Independent Study Information and Application Form for Fall of 2026—revised July 22, 2026

 

Studies on Sexuality: Research Opportunities for Undergraduates for Fall 2026

Professor Charlene Muehlenhard’s Lab

charlene@ku.edu; voice-mail: 785-864-9860


OVERVIEW:

Professor Muehlenhard and her students are seeking students interested in participating in research groups for fall of 2026.  

Research assistants (RAs) help with studies in various ways.  For a new study, RAs help design the survey; once we have data, RAs help identify themes in the data.  RAs attend weekly research group meetings; between meetings, tasks can be done at the RAs’ convenience.  The total time commitment would not exceed 9 hours a week.

Students can enroll for credit (for 3, 2, or 1 credits in PSYC 480, Indep Study; in WGSS 498, Indep Study; or, if data analysis is involved, in PSYC 481, Research Practicum), or they can participate as volunteers. Recent graduates can also volunteer.  Sometimes, students participate during one semester and officially enroll the next semester.

Students of all majors and minors are welcome.  Students of all sexual orientations and genders are welcome.

To apply, email the information below to me at charlene@ku.edu  Mention “RESEARCH APPLICATION” in the subject line.  Applications will be read by me and the grad student(s) in whose group(s) you express interest. We will let you know.

Research Groups for Fall Semester 2026

For the fall of 2026, there will be at least one research group; there might be another one added.


Wednesdays, 5:05–6:45 pm, Chloe Grabanski's group:

Chloe Grabanski is doing a thematic analysis of individuals' requests for customizable pornography. “Customizable pornography” can be defined as sexualized content that individuals request from creators for a fee. 


Research assistants will work mostly on coding online requests. Last spring, the research group created tentative coding categories; this fall, we will finish simplifying those categories and then will actually code individuals' requests. For example:

 

Other tasks could include finding relevant research articles (e.g., research articles on pornography, gig economies, etc.) and discussing collecting survey data related to parasocial relationships among those who follow or support the content created by online sex workers.


The group will meet in person in Fraser Hall.  The group will start at 5:05 pm; after 5:00 pm, students can drive onto campus and park in the lot behind Fraser Hall.



There might be another group; the day, time, and topic are still in the planning process. 

Information will be posted in the next few weeks.  


________________________________________________________________

 

TO APPLY, email the following information to Prof. Muehlenhard at charlene@ku.edu.  Mention “RESEARCH APPLICATION” in the subject line.

1.  Your name:

2.  Your email address (and phone number if applicable):

3.  Your major (students from any major are welcome):

4.  You can participate for course credit, or you can volunteer without registering.  Which do you prefer?

• PSYC 480 Indep Study

• PSYC 481 Research Practicum

• WGSS 498 Indep Study

• Volunteering

5.  In a paragraph or two, explain (1) why you would like to work with us and (2) your background and skills.  (FYI, no previous research experience is required.  Students from any major are welcome.)

6.  Include some evidence of your academic performance.  This could be your GPA, OR a copy of your Degree Progress Report emailed as a pdf attachment, OR anything that seems reasonable to you. 

7.  Any questions or comments?

8. Email the information above to Prof. Muehlenhard at charlene@ku.edu.  Mention “RESEARCH APPLICATION” in the subject line.