NYIT HFAN Research at NYIT

We believe research is best when it’s rooted in curiosity, care, and community. In our research group, we grow together: lifting each other up, celebrating each milestone, being there when things get hard, and building something that we can be proud of. And we're endlessly proud of each student who has helped make our team what it is.

Want to hear what it feels like to be a part of our research group? Watch Josey and Elana share their experiences in featured video interviews, or read about us in New York Tech Magazine!

Testimonials

"Joining HFAN has been a defining part of my first year. I quickly went from learning about psychological research to actively contributing to it; working with eye-tracking data and helping write a literature review... The lab environment is both welcoming and rigorous, and the mentorship I’ve received has helped me grow in confidence and clarity about my future in science and medicine."
"From the very start, Dr. Alexander was a very helpful mentor. He asked about my career goals and we devised a plan of action to help me achieve my medical career goals in the lab! I truly enjoy every second spent in lab."
"I really like working at the lab because I feel very welcomed and comfortable. I also love how open Dr. Alexander is because he makes a very big difference. I think we all are our true selves during lab hours because he makes the environment so safe."
"It has been a great experience to learn from the lab members and Dr. Alexander."

Interested in joining our team?

If you're drawn to a research community where belonging matters, where you’ll be seen and supported not just as a student but as a whole person, we’d love to hear from you. We're always happy to welcome new members who want to contribute and to grow in community with us.

Our team is proudly diverse in many ways, including race, gender, sexuality, and lived experience. The majority of our student researchers are women of color, and many identify as LGBTQ+. We encourage students from all backgrounds to apply.

We prioritize the involvement of NYIT students, and we’re especially excited to welcome First-Year undergraduates who are just beginning their research journeys.

If you are interested in volunteering to work in our research group, please email Dr. Alexander with the following information so that we can learn about your interests and how you might contribute to our efforts:

Your year of study, major, and degree program
The number of hours per week you can commit. In general, many of our students find that 9–20 hours/week allows for meaningful engagement and success. Let us know what’s realistic for you, and we’ll do our best to match you to a project.
Whether or not you're eligible for Federal Work Study (we have positions available!)
Your resume and an unofficial transcript
Please include a short personal statement addressing the following questions. And don’t worry if you’re still figuring things out. Many students don’t know exactly what they’re looking for at first, and that’s completely okay.
1. Why do you want to join our group?
2. What do you hope this experience will help you achieve in the short-term?
3. How do you hope this experience will shape your future?

You can also include any additional skills, perspectives, or experiences you think we should know about. We value the whole of you, not just your GPA or resume.

We're excited to learn more about you.

Curiosity, care, community

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What you'll get out of this experience

Certification in human subjects research and ethical research conduct
Hands-on research experience in cognitive neuroscience
Step-by-step practice with eye-tracking hardware and software
Training and mentorship
Development of the skills needed to succeed in a professional research environment.
Support in designing, running, and analyzing experiments
Preparation for graduate or medical school
Coaching on how to present research at conferences, write grant proposals, and contribute meaningfully to publications
A supportive and inclusive peer community
A space where your whole self is welcome

We know that beginning something new can feel intimidating. But you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll walk with you, every step of the way. No one starts here already knowing how to do all of this. None of our All Stars started with all their skills and accomplishments. But with time, trust, and support, students grow into these roles. And you can too!

Frequently Asked Questions

"What if I’m a first-year student?"

We love welcoming first-year students! You don’t need experience, just curiosity and a willingness to grow. Starting early gives you time to build skills, explore your interests, and find your place in the research community.

“What kind of time commitment is expected?”

We typically expect students to spend 9-20 hours per week on research activities. As a general rule, the more time and effort you put into research, the more you get out of the experience. But many of our students balance research with jobs, classes, and other commitments. We’ll work with you to find a schedule that’s realistic, and help you make the most of the time you can give.

“Are the work hours flexible?”

Yes! If you need to work more on some weeks and less on others, that is totally fine. We understand that you have other commitments. For example, we don't expect as much work to get done during midterms and finals, when students need more time to focus on their studies.

"What if I need to take a break during the semester or summer? Is there flexibility around exams or personal commitments?"

Yes. We expect and encourage you to prioritize your well-being, coursework, and life beyond the lab. If you need to pause your involvement, we’ll support you in stepping away and make space to welcome you back when you're ready. You’re not just a researcher here; you’re a whole person, and we respect that.

"How long do students usually stay in the research group?"

Most of our students stay for at least several semesters, often for years, and some continue to work with us even after graduation. We encourage long-term involvement because it allows for deeper learning, greater responsibility, and more meaningful relationships. That said, even shorter experiences can be impactful, and we’ll support your growth at whatever pace works for you.

"Is it competitive to get into the group?"

You don’t need perfect grades or prior experience. We’re looking for students who are curious, kind, reliable, and motivated. What matters most is that you’re excited to learn and ready to be part of a supportive community.

“What if I’m shy or unsure?”

That’s completely okay. A lot of students feel uncertain at first. Maybe it’s their first experience with research, or they’re still finding their voice, or they’re worried they won’t “know enough.” But in our research community, you don't need to be confident or perfect to belong. We care more about your willingness to grow than having all the answers. You’ll be met with patience, support, and a team that genuinely wants you to succeed. If you're unsure, you're not alone, and you're still exactly the kind of person who’s welcome here.

“I don't have research experience. I’ve never done anything like this before. Can I still join?”

Yes! We know that beginning something new can feel intimidating. But you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll walk with you, every step of the way. No one starts here already knowing how to do all of this. None of our All Stars started with all their skills and accomplishments. But with time, trust, and support, students grow into these roles. And you can too!

“Do I need to have an idea for a project?”

Not at all! You don't need to have a research question. All we ask is that you have a sense of curiosity and wonder. After you start working with us, we will help you learn how to develop that sense of curiosity into well-defined research questions that we can answer to create meaningful change in the world.

"What if I’m still figuring out who I am and what I want to do?"

That’s not just okay, it’s welcome here. Many students come in unsure of their path and grow into a clearer sense of who they are through the work, the mentorship, and the relationships they build here. You don’t have to have it all figured out yet.

“Do I need to be an NYIT student?”

We prioritize opportunities for NYIT students, especially those in their early undergraduate years. That said, we occasionally collaborate with students from other institutions. If you’re not an NYIT student but feel a strong connection to what we do, feel free to reach out. We’re always open to conversation.