Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Complex Psychology Systems

Program Highlights

• 9-week summer research program, June 9, 2015 – August 8, 2015
• $4,500 stipend for the 9-week program
• On-campus food & lodging included
• Work one-on-one with nationally and internationally known faculty mentors
• Conduct research projects in complex psychological systems within a range of research labs across cognitive, developmental, social, community, organizational, and clinical psychology
• Interact with community organizations and local companies
• Participate in weekly professional development programming
• Enjoy weekly social programming

Program Description

Students accepted into our program will be trained in an interdisciplinary approach to exploring psychological science that emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between basic and applied science. Employing the integrative framework of complex systems, students are exposed to theories and methodologies that promote understanding and investigation of psychological phenomena that emphasize how the interactions that bind components of an environmentally situated, complex human system give rise to emergent and self-organized patterns of behavior. Students will have the opportunity to work with researchers across many disciplines of psychology including: Social, Clinical, Community, Cognitive Science, Developmental, Organizational, and Neuropsychology. Click here to see the list of projects and faculty mentors.

The REU program in Complex Psychological Systems has four primary objectives:

1. Provide all of our students with direct scientific experience and enable an in-depth understanding with the field of complex systems and psychology
2. Offer the research preparation necessary for graduate training
3. Engage our students through professional development and immersive mentoring
4. Broaden the participation of underrepresented groups in psychology

Our students will gain experience in all aspects of scientific work as they daily conduct individual research projects with a faculty mentor and the faculty member’s lab. Students will learn about all aspects of psychological science beyond their specific project across sub-disciplines through weekly faculty colloquia and community and industry networking opportunities. At the end of the program, students will present the outcomes of their training to the University community in a day-log symposium. In addition to research, students will participate in a series of weekly professional development workshops designed to prepare them for the different career paths of psychology, including preparation for graduate school admission, GRE preparation, skills training, and scientific methods and discipline specific practices. Finally, students will have the opportunity to work and interact with an ethnically and racially diverse group of mentors and graduate students.

Compensation: A stipend of $4,500 will be awarded to each of the students in the program, and we will provide housing and meals on campus at the University of Cincinnati. Some travel support to and from Cincinnati will also be available. We also have plans for an enjoyable social program for our students including such activities as Cincinnati Reds baseball games, a visit to Paramount’s Kings Island Amusement Park, a visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Movie Night, outdoor events (Hiking and climbing in Red River Gorge, White Water rafting on the Little Miami River), and musical events (Jazz picnic at the Museum center, the annual Cincinnati Blues Festival, Riverbend Music Center).

Eligibility

Admission to the summer program is competitive, with only 10 students accepted per year. Therefore students should be in good academic standing at their primary institutions. Students who will graduate from their undergraduate institution before or at the end of the spring term are not eligible; only students who are continuing as undergraduates after the summer should apply. The National Science Foundation also requires that participants be United States citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.

Given that our program is intended to broaden participation of groups that are traditionally under-represented in the psychological sciences, preference will be given to ethnic and racial minority applicants. We will begin reviewing applications April 1st and will continue until all spots are filled. Decisions will be emailed to all candidates mid-April.

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application. Please be sure to prepare a brief personal statement that can be pasted into the online application. This statement should include information about why you wish to participate, what your plans and future career interests are, and anything else you believe we should know about you. Please also submit two letters of recommendation from faculty or individuals familiar with your academic progress and interests to the following email: reu.uc.psych@gmail.com.
2. Submit via standard mail, must be received by March 6th, 2015:
   1. Official transcripts from your institution.
   2. If accepted, proof of immunization will be required to participate.

Mail to:

REU Program
Department of Psychology
University of Cincinnati
Mail Location - 0376
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172

Questions? Please feel free to contact us at:

• Program Director: Dr. Rachel W. Kallen at reu.uc.psych@gmail.com