Friday, January 08, 2010

STUDENTS: Undergraduate Summer Research Opportunity

APA Summer Research Opportunity for Undergraduates -- Applications due February 12

The APA Science Directorate is pleased to announce a partnership with the George Mason University Department of Psychology to host the 2010 Summer Science Fellowship (SSF). SSF aims to immerse advanced undergraduate students in the science of psychology by exposing them to the excitement and promise of the best of psychological science. Our principal objective is to inform these students about the science of psychology and its promise for the future, and help prepare them for the rigors of graduate study in psychological science.

An expenses-paid, intensive summer training program, the SSF will place up to 10 talented students in the psychology laboratories of some of the most outstanding researchers in the Washington, DC area. The lab experience will be six weeks in length. The SSF program gives students an opportunity to explore the intellectual, personal, and social processes of scientific inquiry and to experience cutting-edge psychological research through hands-on laboratory activities. SSF offers promising students the opportunity to equip themselves with skills essential to succeed in graduate school, and gives students who plan to pursue advanced degrees in psychological science the opportunity to be mentored by nationally-known faculty.

The 2010 program is expected to run from June 20 to July 31. APA will pay students a summer salary, as well as cover all travel and living expenses. This should make the program financially feasible for most college students.

Eligibility is strictly limited to students who are currently juniors at US or Canadian colleges and universities. Applicants should be psychology majors, although students with related preparation may apply if they expect to enter a psychological science graduate program. International students enrolled in US or Canadian colleges are eligible; US citizenship is not required. Students from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

In 2010, placements may be available in the following areas of psychology. Final word on the involvement of specific faculty and labs will be made closer to the time of student selection.

  • Applied Developmental Psychology
  • Biopsychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Human Factors and Applied Cognitive Psychology
  • Industrial Organizational Psychology
  • School Psychology

For more information, including the application, visit http://www.apa.org/science/resources/ssf/index.aspx.