FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Current Undergraduates or Post-Baccalaureates

  1. I am interested in working in the PRADAA lab. Where can I inquiry about research opportunities?

  • Go to our Website tab More > select Join the Lab > complete Research Assistant Application

  1. I want to work in the PRADAA lab, but I do not have any prior research experience.

  • Prior research experience is not required. All research assistants receive training from PRADAA graduate students and/or Dr. Neal-Barnett.

  1. When is the best time to apply for a research opportunity?

  • We prefer to accept sophomore and junior students, as we like students to serve as a research assistant (RA) for at least two consecutive semesters. However, all students are welcomed to apply. We recommend submitting applications before or at the start of the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.

Thinking about Applying to be a Graduate Student?

  1. What is Dr. Neal-Barnett's mentoring style?

  • Dr. Neal-Barnett's awards her students with much freedom and independence as researchers. Graduate students are open to identify specific research opportunities based on their interests (e.g., grants, awards, conferences, and manuscripts). To cultivate our inner researcher, Dr. Neal-Barnett often challenges her students to start projects independently and then, offers feedback and support to produce polished projects.

  1. What are the responsibilities and expectations of a doctoral graduate student in the PRADAA lab?

  • Graduate students are expected to meet all Kent State University clinical program requirements and complete their research and clinical duties. Research duties are established and delegated by Dr. Neal-Barnett. Graduate students should manage their time wisely and communicate with Dr. Neal-Barnett and/or their clinical supervisor if any difficulties arise.

  1. What does a day look like for a doctoral graduate student?

  • This varies depending on the student's year in the program and specific research and clinical interests.

  • Typically students days are split doing the following activities:

    • Year 1: Classes, research writing (first-year project), and research data and/or coordination duties

    • Year 2: Classes, research writing, research data and/or coordination duties, thesis development, and small clinical case-load

    • Year 3: Classes, teaching, research data and/or coordination duties, thesis finalization, and clinical and assessment case-load

    • Year 4: Research writing, research data and/or coordination duties, candidacy paper, prospectus and clinical case-load

    • Year 5: Depends on students' needs (clinical or assessment placement, dissertation)

    • Year 6: APA accredited clinical internship

  • Program may be completed in 5 years based on student's progress and needs

  1. What populations does Dr. Neal-Barnett's research?

  • The majority of our research is conducted in Black communities, particularly with Black women and adolescent girls. We have some studies that focus on specific groups, including middle school-aged and college-aged Black females and Black pregnant and postpartum women. We utilize various types of assessments to conduct our research: self-administered, interview, online surveys, focus groups, mobile-app and wearables.

  1. What are the opportunities that Dr. Neal-Barnett's doctoral students often receive?

  • Routinely Dr. Neal-Barnett's students receive internal and external research grant funds and awards, present at regional, national and international conferences, serve as president or vice-president chairs on internal committees, and serve on committee boards for student psychological organizations.

  1. What is the culture of students in Dr. Neal-Barnett's lab?

  • Dr. Neal-Barnett loves to celebrate holidays and her students' accomplishments. She regularly hosts lab holiday parties and lab outings (e.g., sport events and activities, bridal showers).

  • Graduate students (a.k.a. labmates) are always close and connected. Prior to COVID-19, labmates frequently spent late nights working in the lab bonding about grad-life and more. Today, labmates remain connected with group chats and FaceTime calls.

  1. Is living in Ohio affordable as a graduate student?

    • The Kent State University stipend provided to clinical psychology students is one of the best in the country! Additionally, Dr. Neal-Barnett students' in prior years have received additional funding through internal and external grants.

  2. How is living in Ohio for Black graduate students?

    • Many of Dr. Neal-Barnett's students resided in states outside of the Midwest before starting their doctorate journey. Students have chosen to live near campus or Cleveland (near clinical placements) for conveniency. They have found that connecting as a lab and with other Black graduates students on campus, and frequenting Black communities for cuisine and events have made all the difference.