8/28/2012

The inside scoop on staying engaged and up-to-date with the Psychology major!
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.
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IN THIS ISSUE:
PSYCHOLOGY ADVISING ANNOUNCEMENTS
--1.Fall 2012 Psych Advising Office Hours
--2.Psychology Advising Walk-In Hours & PSY 4/5993 Research Contract Signatures
EVENTS
--3.Returning From Abroad? Minnesota Study Abroad Returnee Conference!
--4.Find an Internship! CLA Internship Fair
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
--5.UGRA needed for Psychiatry Department Study on Impulse Control Disorder--For Credit
--6.UGRAs Needed for Relationship & Identity Research--For Credit
--7.Exciting Social Psych Research Opportunity: Creating Cultures for Peace Project--For Credit
--8.UGRA Needed for Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab--For Credit
--9.Research Assistants Wanted for a New Study on Communication in Couples--For Credit
--10.Undergrad Research Experience with Psychopathology at VA Medical Center--For Credit
--11.UGRA Needed for Treatment Outcome Research Lab at VA Medical Center--For Credit
ENGAGEMENT
--12.Interested in Pursuing Law School? Join Mock Trial!
JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
--13.Interested in Education? TRiO Upward Bound is Hiring---Part-Time
--14.Work with Youth Policy & Research as a Nonpartisan Policy Intern
--15.Internship Focusing on Mental Health Services for Children
--16.Full-Time Position Available in UMN-TC Office for Equity & Diversity
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PSYCHOLOGY ADVISING ANNOUNCEMENTS
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1.Fall 2012 Psych Advising Office Hours
Our general office will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm and Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am - 4:30pm during the Fall 2012 semester. Advisor availability within this time frame varies. If you would like to meet with an advisor, be sure to schedule an appointment or come during designated walk-in hours. Check the Psych Scoop each week for possible changes to hours.
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2.Psychology Advising Walk-In Hours & PSY 4/5993 Research Contract Signatures
Due to the high demand for walk-in advising the first two weeks of the term, we will have an advisor available for 5 - 10 minute walk-in questions, including signing off on PSY 5993 research contracts, from 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and from 9:30am - 4:30pm Thursday. Our regular walk-in advising schedule will begin Tuesday, September 18th. Check in to the front desk in N108 Elliott Hall for walk-in service.
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EVENTS
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3.Returning From Abroad? Minnesota Study Abroad Returnee Conference!
Already missing your abroad experience? Plan to attend the Minnesota Study Abroad Returnee Conference on Saturday, September 22nd and learn what to do with the meaningful experience you just had. Concurrent sessions will include: Go Abroad Again: Teaching and Short-term Work; Digging Deeper: Stories and Identity; International Careers at Home and Abroad; Graduate School at Home and Abroad; Get Engaged: Local and International Volunteer Opportunities. Share your experiences by participating in the poster competition or photo contest! Registration is open now through September 15th. For more information, visit the Learning Abroad Center and mnreturneeconference.org.
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4.Find an Internship! CLA Internship Fair
Tuesday, September 25, 2012; 10:00am - 2:00pm
Mississippi Room, Coffman Memorial Union
Attend this FREE event to discuss internship opportunities with a wide-variety of employers who have internships and want to hire CLA students. Starting dates for these opportunities may vary: fall 2012, and spring or summer 2013. Registration is encouraged via GoldPASS (and is open now!). There will be a broad range of employers attending offering a wide range of internship opportunities (ACR HealthCare Group; Ameriprise Financial; ARC Greater Twin Cities; Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Flagship Recreation; General Mills Incorporated; Macy's; Martin Calibration, Inc.; Minnesota AIDS Project; Minnesota Historical Societ; Minnesota Zoo; Northwestern Mutual Financial Network - The Bohannon Group; Northwestern Mutual Financial Network - The Columns Resource Group; Securian Financial Group; ShopNBC; Target Stores; Target Corporation; Target Distribution). You can also meet with CLA's professional career counselors, peer advisors, as well as fellow students who have completed internships. This event is open to all CLA students and recent alumni (within one year of graduation date). For more information search the 'Career Events' section on GoldPASS.
