH PSI CHI & PSYCH CLUB!
--8.MEMBER OF PSI CHI AND WALKING IN COMMENCEMENT THIS MAY?
EVENTS
--9.SECRETS FROM CLA ALUMNI: HOW THEY GOT GREAT JOBS
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
--10.UG RESEARCH EXPERIENCE WITH PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AT VA MED CENTER
--11.SOCIAL SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTSUMMER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP AT PURDUE
--12.VOLUNTEER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY-START SPRING, CONTINUE SUMMER/FALL
JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
--13.INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PAID INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY!
--14.INSPIRE FELLOWS PROGRAM SUMMER '12--YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
--15.AMAZING JOBS WORKING WITH YOUTH THIS SUMMER IN MN!
--16.INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERISM? RESEARCH INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE!
SCHOLARSHIP/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
--17.STUDYING ABROAD SUMMER OR FALL '12? SORENSEN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP!
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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1.ALL SPRING 2012 PSY 4993/5993 CONTRACTS MUST BE TURNED IN BY 3/12
Students participating in a PSY 4993/5993 experience during Spring 2012 MUST complete and turn in the Undergraduate Research Contract prior to the 8th week deadline (March 12th, 2012). The majority of students have completed this required step during the drop/add period; however, if missed this deadline and still have a contract lingering, you must take action to be officially enrolled. Contracts will not be accepted after this date, and credit will not be received for your work in the lab for Spring 2012. This is a shift from past protocol and will be strictly enforced. For more information on the Undergraduate Research Contract and earning credit for assisting in a research lab, please visit our website.
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2.PSYCH ADVISING STUDY ROOM (S107) TEMPORARILY CLOSED 3/7, 2-4PM
The Psychology Advising Study Room (S107 Elliott Hall) will be in use for an advising event tomorrow, Wednesday, March 7th, from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. We apologize greatly if you had planned on using this space for studying during this time frame. To find other available study spaces on campus, visit: http://www.classroom.umn.edu/studySpace/FindStudySpace.html. Students are more than welcome to use the space before and after the event tomorrow.
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3.PSYCH ADVISING OFFICE CLOSURE & WALK-IN HOUR CHANGE THURSDAY 3/8
Psychology Undergraduate Advising will be closed from 10:30am - 1:30pm on Thursday, March 8th. Casey's walk-in hours, which are typically held during this time, will also be canceled. They will resume as regularly schedule next week. If any questions arise during this time, please email our office at psyadvis@umn.edu, and we will respond upon our return. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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COURSES/LECTURES OF INTEREST
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4.BOARDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER COLLOQUIUM
Friday, March 9th, 3:30pm
N639 Elliott Hall
The Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research Program is pleased to announce the following colloquium sponsored by the training program in Neurobehavioral Aspects of Personality and Psychopathology. We hope you can attend! S. Charles Schulz, M.D. of the Department of Psychiatry will present 'Update on Borderline Personality Disorder: Treatment Approaches.' For more details regarding the colloquium topic, please visit here.
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5.PRE-HEALTH? AHS 2300: ORIENTATION TO CLINICAL RESEARCH
This seminar introduces pre-health students to the field of clinical research, ethical conduct and professionalism, and clinical research methods pertinent to dentistry, medicine, public health, pharmacy, and nursing. In addition to biweekly lectures, students will participate in a supervised field experience in which they observe clinical research practices. This course prepares students to begin a University Research Opportunities Program (UROP) grant in clinical research. Enrollment in this course is limited and requires instructor permission, as well as attendance of an information session this March. Students must be a sophomore and have some health-related experience. To learn more about this program and the information session, visit here.
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PSI CHI/PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT ASSOCIATION
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PLEASE NOTE: All students interested in Psychology are welcome to participate in Psi Chi/ Psychology Student Association activities. No previous participation or membership is required. If you're interested, please attend!
