The Honors College provides postings of current research opportunities that faculty
members have shared with us. We highly recommend also visiting the Office of Undergraduate
Research’s “Get Started” page to access all undergraduate research opportunities.
New Opportunities
Duties
The Department of Health Services Policy & Management has two GRA positions available
for AY 2021-2022 and AY 2022-2023 to work on two NIH-funded studies assessing the
effects of Medicaid coverage on addiction treatment receipt and addiction-related
mortality. Duties include:
• Search for publicly-available resources on Medicaid coverage for addiction treatment,
including provider manuals and formularies • Manage document in a digital data repository and maintain accurate document tracking
logs • Abstract and code data as study variables using detailed coding rubric • Assist with analysis of the Medicaid managed care coverage data and preparation
of study findings for dissemination • Provide administrative support to the Principal Investigator and study coordinator
as needed
Qualifications
The successful candidate must:
• Be a current UofSC undergraduate student
• Possess strong organizational and analytical skills
• Be able to work independently or as part of a team
Undergraduate students in the health and social sciences fields are encouraged to
apply. Remote work options are available. Compensation highly competitive
Six students needed; ~10 hours per week per student; These are volunteer positions
with the potential for independent study credit and/or applying for a university research
grant such as a Magellan award.
Work in the lab focuses on examining the reciprocal relations among close relationships
(e.g., family, friends, romantic partners), stress, and substance use. Using a variety
of quantitative and qualitative methods, studies in the lab build upon existing knowledge
of interpersonal processes and social influences on health behavior, and work toward
the development of new measures and ways of leveraging these close relationship influences
to improve health (e.g., how to use spouses/partners to help their loved one reduce
problematic alcohol use).
For more information and to apply please contact Dr. Jennifer Fillo at jfillo@mailbox.sc.edu
The SmartState™ Center for Multifunctional Materials and Structures (MFMS) at UofSC’s
McNAIR
Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research, a part of the College of Engineering
and Computing, is
looking for motivated and ambitious team members to contribute to the cutting-edge
composites research
projects for aerospace applications. The processes and materials developed and used
within these project are state-of-the-art and offer groundbreaking technology in structural
design and manufacturing with engineered composites.
If you are currently enrolled in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical
engineering, chemical engineering, or computer sciences and you’re interested in the
research project areas specified above, we would like to invite you to apply for a
position on the MFMS team. Please send Jaspreet Pandher (pandher@cec.sc.edu) a short motivation for your application and attached resume. Please include the
research areas you are most interested in, and we will follow-up with an interview
and tour of the MFMS research lab for further discussion about opportunities.
The
Our research projects are centered on biomedical informatics and data science approaches
to understanding clinical spectrum, clinical outcomes, prognosis, and contributing
factors for poor clinical outcomes and prognosis for individuals with COVID-19 and
Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). We use Electronic Health Records
(EHR) in our research. Research methods include EHR-based data mining, biomedical
ontology, machine learning, and clinical natural language processing.
We have openings for 1-2 Undergraduate Research Assistants who are interested in any
of the following topics: evidence-based medicine, computer science, data science,
and artificial intelligence in medicine. To apply, please send a letter of interest
and CV (including GPA) to Dr. Chen Liang (cliang@mailbox.sc.edu.) Questions are welcomed.
Cyber-physical systems and autonomy has recently emerged as a focal point of multidisciplinary
research that involves computational sciences, machine learning and AI, robotics and
control, and holds great promise for a variety of engineering applications. We are
looking for self-motived students to work on three challenging research projects below,
which focus on aerospace vehicles, intelligent traffic systems, unmanned ground vehicles
and unmanned surface vessels:
Reduced order modeling, real-time simulation, and design optimization for multiphysics
engineering systems.
Machine learning, image and signal processing, and computer vision on the heterogeneous
computing platform (CPU + GPU.)
Real-time computing and control on edge computing device for autonomous robotics systems
(real-time fault detection & mitigation, path planning, and control.)
