Supervising Faculty: Peter J. Gianaros, Ph.D             

Area of Research: Behavioral Neuroscience / Psychophysiology

Description of Research: We are studying how the brain links stressful experiences with a person’s risk for developing heart disease. Our ongoing research utilizes structural and functional brain imaging (MRI), as well as laboratory based psychophysiological methods to measure the function of the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems. We also employ a number of methodologies to assess psychological, social, behavioral, and biological risk factors for heart disease. Our participants are otherwise healthy middle-aged adults from the community, who we are following over a multi-year period.

Duties of Students:

• Assist laboratory staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in testing research participants in laboratory and MRI brain imaging sessions (i.e., MRI assessments and data collection).
• Enter and manage data.
• Reduce, clean, and analyze data.
• Search the literature when needed.
• Interact with research participants from diverse social backgrounds.
• Attend regular laboratory meetings and one-on-one meetings with research team members.

Requirements:

• Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
• 12 credits of Psychology (including current term)
• STAT 0200/1000/1100- Statistics
• PSY 0036 Research Methods Lecture
• PSY 0037 Research Methods Lab

Additional Requirements:

• Proficiency with basic computing tasks.
• High level of reliability, initiative, and conscientiousness.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Availability for at least 2 terms, and ability to commit to at least 2 credits per term.

Terms offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Number of Students: Up to 5 students

Additional Information/ Links: http://www.bnl.pitt.edu

To apply: Complete the application at: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ylxJPAmpifB8l8. After completing the application, click this link to notify Dr. Gianaros that you have applied.