The Behavioral Health Promotion (BHP) Lab at CSUF accepts new research assistants at the beginning of each term (Fall, Spring, Summer).  

We are currently recruiting undergraduate & graduate research assistants for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. Priority is given to CSUF students that can take PSYC 499 or 599.  We are also anticipating one opening for a computer science undergraduate research assistant in Summer 2027.

Please note:

• All new assistants are expected to work primarily on the Psychology Pathways Project.   Some RAs (especially those with prior experience taking PSYC 300 at CSUF) may also be asked to work on the PSYC300Tutor Project.
  
  

• You do not need to be a psychology major to take PSYC 499.  For non-majors or underclassmen, prerequisites for PSYC 499 may be waived with special approval.
  
  

• For Fall 2026, our lab is accepting applicants that wish to take PSYC 495.  However, 1-year commitment where you'd be taking PSYC 499 in Spring 2027 is required.
  
  

• Volunteer positions open up periodically. We are especially interested in volunteers with prior experience in transcription cleaning.

To apply: If you are a CSUF student, please search for Dr. Yuko Okado on Titan Connection to view openings and application details (visit the CSUF Career Center website to log in).  If you are not a current CSUF student, please see below and follow instructions for undergraduate research assistant applications.

Priority is given to applicants that can stay in lab for at least 1 year.  Individuals from communities with limited access to research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply.

Who can be a research assistant?

Undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-baccalaureate professionals are welcome to apply.  We are currently not accepting applications from high school students.

For general research assistant positions, preference is given to students that can be a research assistant for course credit (esp. PSYC 499 or 599) at CSUF, though there often are openings for volunteer or paid (contingent on grant funding) research assistants. Our lab does periodically accept research assistants from outside CSUF.

Why join the BHP Lab?

We are a friendly and diverse group of hard-working scholars that share a passion for improving the lives of fellow and future students.  

Our lab provides excellent preparation for those intending to pursue graduate school or careers in Psychology (or related disciplines) -- including solid research training, mentoring, and support tailored to your educational and professional goals.

Really, though, the best reason is that this lab is full of great, passionate, and kind people. 

Qualifications:

• Overall academic promise (minimum 3.5 GPA)

• Good match in research interests and training goals

• Excellent attention to detail, conscientiousness, initiative, and professionalism

• Strong communication, writing, and social skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced lab environment

• Good working knowledge of basic statistics and research methods

• Good computer literacy; ability to adapt to new software and web platforms quickly

• Ability to commit to the lab for at least 1 year

Application materials:

Interested undergraduate students should send the following application materials, in one email, to yokado@fullerton.edu and zz-kirios@fullerton.edu:

1. All undergraduate transcript(s)

2. CV

3. Brief summaries, in the body of the email, of:

a. Why you are interested in working in this lab, including what you hope to get out of it

b. Your main qualifications

c. How long you can commit to being a part of the lab (year or more commitment preferred)

d. If you are interested in taking lab for credit, which course (typically PSYC 495 or 499)

Qualifications:

• Close match in research interests

• Strong interest in working within lab’s areas of interest

• Strong writing ability (sample required)

• Strong stats/methods skills – training in both quantitative and qualitative methods preferred

• Excellent attention to detail, professionalism, and initiative

• Match in working style and desired supervision style -- you will need to be proactive and self-starting

• Overall academic promise; interest in pursuing a research-oriented career or PhD a plus

Application materials:

Interested graduate students should send the following application materials, in one email, to yokado@fullerton.edu :

1. All undergraduate / graduate transcript(s)

2. CV

3. A writing sample (research paper)

4. Brief summaries, in the body of the email, of:

a. Why you are interested in working with Dr. Okado

b. Your qualifications

c. Summary of training in research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) and statistics 

d. What you are looking for in your research training and mentor

e. Your long-term educational and career goals