If interested, please visit our lab’s website and contact Prof. Yi Wang (yiwang@cec.sc.edu) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The SC Family Experiences Project is seeking undergraduate students to assist with
research on autism, fragile X syndrome, and related conditions. Our research focuses
on characterizing language and communication profiles associated with autism and fragile
X syndrome. We adopt a unique interdisciplinary approach that draws upon techniques
from the fields of psychology, communication sciences and disorders/speech-pathology,
linguistics, genetics, and physiology. This opportunity may be of particular interest
to psychology, linguistics, pre-med, and public health majors. We offer students opportunities
for hands-on research training, professional development, and mentorship. Opportunities
for volunteer and independent study credit are available. We also support students interested
in pursuing SURF/Magellan/Exploration research projects, and senior honors theses.
The use and interpretation of National Park landscapes have changed dramatically over
the years, bowing to pressures from shifting political, academic, and social ideologies.
Through several grants funded by the National Park Service’s Civil War to Civil Rights
Initiative, this project looks at NPS sites in Georgia and Virginia associated with
African American heritage. Project research seeks to understand how public interpretations
at these NPS landscapes tell (or don’t) the stories of their African American occupants,
and how such stories fit into larger national dialogues concerning issues of heritage
and memorialization.
Undergraduate Research Assistants involved in this project will have the opportunity
to process, interpret, and analyze historic texts, collect and transcribe oral histories
from descendant communities, review archaeological collections, and contribute to
project publications. There will also be an opportunity to participate in an Oral
and Documentary History field work project in Summer 2020 at the Cumberland Island
National Seashore in Georgia. Prior experience in historical analysis or archaeology
isNOTrequired. Interested students should contact Dr. Kelly Goldberg atgoldbeke@mailbox.sc.edu.
Some part-time research assistant (RA) opportunities are available in my research team
for undergraduate and graduate students interested in LGBT and social media. I am
especially interested in continuing to hire Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Woman/Man
Transgender identifying students due to the goals of the project.
Research assistants would work 10 hours per week, at a rate of $10/hour. RAs need
to be on campus for a training session and weekly face-to-face meetings in Fall 2019. Research assistants will be working on classifying self-identifying LGBT social
media users into several categories, by following an extensive set of guidelines.
Due to the sensitive nature of some content, we ask that all applicants for this research position
be at least 18 years of age.
We are hoping this information will lead to better, more accurate information for LGBT community
members in the future.
If you are interested in this project and consider yourself Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
or Woman/Man Transgender, please send your CV including your GPA and major to karami@mailbox.sc.edu.
Advanced postprocessing techniques applied to 3D printed components can be used to
create parts with no other feasible manufacturing route. The development this hybrid
manufacturing route has the potential to bring 3D printed components to new industries
and reduce manufacturing costs. Two projects investigating different postprocessing
techniques are available:
1. 3D printing followed by subtractive processing is an underutilized method of fabrication
to make components with difficult and complex geometry. This project will investigate
the use of stereolithography (one of the most popular 3D printing techniques) and
oxygen plasma etching to expand the set of printable objects. Development of this
new fabrication technique is expected to simplify the removal of support structures
and alleviate some of the most critical fabrication constraints with 3D printing.
This project will be very hands on with 3D printing, oxygen plasma etching, and measurement
instrumentation.
2. Extremely lightweight components can be made by using a plastic 3D printed part
as a sacrificial template. This is done by coating a thin layer of metal on the 3D
printed part and then burning away the plastic to leave just the hollow metallic shell.
The goal of this project is to apply this specialized technique to parts fabricated
with stereolithography (one of the most popular 3D printing techniques), and characterize
the properties of the deposited metal. This project will be very hands on with 3D
printing, electroless deposition, and electrodeposition of metal.
Any interested undergraduate students should contact Dr. Andrew Gross, atandrewgross@sc.edufor further discussion.
Project Overview: Faculty in the College of Education are studying classroom/behavior management training
with general education teachers. Undergraduates involved in this project will learn
how to conduct a rigorous and systematic review of the literature for potential publication.
Project Tasks:
Attend a training session outlining how to conduct the search through online databases
and record findings (facilitated by Dr. Mark Samudre and Lauren LeJeune)
Conduct the search independently
Update all search-related documents in a timely manner
Code information and training components of each study that meets the inclusion criteria
Work closely with faculty throughout all stages of the review
Position Details:
The position requires students who are dependable and can manage their time and deadlines
successfully
No more than 5 hours/week
Position begins late fall 2019 through spring 2020
This is a volunteer position, with the potential for independent study and undergraduate
research grant applications such as Magellan programs
For more information and to apply, please contact: Dr. Mark D. Samudre Educational Studies, College of Education msamudre@mailbox.sc.edu
University of South Carolina School of Medicine Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology Undergraduate Research Opportunity Dr. Velázquez’s lab focuses on investigating the neuro-immune mechanism by which colorectal
cancer and colitis promote visceral nociception (pain). In addition, her lab studies
the effects of an herbal formula as a new therapy to treat cancer pain.
Project tasks include genotyping, rodent behavior, western blot, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry.
The position requires a highly motivated and positive student with a desire to learn.
This is a volunteer position, with the potential for independent study and work study.
Hours may vary depending upon type of involvement. The position begins September 2019
and will continue through September 2020. To Apply: Contact Dr. Kandy Velázquez Assistant Professor Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology University of South Carolina School of Medicine kandy.velazquez@uscmed.sc.edu
Faculty and students at the Visualized Structural Health Monitoring Laboratory work
to develop new ultrasonic testing (UT) techniques and assessment methods to provide
nondestructive and quantitative solutions to assure the integrity of conventional
or emerging new structural systems. A variety of sensory systems and inspection methods
have been developed to detect defects in metals, alloys, and advanced composite materials
across aerospace, civil, and nuclear industries. The current research focus is on
developing non-contact or remote UT through the use of air coupled or laser ultrasonics.
We are seeking undergraduate researchers with interests in working on projects related
to developing this technique. Two directions are welcoming HC undergraduate students
to join:
* Development of broadband remote laser UT testing system
* Development of air coupled transducer based non-contact actuation
Honors College students from mechanical and general engineering who have strong interests
and motivation in conducting research are encouraged to contact the faculty. Students
are expected to be self-motivated with the ability to identify and solve problems
on their own. Should you have any questions feel free to contact Dr. Lingyu Yu or
email your most recent resume/CV viayu3@cec.sc.edu.
Wordification® is a web-based game system driven by an underlying word feature database
and an AI algorithm providing students with individualized spelling instruction based
on their current knowledge of English spelling. It addresses the individualized spelling instruction
need by using internal assessment to determine each student’s appropriate instructional
level, because the database is constructed to encode relevant phonological, orthographic,
morphological, and semantic properties of individual words (and groups of words).
Words and word features each have associated audio files, enabling students to learn
through both speech-to-text and text-to-speech mappings. Wordification® uniquely incorporates,
hidden to the user, theoretical approaches to spelling acquisition and data-based
spelling instructional strategies.
Our proposed intervention addresses these issues. The fundamental practicality of Wordification® is
that linguistic principles of English spelling are embedded within the programming.
The delivery of classroom spelling instruction through Wordification® will provide
accurate instruction of the linguistic principles of English spelling, even when teachers
do not have explicit understanding of them. Also, Wordification® allows for individualized
instruction not possible with traditional classroom practice; each student moves through
the program at their own pace, based on embedded progress monitoring on their own
computer. Teachers can also track student progress using personalized reports
downloaded from the software.
This project is led by Professor Stanley Dubinsky. To learn more and to become involved,
see the information providedhere.
The Encyclopedia of Global Ethnolinguistic Conflict is a curated digital source of
information about ethnolinguistic conflicts and language rights violations around
the world, information not readily available elsewhere. Conflict cases are geo-located,
with information about the state/territory of the conflict, the ethnolinguistic parties
to it, its history and linguistic background, and relevant language rights issues.
Database filters allow users to compare and contrast conflicts, sorted by conflict
type, language family, location, etc.
Do you want to gain compelling research experience? Interested in completing a senior
thesis? Are you interested in graduate school? The Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lab
is seeking highly motivated students to become a part of our research team. Students
will obtain hands-on research training by assisting with activities such as behavioral
coding and data entry. Student research assistants gain mentorship, the potential
to pursue independent research, and opportunities to present at local conferences.
Volunteer or course credit opportunities are available. Due to the nature of our work,
a two semester commitment is generally required. Interested students should contact
Nichole Mayberry at mayberrn@mailbox.sc.edufor additional information or go to our website atwww.uscdevlab.com.
