AVAILABLE POSITIONS

At this time, Dr. Fields is not accepting new graduate students for the upcoming admissions cycle.

The iCARE Collaboratory, led by Dr. Sherecce Fields and Dr. Rachel Smallman, examines how social and cognitive processes influence health-related behaviors. The lab focuses on understanding decision-making and self-regulation in the context of risk-related behaviors and mental health, with particular attention to why individuals may engage in behaviors that have short-term rewards but long-term consequences.

Research in the lab draws from both social and health psychology to better understand how individuals make decisions that impact their well-being. Current and past work includes the study of impulsivity, delay discounting (i.e., preferences for immediate versus delayed rewards), and health behaviors such as substance use, including vaping and tobacco use.

The lab also explores how individual differences and social context contribute to variability in these behaviors, with the broader goal of informing the development of more effective prevention and intervention strategies. Through this work, the iCARE Collaboratory aims to better understand the mechanisms underlying health behavior and support efforts to improve mental and behavioral health outcomes.

Responsibilities:

▪ Running experimental sessions
▪ Coding and managing data
▪ Assisting with participant recruitment
▪ Engaging with scientific literature and ongoing projects
▪ Participating in discussions of research design and findings
▪ Presenting research (when applicable)

Course Credit

Undergraduate Research Assistants may apply for:
▪ PBSI 491
▪ 3 credits

Students typically commit approximately 8 hours per week to lab activities and attend a mandatory 1-hour weekly lab meeting.

Lab Involvement

Lab meetings include check-ins, discussions of current research, and presentations by undergraduate and graduate students. Students gain hands-on experience while developing skills in research methods, critical thinking, and scientific communication.

Application Process

To determine fit, interested students should complete the application form. Selected applicants will be contacted by a member of the lab to discuss their interests and learn more about lab expectations. Please note that available positions are limited each semester.