Join the lab

What do undergraduate research assistants do?

Undergraduate research assistants (RAs) help with a wide range of research topics and activities, such as preparing surveys, collecting and cleaning data, coding and analysis of data, literature reviews, and writing related to ongoing research in the lab. You can learn more about being an undergraduate in the Department of Psychology here.

What are the benefits of being a research assistant?

Undergraduate RAs gain valuable experience that can help them identify their interests and develop critical skills for their future careers or graduate school.

How can I join the lab?

Complete the application form here. Applications are reviewed on a semester by semester basis. Interviews are typically held at the end of each semester. If accepted, new undergraduate RAs will start at the beginning of the upcoming semester.

Dr. Harris-Watson is not planning to accept a graduate student for Fall 2026. However, other Purdue I/O faculty are actively recruiting.

Purdue University's I/O psychology program is research-focused and passionate about helping students to thrive. To learn more about the I/O Psychology Ph.D. program at Purdue University, including how to apply, please see the Department of Psychological Science's webpage here, as well as our own I/O webpage here.

We typically host a virtual information night for prospective Ph.D. students during the fall before application deadlines. Current Purdue I/O faculty and students will provide more information about the program and be available to answer questions. Details for the 2025 session are below.

• Date: Monday, October 20, 2025

• Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT

• Location: Zoom

• Registration is required. Use the link here.

Note that this session is informational only. Attending this session is not required for your application to be considered!