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6.PSI CHI MEETING 3/7--FACULTY PANEL PLUS FREE BAGELS & CREAM CHEESE!
The next Psi Chi/ Psychology Club meeting will be on Wednesday, March 7th, from 3:00 - 4:00pm in N639 Elliott. We will be having a panel of professors from a few different areas of psychology who will discuss the work they have done as well as answer questions. This panel includes Pat Frazier (Counseling), Nathan Kuncel (Industrial/Organizational), Matt Burns (School Psychology), and Scott Woitaszewski (School Psychology at the University of Wisconsin--River Falls). This is a great opportunity to learn about some of different areas in psychology. You do not have to be a member of Psi Chi to attend-- all are welcome!
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7.INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH PSI CHI & PSYCH CLUB!
In addition to meetings this semester, we will be having a bake sale and we will be attending Relay for Life. If you have questions, would like to become a member, or want to get involved in the bake sale or Relay for Life, attend a meeting or send an email to psichi@umn.edu for more information. We are currently accepting Psi Chi applications for Spring semester!
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8.MEMBER OF PSI CHI AND WALKING IN COMMENCEMENT THIS MAY?
Our Psi Chi chapter may subsidize the cost of commencement embellishments (such as cords). If you are interested, please attend a meeting to let us know or send an email to psichi@umn.edu so that we may determine interest.
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EVENTS
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9.SECRETS FROM CLA ALUMNI: HOW THEY GOT GREAT JOBS
Friday, March 30th; 12:30 - 4:30 pm
McNamara Alumni Center, Johnson Great Room
Wondering what you are going to do with a Liberal Arts major in psychology? Come and hear how other CLA Alumni have used their degrees in various ways. Get great tips about networking and learn from those who have been in your shoes. This event is open to all CLA students and recent CLA alumni (who have graduated within the last year). You much register on GoldPASS; cost is $5.00. Log in to GoldPASS (http://goldpass.umn.edu) and click the 'Career Events'.
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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
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10.UG RESEARCH EXPERIENCE WITH PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AT VA MED CENTER
Interested in working with research subjects with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or traumatic brain injury? Dr. Scott Sponheim's research laboratory at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center is offering an immediately available research opportunity for U of M Psychology majors in severe mental disorders and traumatic brain injury. Fourteen undergraduates have done their theses with Dr. Sponheim at the Minneapolis VA and 9 students have completed doctoral dissertations in the lab. Many undergraduates have also completed program research requirements through working on his studies. Current studies include VA-funded research into neurobiological markers (EEG, ERP, MRI, MEG) of genetic vulnerability for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, a multi-site genome wide association study (GWAS) to identify what aspects of genetic variation are associated with cognitive and functional impairments in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and a Department of Defense funded study into the essential neural features of blast-induced traumatic brain injury and PTSD in soldiers from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, preferably be juniors or seniors, and have completed courses in psychopathology (i.e., abnormal psychology) and statistics. Minimum commitment is 6-months for 5 hours/week. Responsibilities will depend on the applicant and current needs of the lab, but will likely begin with data entry and may expand into EEG collection and analysis, cognitive testing, interviewing, or participant screening and recruitment. Many previous students have used the experience in the lab to create a major project and support entry into graduate or medical school. If interested please send a resume', a description of your availability, and a current transcript (unofficial is fine) to sponh001@umn.edu
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11.SOCIAL SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTSUMMER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP AT PURDUE
Each year Purdue University offers competitive summer internships for aspiring students through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. This year, there is a paid research position open to students from any institution who has interest in using social science skills to improve the environment. Weather and climate plays an important role in the success or failure of agricultural production systems in the Midwest, and predicted climate change will create new challenges for farm management. Climate scientists are continually developing new models and datasets to help solve agricultural problems, and they are enlisting the help of social scientists to transform this information into actionable knowledge for effective decision making. In this project, the SURF student will help the Useful to Usable (U2U) social science team organize focus group sessions with farmers and farm advisors. This includes analyzing large survey datasets to identify knowledge gaps and potential focus group discussion topics. The student will also compile summarized survey results to be presented during focus groups and in other project-related outreach materials/publications. The SURF student will learn about focus groups and how they serve as an effective way to engage stakeholder groups and inform climate scientists. They will become familiar with popular survey analysis software, learn how to organize focus group sessions, and learn about climate change concerns for agriculture. The student will also gain experience working in a diverse team and with members of the public. Please note that applications are due March 9th, so act now! For more information on SURF and to apply, visit their website. To learn more about the topic of study, visit here.