Dr. Jessica Bradshaw, assistant professor in Psychology, is looking for motivated
students to engage in exciting clinical research on early identification and intervention
for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Undergraduate research assistants would help run experiments using eye tracking and
heart activity monitoring with infants and children.
Course credit for Independent Study (PSYC 498/PSYC 598) is available!
Qualifications:
- 3.5 GPA minimum
- Two semester commitment
- Interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
- Must be comfortable interacting with parents and children
- Interest in infant development and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder
When we think of “Sustainability,” we usually think in terms of a few years or decades.
But in some regions of the world, urban civilizations have sustained themselves for
thousands of years. How? Why? Can they continue to do so? This project has collected
data to answer these questions from southern Iraq – home to the world’s oldest known
cities. In geographical area the size of the South Carolina Low Country, cities there
have survived and thrived for over 6,000 years. And now, we are continuing an ambitious
program to use urban wastewater to restore ecosystem services there.
Dr. Jennifer Pournelle is looking for research assistants to help launch this new
work, including data entry, graphic design, website maintenance, reporting, GIS, species
analyses, lab analyses, and many other tasks. Enroll in ENVR 499 (Undergraduate Research)
and earn course credit (1-6 units) for participation in this multidisciplinary sustainability
research! For questions, contact Dr. Pournelle in Byrnes 430A atjpournelle@environ.sc.edu.
When we think of “Sustainability,” we usually think in terms of a few years or decades.
But in some regions of the world, urban civilizations have sustained themselves for
thousands of years. How? Why? Can they continue to do so? This project has collected
data to answer these questions from southern Iraq – home to the world’s oldest known
cities. In geographical area the size of the South Carolina Low Country, cities there
have survived and thrived for over 6,000 years.
Dr. Jennifer Pournelle is looking for research assistants to help with startup of
the next phase of this project, including data entry, graphic design, website maintenance,
GIS, lab sample analyses, grant writing, and many other tasks. Enroll in ENVR 499
(Undergraduate Research) and earn course credit (1-6 units) for participation in this
multidisciplinary sustainability research! For questions, contact Dr. Pournelle in
Byrnes 430A atjpournelle@environ.sc.edu.
Prospective Applicants: We are seeking student researchers who have interests in Global Politics, International
Relations, International Business, Geography, History, Language & Culture, and other
relevant Humanities subjects. We welcome participation of students who have excellent
writing and editing skills, or who are interested in the development of digital resources,
in graphic arts and web-design, and in the coding of information structure and user
interfaces (Computer Science, Graphic Arts, etc.).
Student researchers will have the opportunity to become part of the research team,
and to be electronically published. Possible opportunities as a student researcher
on this project can include (i) independent study credit, (ii) undergraduate research
scholarships (e.g. Exploration Scholars Program, Science Undergraduate Research Fellowships,
Magellan Scholarships, etc.), or (iii) a Senior Thesis project. Student involvement
in this project is quite flexible and can involve whatever number of hours as their
course load permits.
Project Abstract: Linguistic minorities arise through conquest, colonization, immigration, enslavement,
or states that ignore ethnolinguistic territories. The existence of linguistic minorities
often leads to ethnolinguistic conflict, and such conflicts can involve assaults on
minority language rights but tend to attract less attention and be less acknowledged
as a “class”, than ideological, religious, environmental, or economically-based conflict.
Proceeding from the publication ofLanguage Conflict and Language Rights: Ethnolinguistic Perspectives on Human Conflict(Cambridge University Press, 2018), we are creating anEncyclopedia of Global Ethnolinguistic Conflict, a source of information about ethnolinguistic conflicts and language rights violations
around the world. Conflict cases will be geo-located, with information about the state/territory
of the conflict, the ethnolinguistic parties to it, its history and linguistic background,
and relevant language rights issues. Users will be able to compare and contrast conflicts,
sorted by conflict type, language family, location, etc. We expect theEncyclopedia of Global Ethnolinguistic Conflictto grow to several hundred cases, providing useful information to linguists, political
scientists, historians, and legal scholars, as well as to the general public.
Research Plan: We plan to create a prototype of the digital resource with support from the Center
for Digital Humanities, beta test this resource with USC classes in Spring 2019, and
roll out a publicly accessible version of the Encyclopedia at theUC – Davis Summer Linguistic Institutein June-July 2019. This is a long-term project that will extend over several years.
