Directed Research Opportunities

Converging Approaches to Neurodevelopment (CAN) Lab

Our lab has a variety of projects focused on neurodevelopmental disorders, with an emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tic Disorders/Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and ADHD. These studies focus on understanding behavioral, neural, genetic, and cognitive factors involved in these disorders, as well as testing novel interventions to improve functioning in youth with these diagnoses. A list of current studies can be found on our lab website. Opportunities are available to engage in a variety of studies in methods, depending on student interests and project needs. Student may receive credit. There may be paid opportunities.

Prerequisites
Minimum 1 year (or 2 semester) commitment. Completion of introductory coursework in a related field (e.g. psychology, neuroscience, biology).

Contact
[email protected]

E-Lab

Research assistants will be assisting with database management and statistical analysis of research and clinical data collected in the Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic in the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. RA will meet weekly with supervisors and research team to coordinate progress on database entry and oversight. Students may receive credit with the correct support. There are paid opportunities.

Prerequisites
For course credit, applicant must be an undergraduate or have their bachelor's degree in psychology, child development, neuroscience or a related field. For paid position, applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, child development, neuroscience, or a related field. Experience with data management (such as RedCap) and/or data analysis using statistical software (R, SAS, SPSS, MatLab) is highly preferred.

Contact
Lana Hantzsch, [email protected]

The Elison Lab for Developmental Brain and Behavior Research

Here in the E-Lab, our team studies brain and behavioral development of infants and young children. More specifically, our research examines the critical period of brain development in the first years of life, which represents a time interval of dynamic development, plasticity, and potential vulnerability. One of the major goals of our research in the E-Lab is to improve early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early detection of autism and access to early intervention services is crucial to improving long-term outcomes for these children. Through behavioral assessments, eye tracking tasks, questionnaires/interviews, and magnetic resonance imagining we are mapping the development of specific neural circuits to specific behaviors over the first three years of life, and through these studies, we are able to better understand brain and behavioral development. Students may receive credit. This is not a paid opportunity.

Prerequisites
Students must be available to work at the lab in-person at least 6 hours / week. Strong communication & organization skills are a must, and previous experience working with children is preferred.

Contact
Lana Hantzsch, [email protected]

Equitable Data Science in Adolescent Development

This 10-week program is a paid, full-time position designed to give undergraduate students hands-on training and research experience in data science, statistical modeling and machine learning, and scientific communication. Students will receive mentorship and have opportunities for professional and academic development. Topics on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and their role in data science form the foundations of this program, emphasized early through DEI modules and discussions. Students will also gain an understanding of the intersectional gaps in data science, including how structural racism and other forms of oppression shape research processes and practices. Best methodological practices (delivered by CEEd researchers) will challenge participants to develop needed competencies to collaborate with stakeholders from underserved groups and communities in empowering and transformative ways.

Prerequisites
Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or US permanent resident. Must be enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree. Interested in a data-oriented career, including (but not limited to) majors in mathematics, statistics, psychology, computer science, engineering, neuroscience, and biology. Able to commit to the entire full-time, eight-hour day, 10-week program. Women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Students attending an institution where research programs are limited are strongly encouraged to apply.

Contact
Dr. Mark Fiecas ([email protected]).

Gunlicks-Stoessel Lab

Research in our lab focuses on (1) the development and evaluation of new approaches for delivering more effective, personalized, and responsive care for youth with depression, and (2) understanding how family relationships during adolescence can promote healthy emotion regulation and wellbeing or contribute to the development of psychopathology. Students may receive credit. This is not a paid opportunity.

Prerequisites
Participation in data collection with families will include some weekday evening and weekend hours.

Contact
Rucha Markale, [email protected]

Medical Imaging Lab (MILab)

Data management, collection, and analysis; Brain MRI, C spine MRI, EEG, Imaging of human retina (non-invasive medical device development); analysis of brain MRI scans of dogs and humans; rare genetic diseases such as adrenoleukodystrophy and mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Students mya receive credit. This is not a paid opportunity.

Prerequisites
Strong aptitude for learning scientific concepts and technical computational skills for medical image analysis. Experience in the research conduct, Individuals with a science GPA of 3.0 or better are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have extenuating circumstances that have caused your science GPA to be lower than a 3.0, please attach a letter of explanation.

Contact
Monica Bondy [email protected]

Non-invasive Neuromodulation Laboratories (Neuromodulation Hub)

We specialize in non-invasive neuromodulation techniques (e.g. TMS, tDCS) and neurophysiological recording techniques (e.g. EEG, EMG). Our lab assists UMN study teams with equipment training, data collection, and analysis. We work with studies who are investigating treatments and biomarkers for a variety of clinical populations (both pediatric and adult), including Tourette's syndrome, depression, traumatic brain injuries, and so much more! Students may receive credit. This is not a paid opportunity.

Prerequisites

Pursuing a major related to clinical research (psychology, child psychology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, etc.).
Completion of relevant coursework (e.g., Introduction to Research Methods, Fundamental Neuroscience, & Human Neuroanatomy).
Strong interest in non-invasive brain stimulation, neurophysiology, and translational research.
A minimum commitment of two semesters of lab involvement.

Contact
Mia Kellman, [email protected] or [email protected]

TeleOutreach Center/MIDB TeleOutreach Service Hub

The TeleOutreach Center and the MIDB TeleOutreach Service Hub have multiple studies that can include directed research engagement with University of Minnesota under-graduate and graduate students. Current studies involve the use of telehealth to connect with families and children in their homes and collect study data. Student opportunities include data coding, inventorying and preparing tele-lab materials, community-engaged opportunities, and involvement in dissemination opportunities (e.g., development of recruitment materials, web-based materials, family newsletters, and infographics). Students may receive credit with the correct support. There may be paid opportunities.

Prerequisites
Students are required to take and keep current all required IRB training, HIPAA training, and related U of M and TeleOutreach required trainings. Due to the time investment in training, students must make a commitment of a minimum of 5 hours a week, for one academic semester.

Contact
Jessica Simacek, [email protected]

The following labs have current opportunities for students: