Interested in becoming an RA in the lab?
Every year, we look for bright, dedicated, collaborative, self-motivated students to bring on as Research Assistants (RAs). Participating as an RA in the HEART lab requires at least a 3.0 GPA and a commitment of 3 (9 hours per week) credit hours in PSY4911 for at least 2 semesters. Attending a biweekly lab meeting is also required.
RAs gain experience in many behind-the-scenes aspects of the research process, including writing literature reviews, programming and beta-testing surveys, collecting in-lab data, analyzing data, and presenting analyses at the undergraduate research symposium in April. We also cover professional development topics for students such as creating a curriculum vitae, finding graduate programs that suit your interests, and applying to graduate school. RAs will primarily work with Dr. Rodriguez’ graduate students and lab manager, but can meet with Dr. Rodriguez at any time.
FAQs
No. It is common for lab members to have had no prior research experience. Though prior research experience may strengthen your application, it is not necessary.
Any UF undergraduate student interested in graduate school in social and/or clinical psychology can apply to the lab. Graduate programs in psychology vary in how they prioritize undergraduate research experience; if you think you want to go to graduate school in social and/or clinical psychology, then this lab would be a fantastic experience.
There are many reasons to gain research experience: It gives you an idea about whether you like doing research for your future career; it is required or strongly encouraged for many graduate programs in psychology; it helps students narrow their research interests; it gives hands-on experience doing psychological studies; it is a team-based experience where graduate and undergraduate students can learn from and help each other; students receive tips for applying to graduate school; students who perform well receive a letter of recommendation for graduate school.
New applicants are generally taken each year, with applications reviewed in the summer and new RAs starting in the fall.
We strongly recommend all applicants have taken Research Methods in Psychology, Statistics 1, and Statistics 2. All RAs are required to have at least a 3.0 GPA. It is also vitally important that you have a thoughtful and in-depth understanding of why you want to pursue psychology and why you want to join this lab in particular.
We have a minimum requirement of two consecutive semesters of participation in the lab. In most cases, applicants will stay in the lab from the time they join until they graduate or begin their graduate degrees.
You will be contacted regarding whether we will move forward with an interview. If so, we will have a 30-minute interview where we will tell you a bit about the lab and we will learn about your interests and goals. If you are selected to join the lab, you will complete a form and email it to be enrolled in the PSY4911 course.
We focus on understanding lots of different topics in relationships, such as motivation, communication and conflict resolution, personality, and attachment. We use this understanding to build self-paced and brief programs to help people have better relationships and lives.