Interested students should submit acurrent resume, along with astatement describing their interest in the project and the role that they feel most
suited for.
Investigators: Stanley Dubinsky (Linguistics Program and Department of English Language & Literature).
Michael Gavin (Department of English Language & Literature)
The Dudycha Lab is looking for one additional undergraduate researcher with aninterest in ecology/evolutionary biology to join the lab this Fall 2018. The
student would be working on a project in algae, measuring populationgrowth, cell size, and trophic interactions. The student is expected to be a biology
major and have already taken, and done well in, BIOL 301.
The ELLA study is funded by the National Institutes of Health. The purpose of the
study is to track developmental changes in early language and literacy skills of preschool
children with hearing loss and identify early predictors of elementary school literacy
skills. The study uses standardized testing, language sampling and eye tracking methodology.
Opportunities for volunteer and independent study credit are available. The lab also
supports its undergraduate research assistants in pursuing SURF/Exploration/Magellan
funding.
Interested students should contact Dr. Krystal Werfel (werfel@sc.edu).
The MINI Study is funded by the USC Provost’s Office. The purpose of the study is
to determine whether students with reading impairments exhibit minimal hearing loss
at higher rates than students without reading impairments, as well as the association
of minimal hearing loss with deficits in specific reading skills (e.g., decoding vs
comprehension). The study involves literacy and audiology assessment of students in
2ndthrough 12th grade.
Opportunities for volunteer and independent study credit are available. The lab also
supports its undergraduate research assistants in pursuing SURF/Exploration/Magellan
funding.
Interested students should contact Dr. Krystal Werfel (werfel@sc.edu).
Are you interested in graduate school? Do you want to gain some research experience
to boost your resume? Are you interested in autism and developmental disorders? We
are recruiting motivated students to assist with a research study focused on autism
and fragile X syndrome! Our research is interdisciplinary and draws on techniques
from the fields of psychology, communication science and disorders, physiology, and
genetics. We offer students opportunities to obtain hands-on research experience,
professional development, and mentorship. Opportunities for volunteer and independent
study credit are available. We also support students interested in pursuing SURF/Magellan/Exploration
funding.
The USC Department of Psychology's Obesity Research Group is seeking highly motivated
and reliable undergraduate research assistants to work on a grant project funded by
the National Institutes of Health. Project FIT (Families Improving Together) is a
family based weight loss intervention designed to reduce weight status in African
American families with adolescents between the ages of 11-16. Students who are interested
in learning about environmental factors associated with health behaviors may be particularly
interested in applying. Students interested in learning more about different approaches
to obesity prevention may also be interested in gaining experience working with both
community and family related approaches. Research assistants could gain course credit
for this experience and would work ~6-10 hours per week. Please contact Lauren Huffman
with questions (see contact information below).
Interested students should email their resume and a cover letter to: Jasmine B. Gant University of South Carolina Department of Psychology 1233 Washington Street, 9th Floor Columbia, SC 29201 uscfit@gmail.com
I am looking for 1-2 Honors college students (Junior year preferable) to work and
learn on a project where breast cancer survivors, volunteers in the Reach to Recovery
program of the American Cancer Society will coach other breast cancer survivors to
become physically active. This 5-year study offers the opportunity for students to
learn about recruitment of coaches and participants, designing recruitment materials,
data collection (quantitative and qualitative) and data analyses. I am looking for
students with a background in psychology, nursing, exercise science, counseling, or
social work, who are willing to commit to 6-8 hours per week (work hours are flexible).
The work is voluntary. Students may apply for funding through the Honors College.
They will also be encouraged to apply for Magellan funds and mentorship will be provided.
Interested students should send your resume and a letter outlining your interest in
the study and relevant experiences and/or skills to Dr. Pinto atpintob@mailbox.sc.edu.
Bernardine M. Pinto, Ph.D. Professor and Associate Dean for Research College of Nursing 1601 Greene Street, Rm 302 B Columbia SC 29208 Ph: 803-777-9272
The USC Speech Perception Laboratory studies speech understanding difficulties under
adverse listening conditions with specific clinical applications. Some current opportunities
are as follows:
1.Perceptual Processing of Speech Cues by Younger and Older Listeners: This project
investigates how age and hearing impairment influence a listener’s ability to process
different speech cues. Digital signal processing methods are used to investigate
behavioral and psychophysical abilities. We apply this information toward recommendations
for hearing aid programming.
