NSF REU Program

NSF REU Site: Undergraduate Research in Basic and Applied Science of Psychology

Baruch College

NSF Award# 2150405

REU Program

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Jaihyun Park

Department of Psychology
Weissman School of Arts and Sciences
Baruch College
Phone: (646) 312-3806
Jaihyun.Park@baruch.cuny.edu

Co-Principal Investigator:

Dr. Charles Scherbaum

Department of Psychology
Weissman School of Arts and Sciences
Baruch College
Phone: (646) 312-3807
Charles.Scherbaum@baruch.cuny.edu

Program Overview

Baruch College, City University of New York is currently recruiting students for participation in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site (NSF REU Site: Undergraduate Research in Basic and Applied Science of Psychology; NSF Award# 2150405). The REU site at Baruch College will offer advanced research training for one academic year to 12 undergraduate students who attend colleges and universities in the New York metropolitan area. The program will target students who belong to historically disadvantaged groups. The REU program will begin August 2024 and the training program will be completed in May 2025. Students will be paid $2,240 per 14-week semester to work at least 10 hours per week in one of the ongoing psychology research labs at Baruch College.

This program provides concentrated research experience in which each student plans and executes an independent project and works with a faculty mentor and their research team on existing research projects. Students will develop knowledge and skills in all phases of psychological research, including hypothesis development, research design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Faculty will guide REU students through the process of formulating a research hypothesis, designing and implementing the project, and analyzing and summarizing the findings. Students will present their research at the Baruch REU conference and potentially at regional or national conferences in psychology. REU students will complete a graduate school preparation course taught at Baruch College. Students will learn about the graduate school admission process, how to build one’s credentials through research and practicum experiences, the GRE, soliciting letters of recommendation, and applying for fellowships. This course will assist students in planning advanced education in the areas that best match their interests.

This program is supported by the National Science Foundation under grant award number 2150405.

Baruch College Department of Psychology is grateful to the National Science Foundation – Research Experience for Undergraduates (Award# 2150405) for supporting the work of our talented REU students.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must have at least a sophomore standing, have at least a B average in their undergraduate courses, and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. All students who meet these initial requirements are invited to apply. Although preference will be given to those who are majoring in psychology, those in other majors may apply. Those who belong to historically underrepresented or disadvantaged groups (e.g., Hispanic, African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, disabled or first-generation college student) are strongly encouraged to apply. Each student must be able to commit to at least 10 hours each week to work at the Baruch campus. Efforts will be made to accommodate students’ class and other work schedules. Student must have completed a course in research methods and statistics or must be willing to take such courses during the REU year.

Research Teams

The four research teams are described briefly below. Each team will consist of one faculty member, undergraduate and graduate lab members, and three REU students. Students will work with the same research team throughout their training. Students will be asked to indicate the teams with which they would most prefer to work. Although every effort will be made to accommodate students’ preferences, high demand for certain research areas may necessitate assigning students to their second or third choices.

Activities

Each REU student will complete an independent research project supervised by an REU faculty mentor
Each REU student will spend at least 10 hours each week during the fall and spring semesters at Baruch College working as part of a faculty-led research team
Each REU student will contribute to ongoing research projects by collecting and analyzing data
All REU students will participate in a graduate school preparation course taught at Baruch College

Stipend

Each student will receive $2,240 for each 14-week semester ($4,480 in total for the two semesters) as compensation for time working in the research lab.

Application Process

Please complete the application form found below.
Attach a short narrative (2 pages or less) explaining your long-term career goals and how participation in the REU program will help to facilitate these goals
Attach one (unofficial or official) copy of your undergraduate transcript
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Park by email at: Jaihyun.Park@baruch.cuny.edu.
We will be accepting applications starting from February 26, 2024, until April 12, 2024. Please make sure to fully adhere to the guidelines and submit your application within the timeline indicated above. Please also note that your application is meant for the Academic Year 2024-2025 (Fall 2024 and Spring 2025) – WE DO NOT OFFER A SUMMER PROGRAM.

ACCESS 2024-2025 APPLICATION HERE

Areas of Research

Students may work in one of the following research areas at Baruch:

Social Psychology (Dr. Jaihyun Park)
Developmental Psychology (Dr. Daniele Artistico)
Clinical/Sleep Psychology/Environmental Psychology (Dr. Mindy Engle-Friedman)
Personnel Selection and Employee Assessment (Dr. Charles Scherbaum)

If you have any questions regarding this program, please email: Jaihyun.Park@baruch.cuny.edu

Disclaimer

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.