Thank you for your interest in the CARES Lab! The CARES Lab is seeking undergraduate research assistants (RAs) to contribute to ongoing research projects. To join, applicants must:

(a) Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5,

(b) Have a background in Psychology (e.g., relevant coursework),

(c) Commit to at least two consecutive semesters, and

(d) Be available for at least 8 hours per week in the lab.

We are looking for conscientious, organized, and dedicated individuals interested in gaining hands-on research experience. This opportunity is particularly well-suited for students considering graduate school or research-oriented careers. If you meet all the requirements, please complete the form below. Applicants will be selected based on qualifications and lab needs, and we will contact candidates after reviewing submissions.

Thank you for your interest in the CARES Lab! We are always looking for motivated and passionate students who are interested in research on culturally informed approaches to studying emotions, mental health (particularly anxiety and other internalizing problems), and substance use in both children and adult populations. 

Dr. Viana will be reviewing applications for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle for the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Texas A&M University. Admission to the lab is based on a holistic review of the applicant’s record—including research experience, academic performance, and overall fit with our lab’s focus areas—rather than solely on grades or GRE scores. Students interested in joining the lab should have research interests aligned with our key areas, including:

• Anxiety and related disorders in children and adults

• Temperamental and parenting factors associated with anxiety

• Health disparities

• Substance use and its comorbidity with emotional disorders

• Cultural and contextual factors in mental health

Successful applicants should also have methodological overlap with our research approaches. We primarily conduct experimental and multi-method research to examine mechanisms underlying anxiety and substance use outcomes in both pediatric and adult populations, but we rarely conduct clinical intervention research. As a result, the lab is well suited for those interested in the former but not for those primarily focused on clinical intervention studies (e.g., developing new interventions, testing existing interventions).

What We Look for in Applicants

Successful applicants typically have:

• Strong academic records and research experience

• A demonstrated interest in our lab’s research focus (either through past experiences or in their statement of interest).

• Experience with human subjects data collection, analysis, or manuscript preparation (preferred but not required)

• Involvement in grants in some capacity (preferred but not required)

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently

• Basic knowledge of statistical software and programming (e.g., R, MPlus, SPSS)

Training and Mentorship

Graduate students in the CARES Lab receive comprehensive training in:

• Core content areas aligned with the lab’s research focus

• Experimental and survey-based research methodologies with children and adults

• Grant writing and scientific communication

• Professional development for careers in academia, research, and medical centers

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply through the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Texas A&M University. Be sure to mention your interest in working with Dr. Viana in your personal statement, and clearly articulate how your interests overlap with Dr. Viana's and the CARE Lab's research. For more information about the program, including application deadlines and requirements, visit our Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program website.