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Prospective Study Participants

Are you interested in contributing to groundbreaking research in psychological science? We are seeking participants for our upcoming studies that aim to explore various aspects of human cognition and behavior. Your participation will provide valuable insights and help advance our understanding of the mind.

Who Should Participate?

• Individuals aged 0 - 3, with parents willing to engage in a variety of research activities.

• Those with an interest in psychological studies and a commitment to contributing to scientific research.

• Participants' parents who can follow detailed instructions.

What Will Participation Involve?

• Engaging in experimental sessions that may involve computer-based tasks with the child.

• Sessions typically last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the study.

Benefits of Participation:

• Contributing to important childhood development research that may have real-world applications.

• Gaining insight into the research process and the field of psychology.

• Receiving compensation or course credit (if applicable) for your time and effort.

Apply to participate in one of our studies under the "Study Participation" tab!

Prospective Graduate Students

I will be considering applications for the Psychological Science Master's program during the Spring of 2025, with admissions for the academic year 2025-2026. Application review and admission for the 2024-2025 academic year is now closed. For detailed information on UTC's Psychological Science Master's degree program and the application process, please visit: https://www.utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/psychology/ms-psych-science 

What am I looking for in prospective applicants to the Psychological Science MS Program?

I am particularly interested in working with students that have overlapping research interests with the collaborative work being done in my lab (e.g., childhood development, cognitive processes). Some of the qualities I look for in prospective students include: 

• Commitment to excelling in graduate-level coursework

• Enthusiasm for going beyond coursework to contribute to a collaborative and supportive research environment

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team

• Receptive and responsive to feedback

• Open, curious, and able to consider different perspectives

Past Master's Thesis Projects

Since starting at UTC, I have had the opportunity to serve as a thesis committee member for several graduate students in the Psychological Sciences MS program. As a faculty member and thesis committee chair, I have worked with students on the following thesis projects:

• Artopoeus, C. (2025).

• Smith, B. (2025). 

• Woods, S. (2024).

• Hulsing M. (2024).

• Happe, J. (2024).

Prospective Undergraduate Research Assistants

What will I be expected to do?

• Research assistants are expected to commit to at least one semester, with a weekly time commitment of up to 1 - 6 hours.

• Research assistants will help with a variety of tasks including but not limited to: conducting literature reviews, data collection, study design/pilot testing, data processing/analysis, and the preparation of presentations and manuscripts. 

Who Should Apply?

• Individuals who are intellectually curious and reliable.

• Individuals who have a high level of comfort using computers. 

• If you have experience with any of the following computer programming languages or programs please be sure to mention it in the application: SPSS, R, Eyelink 1000+ Eyetracking System

• Individuals who are majoring in: Biology, Computer Science, and/or Psychology

How Do I Begin the Application Process?

• To apply for a position as a research assistant please complete the form which can be found here or in the "Join the Lab?" tab.

• If you wish to apply to the Department of Psychology's Research Assistant practicum for course credit (PSY 4997r), please contact bret-eschman@utc.edu before applying.

  • • Selected applicants will also be required to complete the Research Assistant Application found here: https://www.utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/psychology/undergraduate/advising 

    • Please note that applying for a research assistant position does not guarantee that you will be selected for it.