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12.VOLUNTEER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY-START SPRING, CONTINUE SUM/FALL
Professor Colin DeYoung's research team is seeking a volunteer undergraduate research assistant (UGRA) to begin this spring, with the option of continuing into the summer and next fall. The UGRA will be involved with research projects in the area of Personality Psychology. Duties and activities may include but are not limited to: recruiting participants, running participants in research studies, data management and analysis, active participation in lab meetings (if desired). UGRAs are expected to commit to an average of 9 hours of work per week, attend research team meetings, work independently on assigned tasks, and take initiative in communicating with research team members. While research assistants will be working this spring on a volunteer-only basis, they are free to register for 3 credits of PSY 5993 Directed Research in the summer and fall semesters. Eligible candidates are motivated undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Minnesota, with at least a 3.0 GPA, and some experience taking psychology, child psychology, or neuroscience classes. Please contact Tim Allen (allen933@umn.edu) by March 15th if interested.
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JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
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IMPORTANT: Organizations listed below are not necessarily affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Psychology or Psychology Undergraduate Advising. Please exercise the same discretion you would in viewing any other source.
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13.INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PAID INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY!
The Kenexa High Performance Institute is looking for an intern who will support the group's ongoing operations and projects in 2012. We strive to provide our interns with challenging opportunities for their professional growth and the development of practical skills. This is an applied learning opportunity for a motivated student with an interest in industrial/organizational psychology. You'd work very closely with the Minneapolis team research manager who would provide one-on-one training. Under her guidance, you would make meaningful contributions to KHPI's mission of conducting leading-edge research and raising Kenexa's profile in the media. Current projects include: Research paper about causality in studies linking employee opinions to organizational performance; Research paper about HR practices and national productivity; Research paper about employee engagement in the manufacturing industry; Technical report about the 2012 WorkTrendsTM survey, an ongoing employee opinion survey dating back to 1984 and currently sampling over 30,000 employees across 28 countries; Technical report and validation of the RESPECT index based on the book written by the institute's Executive Director Jack Wiley; Technical report and analytic support for the Women in Leadership survey based on the book written by the institute's Ines Wichert; Five short reports based on 2012 WorkTrends survey data that will be used for promotional purposes and as sales collateral (check out our 2011 WorkTrends Reports); Submissions using the WorkTrends database to the 2013 annual conference of the Society for Industrial Organizational Psychology; Bi-weekly executive presentations to Kenexa's corporate marketing team based on analyses of the WorkTrends database. We are looking to fill this position ASAP! You'd work 20 hours/ week at $20 per hour in our downtown Minneapolis office. This internship will last three months, with the option of extending through the end of the 2012 calendar year. You must have completed PSY 3711 (Introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology) and PSY 3801 (Introduction to Psychological Measurement and Data Analysis). Preference will be given to those who have also completed PSY 5707 (Personnel Psychology) and PSY 5708 (Organizational Psychology). Familiarity with SPSS is a plus. Students considering graduate school are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested? Please APPLY HERE!