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RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
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5.UGRA needed for Psychiatry Department Study on Impulse Control Disorder--For Credit
Are you interested in learning more about psychiatric clinical research? The Impulse Control Disorder Clinic of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota has a volunteer position for credit available for Fall 2012. The lab conducts research trials for various impulse control disorders, such as pathological gambling, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance dependence. It also studies predictive factors in the development of behavioral and substance addiction through the use of neurocognitive and functional imaging techniques. Duties of a volunteer research assistant include assisting the study team with data entry, regulatory documents, advertising, subject recruitment, and the subject interviews. There is also the possibility of drafting a research paper to be submitted for peer-review and publication. At the end of the fall, the volunteer will know how research trials function on a day-to-day basis and develop his/her skills in scientific writing. This is a volunteer position that can be registered for as 3 credits of PSY 5993 Directed Research. The time commitment is about 9 hours per week. To apply for this position, please send a letter of recommendation from a psychology professor, a writing sample, and a resume including any research work you have assisted with during your collegiate career. For more information and to apply, please contact Liana Schreiber at 612-627-4879 or email (schre164@umn.edu).
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6.UGRAs Needed for Relationship & Identity Research--For Credit
Thinking about graduate school? Get valuable research experience credits for PSY 4/5993 by working as a research assistant this fall. The relationships and identity research group lab is looking for students to work with on-going projects. These projects deal with relationship dynamics. The time commitment is a maximum 10 hours per week (5 hours is more typical). You will serve as an actual experimenter and help with data entry and analysis. Must be available to interview now! Please contact Jennifer Filson Moses at fils0007@umn.edu ASAP to get involved.
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7.Exciting Social Psych Research Opportunity: Creating Cultures for Peace Project--For Credit
The Creating Cultures of Peace project is looking for undergraduate research assistants to work on a study examining personality, intergroup contact, and multicultural peace education. We are looking for motivated and reliable students for the commitment of 6-9 hours per week (for which you can register for PSY 5993 with Professor Mark Snyder). Previous research experience preferred, but not required. To learn more about this opportunity or to apply, please contact Susanne Gabrielsen at gabri153@umn.edu. In your e-mail, state your interest and write about your background and achievements. Attach your CV!
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8.UGRA Needed for Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab--For Credit
Are you planning to apply to graduate school in the near future? Need more research experience? The Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab is seeking the help of reliable, motivated and conscientious volunteers to assist anywhere between 9 and 12 hours per week (equivalent to 3 or 4 research credits--must be PSY 4993 for inclusion in psych major) this fall. Students will assist with various aspects of the research process, such as recruiting/schedule participants, assisting with testing and other aspects of the research. Much of the research in the lab is cutting edge work investigating the development of executive function in early childhood, the ability to exercise conscious control over thought, emotion and action. You can learn more about the various projects here: http://www.cehd.umn.edu/ICD/dscn/. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable research experience that can promote your curiosity and insight about child development and enhance your graduate school application. You will also have the opportunity to participate in lab meetings, which typically involves discussing and reading about new research in the field and updates on ongoing research in the lab. If you would like further details, please email a request for an application to sdoebel@umn.edu with "DCSN RA help" in the subject line. Promising applicants will be contacted for an interview.
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9.Research Assistants Wanted for a New Study on Communication in Couples--For Credit
The social psych research team is looking for dedicated research assistants who are interested in assisting with research in social psychology for Fall 2012. Duties will include watching short videotapes of couples communicating and coding these interactions for certain behaviors. Training will be provided on how to code the tapes. RA's will be free to make their own weekly schedule as long as coding deadlines are being met. Getting involved with this lab will be a beneficial opportunity for anyone interested in gaining research experience and knowledge in the areas of behavioral coding, social support, and close relationships. The lab is also open to working with honors students, those enrolled in a Major Project Research Section, or UROP students. This research opportunity will be conducted under Dr. Jeffry A. Simpson and you can volunteer or use this opportunity for PSY 5993 credit. If you are interested in joining the team, please email Maryhope at howl0029@umn.edu by TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th. Please use "RE: Social Suppport Coding" as the subject of your email and include your full name, email, major, and year in school in the email.
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10.Undergrad Research Experience with Psychopathology at VA Medical Center--For Credit
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 PSY 4/5993 credits toward the psychology major 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.UGRA Needed for Treatment Outcome Research Lab at VA Medical Center--For Credit
A laboratory at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System is conducting treatment outcome research to examine how individuals with schizophrenia change as a result of participating in computer-based skills training. There is an opportunity for one undergraduate student to become involved with this project as a Research Lab in Psychology experience. The student will learn about the assessment and treatment of schizophrenia, with emphasis on symptom severity, cognition, and rehabilitation. The student will work as a part of a research team and primarily will be responsible for scoring and entering data, assisting with the piloting of study protocols, and attending weekly lab meetings. In addition, the student will write an APA-style paper on a related topic. All research activities are conducted at the VA Health Care System. The student must be able to commute to the VA and be available to attend meetings on Tuesdays mornings. The student will be asked to commit to an average of 9 hours/week for one semester and can receive research credit for PSY 4993. For more information, please contact Tasha Nienow, Ph.D. at 612-467-1004 or send a resume to Tasha.Nienow@va.gov.
