Undergraduate researchers are an important part of our research lab.  We are committed to providing students with direct training in the research process and mentoring regarding professional careers including graduate school options.  We aim to provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience of the scientific process.  Research assistant duties include, but are not limited to, conducting literature reviews, assisting in running participants for data collection, performing data entry, assisting in recruiting and coordinating research participants, and assisting in general office support.

Under the guidance of Dr. Lau-Barraco, undergraduate students in the lab work directly with graduate student mentors.  Because Dr. Lau-Barraco mentors graduate students from the Clinical Psychology as well as the Applied Psychological Sciences programs, undergraduates have the advantage of gaining exposure to and learning from graduate mentors with different training concentrations.  Strong undergraduates have the opportunity to work with graduate mentors and Dr. Lau-Barraco to co-author and present lab research at scientific conferences.  It is our hope that undergraduate researchers graduate from the lab with a greater sense of the research process, learn how to work collaboratively and professionally with others in a team environment, and be as competitive as possible for admission to a graduate program or obtaining a mental health position.

Our lab accepts applications for research assistant positions on a rolling basis.  The ideal candidate is someone who is interested in research and graduate studies in psychology or a closely aligned field.  We would like individuals who are conscientious, hardworking, motivated, and reliable.  To gain the most out of the research experience, we prefer students in their junior year who are able to commit to at least two semesters in the lab.  We would also like students who have at least a 3.0 overall GPA and have earned a B or better in PSYC 317 and PSYC 318.  Students will be committing 10 hours/week to lab activities.

If you are interested in a position in our lab, please download and complete the Application.  Email your application to Dr. Lau-Barraco at cbarraco@odu.edu.  Once we receive your application, our graduate lab coordinator will be in contact with you to schedule an interview time.