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14.INSPIRE FELLOWS PROGRAM SUMMER '12--YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
Youth Organizations Umbrella (Y.O.U.) is pleased to announce its Inspire Fellows Program for the summer of 2012. The fellowship offers graduate and upper-undergraduate students a full-time opportunity to learn best-practices in youth development and to prepare for a career in youth development, education, or the non-profit sector. Inspire Fellows serve as workshop leaders and counselors for Y.O.U.'s 9-week summer program, which runs full-time June 11 - August 17. The first week offers Fellows a comprehensive orientation and training on Y.O.U., non-profit management, and positive youth development. The next nine weeks consist of high-impact summer programming. Fellows are chosen to develop and facilitate specific workshops in one of three areas: arts and literature, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), or recreational activities. Additionally, all fellows help lead discussions and workshops on life skills topics. The Fellowship offers a stipend of $1,000. For more information, visit www.inspirefellowsprogram.org or contact kathryn.cai@youevanston.org.
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15.AMAZING JOBS WORKING WITH YOUTH THIS SUMMER IN MN!
TRiO Upward Bound, the longest standing college preparation program in the Twin Cities, is now accepting applications for various positions including: Classroom Assistant, Administrative Assistant, and Residential Adviser. TRiO Upward Bound at the University of Minnesota is a federally funded college prep program. Each summer, they coordinate an academic and residential summer program for their high school aged participants. If you're interested in working in a fast-paced environment with the opportunity to impact some amazing Minneapolis youth - this is the job for you. Each position is posted separately on the University of Minnesota employment site and also on GOLDPASS. To learn more about the positions and apply, click on the respective position above. Apply by Friday, April 6, 2012 for full consideration.
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16.INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERISM? RESEARCH INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE
We are looking for two research interns to assist with an interdisciplinary volunteer project during Summer 2012. This is a great opportunity to interact with oak woodland owners and help prevent the establishment of several potentially devastating invasive insect pests, including a close relative of the emerald ash borer. This is an interdisciplinary research grant combining entomology, economics and psychology - rarely will you see this combination of interests! Duties include: Assist in obtaining, interpreting, and synthesizing data from woodland owners; Interact with woodland owners by providing them with feedback on their activities; Attend research team meetings and do background readings; Conduct an independent project related to the goals of the project, write a report and give an oral presentation of your results. Examples of possible independent projects: Estimate the time cost of managing a volunteer network for a government agency; Estimate the time cost of volunteering to the volunteers; Explore how community networks affect volunteerism rates; Extract additional data from our experimental interventions to relate to volunteerism; Estimate the quality of volunteer effort from the collected samples; Assess volunteer satisfaction with the volunteer activities and program; Document arthropods associated with oak and improve volunteer training manual; Other ideas can be developed in collaboration with the project group. Eligibility: Must be an upper level undergraduate at a US College or University; Must have a drivers license and a car; Must be able to work in Hubbard, Cass, Crow Wing, and Morrison counties in Minnesota. Application materials (Deadline: March 30, 2012): Resume; Course transcript (unofficial transcript can be submitted for review purposes); List of three academic or work references (with telephone numbers and email addresses); Letter of application (400 words maximum) explaining interest in this internship, abilities to contribute to the project, and pertinent research experience. Send as a single electronic file to Tomisin Olayiwola olayi001@umn.edu. Applicants from underrepresented groups in science are strongly encouraged to apply. Notification of award: April 23, 2012. Stipend: $5500, work related travel will be reimbursed at 55c/mile.
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SCHOLARSHIP/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
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17.STUDYING ABROAD SUMMER OR FALL '12? SORENSEN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP!
CLA undergraduates are invited to apply for scholarships to support study abroad during the summer or fall terms of 2012. Awards will be made in the amount of $2000. Eligible students must be CLA undergraduates (any major) and be full-time in an approved study abroad program during the term of the scholarship. Preference will be given to students connecting the experience to their major or including language study in their program. To apply, submit a completed application form (available in 214 Social Sciences) and a 300 - 500 word essay explaining the ways in which the program abroad supports your course of study at the University of Minnesota. Applications must be submitted electronically to igs@umn.edu. Please include "Sorensen Scholarship" in the subject line.