Undergraduate Apprenticeships

About Apprenticeship

The Psychology Apprenticeship Program immerses students in the professional world of psychological research and practice. Through a two-course sequence, this program aims to:

1. Provide hands-on experience in applying scientific methods to behavioral research in faculty-led laboratories and applied settings.

2. Develop students’ skills in presenting and disseminating psychological findings and applications.

3. Engage students in faculty-mentored experiences that span both research and applied psychology initiatives.

As integral members of active research laboratories or professional practices, Psychology Apprentices contribute to the production of professional-quality research, services, and writing. The program fosters the development of critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and essential professional skills.

Apprentices are expected to:

1. Function as full team members, treating colleagues with professionalism and respect.

2. Responsibly complete assigned tasks and assist others in their work.

3. Think critically about their own work and that of their peers.

4. Attend all research and small group meetings as scheduled.

5. Communicate clearly and professionally within their teams.

6. Actively participate in all aspects of their assigned sites, including involvement in all designated tasks.

This comprehensive approach prepares students for successful careers in psychology and related fields by providing real-world experience in research methodologies, practical applications, and professional conduct within the discipline.

From the Undergraduate Bulletin

Faculty Available for Apprenticeship for Spring 2025

 My work mostly investigates how we reason about planetary threats. I also explore related concepts such as death, and conduct research broadly related to artificial intelligence. For more information, please see: https://www.vincentamedina.com/research/poe-lab.

 My research projects tend to focus on how reflection and therapeutic writing can foster personal growth and improvement to various personality traits. I also study college instructor practices that encourage student learning and interest in the course content.

 I am an experimental social psychologist. My research areas focus on strategies to improve intergroup relations and outgroup attitudes, and ways to reduce prejudice and discrimination. My work also considers social and group identity, and factors which influence peoples’ thoughts and experiences regarding those identities. My work has traditionally examined theories which influence intergroup attitudes and group identity, such as self-affirmation, mindfulness practices, system justification, and resilience. Students’ apprenticeship research projects will involve factors such as these and others known to influence intergroup attitudes and group identity. More information about my research is available on my website: https://mollieapriceblackshear.owlstown.net/

 In my research, we study how pain and discomfort affects cognition and motor tasks. We create safe, controlled pain experiences using a pain-spasm-pain model with TENS units, which apply electrical stimulation to cause brief muscle spasms, and a cold water pressor, which uses circulating cold water to test pain responses. Next semester, we’ll add a tool called an algometer to assess pressure pain – so you can potentially help me develop some new protocols. This is hands-on, in-person research, ideal for students who are curious and ready to dive into challenging but rewarding work. You’ll gain real experience in pain, cognition, and motor tasks research – but be prepared to work hard!