Undergraduate students are invited to apply for research assistant positions in the DREAM lab. We have an average of 8-10 undergraduate research assistants working in the lab throughout the year. Many students choose to take the lab for course credit (PSYC 207V- Laboratory Experience). Others volunteer their time. Students who have worked in the lab for a minimum of one semester are eligible in their second semester and beyond to take more leadership roles in research, up to and including conducting their own studies.
Research assistants will typically help with data collection efforts, but additional help is often needed for managing data files (e.g., scanning, checking, data entry), transcribing interviews, coding and programming specialized software used for data collection, and extracting data from electronic medical records. All research assistants who assist with data collection at one of our community partner organizations will need to undergo training both in the DREAM lab and at that organization to become an official organization volunteer. Many data collection and research duties involve traveling to clinics and other locations across Northwest Arkansas, so access to transportation is helpful.
Fulbright College or Departmental Honors students who are interested in completing an honor's thesis under the direction of Dr. Bridges need to work in the lab for a minimum of one semester before a formal mentoring arrangement can be made, so plan accordingly. Indicate your interest in completing an honor's thesis project under the guidance of Dr. Bridges when you complete the online RA application form.
Who should consider becoming an RA?
Students who are interested in gaining research experience
Students who are considering going to graduate school in Psychology or a related field
Students who are considering a career in research
Students who would be interested in completing an honor's thesis in the DREAM lab in a future semester
What qualifications must an RA have?
Motivated, reliable, and committed to being part of the DREAM team
Perform well in other courses
Able to commit to a minimum of 6 hours of work in the lab per week
Able to commit to being in the lab for at least two consecutive semesters
No prior research experience is necessary-- we will train you. A prior course in research methods is helpful.