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ENGAGEMENT
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12.Interested in Pursuing Law School? Join Mock Trial!
Whether you want to be a lawyer or not, Mock Trial is one of the most beneficial organizations to join. This highly competitive activity is perfect for anyone looking to increase their ability to speak in front of others, develop critical thinking skills, and to perform quickly on their feet. Mock Trial gives you the opportunity to act as a lawyer or a witness and construct a case that you will present in front of a judge against other schools. If you like arguing, this is the place for you. If you like acting, this is the place for you. If you have ANY interest in pursuing law, this is absolutely the place for you. There will be information all week long the second week of school in Coffman. Please contact us at mtrial@umn.edu if you are interested or have any questions!
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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.Interested in Education? TRiO Upward Bound is Hiring---Part-Time
TRiO Upward Bound is currently accepting applications for the following positions: Tutor (work study) #179886; Teaching Assistant (work study) - #179885; Student Office Assistant (work study) - #179938; ACT Prep & Career Exploration Instructor (non U of MN students may apply to this position) - #179884. TRiO UB is a federally funded college prep program focused on helping low income, first generation and urban, Minneapolis high school students achieve their collegiate dreams. These positions are all part of the after school program that runs from M-Th at the University of Minnesota. To apply, go to employment.umn.edu and search the position using the requisition numbers listed above. All positions require an updated resume, cover letter, and references; final candidates must pass a criminal background check.
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14.Work with Youth Policy & Research as a Nonpartisan Policy Intern
The Children, Youth & Family Consortium (CYFC) is an intermediary organization that connects research, teaching, policy and community practice to organizations that, in turn, apply that information in direct service to children and families. A Policy Intern is sought to assist with critical aspects of CYFC's nonpartisan policy program activities. While they learn about various ways to engage in the policy arena, the Intern will utilize their advanced communication and organizational skills to assist with a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded qualitative research project and national translational efforts, and assist with day-to-day operations. View the full internship description and requirements, and apply for this internship, viawww.goldpass.umn.edu (Job ID# 81815).
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15.Internship Focusing on Mental Health Services for Children
Children, Youth & Family Consortium (CYFC) is seeking a part-time intern. The Cultural Providers Network intern will have the unique opportunity to connect with a diverse group of community professionals and faculty working to improve mental health services for children. The intern will participate in rich conversation about promising practice and research, learn about effective programs and intervention techniques, and practice skills related to program growth and development. The Cultural Providers Network (CPN) Intern must be a committed individual with excellent written and oral communication skills and interest in children's mental health within communities of color. This position has a variety of different tasks and activities, and requires both team and autonomous work. The candidate must be committed to working with diverse populations of community members, researchers and practitioners. The candidate will also have demonstrated an ability to learn, handle and prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines, maintain a professional demeanor with CYFC's constituents, be effective at identifying and solving problems, and pay close attention to detail. Candidate will have familiarity with University operations and Macintosh and Google applications. Major tasks include: Provide support to CPN facilitators and members during and outside of monthly meetings; Manage member lists, database, website and correspondence; Attend meetings and take minutes; Coordinate creation and distribution of agendas, minutes, and related documents to group members; Support CPN special events and speakers; Related tasks that support the work of the Cultural Providers Network. Internship commitment is 6-8 hours per week (flexible, with required meeting the second Thursday of each month). To receive full position description and apply, contact Cari Michaels (MPH, CYFC Children's Mental Health Lead) by September 14th, 2012 at cmichael@umn.edu or (612) 626-0520.
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16.Full-Time Position Available in UMN-TC Office for Equity & Diversity
The Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) is seeking a cross unit program coordinator. The position is entry level with entry level salary and is appropriate for fairly recent graduates (1-2 years of professional experience). The Cross-Unit Program Coordinator is a collaborative position between the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE), the Women's Center (WmC), and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally (GLBTA) Programs Office. Realizing that the constituents we serve have multiple identities, units within OED have been seeking to do more of their work across units. This position, working with OED units who serve primarily students, is an intentional effort to work across units and advance the strategic work of OED. The position description and directions for applying can be found on the University of Minnesota employment site at: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/index.html . The requisition number for the position is 180348.