Supervising Faculty: Peter Gianaros and Mark Scudder
Contact: Mark Scudder, mas721@pitt.edu
Area of Research: Psychophysiology, Health Psychology
Description of Research: We are studying stressful experiences and their connections to heart and brain health. Our ongoing research utilizes laboratory based psychophysiological methods, neuropsychological testing, and brain imaging. We also employ a number of methodologies to assess psychological, social, behavioral, and biological risk factors. Our participants are otherwise healthy middle-aged adults from the community. Undergraduate Research Assistants participate in data collection, data reduction and scoring, and assisting with many aspects of laboratory operations under the direction of the Associate Director of the LaPHN lab, Dr. Mark Scudder, as well as by Dr. Gianaros.
Duties of Students:
- Assist laboratory staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in testing research participants in testing sessions (i.e., data collection).
- Enter and manage data.
- Reduce, clean, and analyze data.
- Search the literature when needed.
- Interact with research participants.
- 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: https://www.brainbody.pitt.edu/join-our-team
To apply: Complete the application at: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ylxJPAmpifB8l8. After completing the application, click this link to notify Drs. Scudder and Gianaros that you have applied.