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Couple Adjustment to Stress and Trauma (CAST) consists of a vibrant and dedicated team of graduate and undergraduate researchers committed to a clinical science model. A diverse research methodology is used to examine risk and protective factors, particularly Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, following trauma exposure. Members of the CAST lab receive specialized training in couple interventions and traumatic stress reactions. Students are involved in all aspects of the research process.
Interested Graduate Students
The CAST lab is seeking bright and enthusiastic prospective graduate students with an interest in intimate relationships and reactions to acute stress and trauma.
Individuals who plan to pursue a career in research will be a strong fit for this lab.
Prior lab experience with high-risk populations is desirable but is not required.
Applicants are invited to submit their application for the 2023-2024 application cycle (for potential admission in Fall 2024)!
What we do
One of the primary aims of the CAST lab is to conduct clinically relevant and culturally-sensitive research that evaluates couple adaptation to stress and trauma, and to optimize the systemic benefits of couple-based intervention
Examine the dynamic effects of acute stress and trauma on individual and relationship functioning by:
Using behavioral observation, physiological (e.g., EDA, ECG), molecular (e.g., cortisol, oxytocin), self-report measures
examining diverse and high-risk populations including military and Veteran populations.
If you are considering applying to the Clinical Science program, you can find more information about the program and specific information regarding admissions.
All graduate students in good standing receive tuition waivers and are supported by stipends that allow students to live comfortably considering the low cost of living in the Binghamton area. If application fees are a barrier to your applying, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. We strongly encourage students from historically underrepresented minority backgrounds to apply and please consider the Clifford D. Clark Diversity Fellowship for graduate students.
Interested Undergraduate Students
The CAST lab accepts applications from interested and talented undergraduate research assistants on a rolling basis.
Applications to join the lab are available upon email request and reviewed on a rolling basis. Recruitment decisions are made in mid-April for the next academic year.
If you are an undergraduate student who is motivated to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology in the future, it is important to gain quality research experience as an undergraduate. This experience will help prepare you for graduate school and make you more competitive during the application process.
Research assistants who work in the CAST lab will be afforded the types of opportunities that can make them stand out to potential graduate programs. Experiences might include:
training in observational coding
psycho-physiological recording methods
data management and processing
statistical analysis including psychometric analysis
opportunities for presenting research at scientific conferences.
Exceptional students may also complete an undergraduate honors thesis.
As part of the CAST Lab team, students are required to
attend weekly lab meetings
commit 10+ hours of their time per week (in blocks of 3-5 hrs) will be a strong fit
2-semester commitment (preference is given to those who can commit to a longer duration).
MAY receive course credit for their work in the lab.
If you are interested in applying, please contact Christina Balderrama-Durbin, Ph.D., for an application and to set up an appointment.
~students are encouraged to apply prior to the beginning of their junior year and prior to April
Contact Information
CAST Lab Director: Christina Balderrama-Durbin, Ph.D.