2.The Identification of Speech from Partial Information: This project investigates how
listeners process speech information differently, depending upon the availability
of different linguistic, acoustic, and/or visual information, as well as the noise
context.
3.Neural Processing of Temporal Speech Information: The speech signal has incredible
temporal complexity and our ability to process that temporal information, in part,
determines how well we understand speech. We are investigating how well the brain
tracks auditory temporal information.
Interested students should contact Dr. Dan Fogerty (fogerty@sc.edu) about current opportunities. The lab will support accepted students in applying
for Exploration/SURF funding, which will be subject to approval from the SCHC. For
further information on SCHC research funding, see theExploration and SURF page.
Project Abstract Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suffer from impairments in social functioning
that can manifest as an inability too work together or cooperate with adult caregivers
and/or same age peers. Video-game based training is a promising approach to encouraging
social skills in this population. The goal of the current project is to create a suite
of computer-based teamwork games, the Cooperation Station, using the Unity 2D game
engine (www.unity3d.com). These games can be anything that encourages two people to work and play together.
When completed, these games will be distributed freely to autism clinics around the
country.
Requirements/Qualifications Students involved in this research will be expected to: (1) Generate game ideas and
work as a member of a team to bring them to life, (2) master Unity 2d programming
relevant to game creation and (3) work on sound and graphic design relevant to game
creation. Computer programming experience (in some language) required. Experience
with Unity2d or Unity3d beneficial but not required.
Contact:
Roger D. Newman-Norlund, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Science Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology Director, USC Brain Stimulation Laboratory http://www.mccauslandcenter.sc.edu/tms/ Director, Perceptual Motor Development Laboratory http://www.sph.sc.edu/exsc/PMD/ University of South Carolina Discovery I Building, Office 202D 915 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29208 Office: 803-777-7176 Fax: 803-777-8422
Project Abstract mTBI, or mild traumatic brain injury, occurs in athletes following physical impact
to the head. After a mTBI has occurred, it is important to rapidly and objectively
assess brain function. One way to do this is by using magnetic resonance imaging or
MRI. MRI uses radio frequency to tilt hydrogen atoms in the brain out of alignment
with a static magnetic field. As the hydrogen atoms return to their original orientation,
they release energy which is measured by specialized coils in the MRI machine and
can be used to construct 3D images of a participant's organs. We will measure brain
activity in up to 15 college age students within 72 hours of mTBI, and again 45 days
post mTBI. Both structural and functional (brain activity during rest) brain images
will be acquired for each participant at each time point. The goal of the current
project is to examine brain changes occurring between the initial and final scans.
Requirements/Qualifications Students involved in this research will be expected to (1) Master basic principles
of functional magnetic resonance imaging and become safety certified on our research
MRI scanner (12 hours of safety training), (2) assist with the acquisition of MRI
data following mTBI , (3) assist in the analysis of brain imaging data and (4) assist
in the interpretation of results. Good computer skills and tenacity are a must. Programming
skills would be advantageous, but are not required.
Contact:
Roger D. Newman-Norlund, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Science Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology Director, USC Brain Stimulation Laboratory http://www.mccauslandcenter.sc.edu/tms/ Director, Perceptual Motor Development Laboratory http://www.sph.sc.edu/exsc/PMD/ University of South Carolina Discovery I Building, Office 202D 915 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29208 Office: 803-777-7176 Fax: 803-777-8422
Project Abstract Human beings vary widely in terms of their personalities. Some people are more comfortable
in a dominant role while others shy away from confrontation. Some people are high
in empathy, while others have difficulty understanding the emotions of others. Recent
evidence suggests that basic personality traits like dominance and empathy have are
linked to political affiliation (i.e. whether someone is a Liberal/Democrat or a Conservative/Republican)
(Newman-Norlund, Burch & Baer, 2013). Recently, my lab acquired data from 36 people
that makes it possible for us to examine the relationship between brain activity (Resting
State fMRI Scan), personality (PDP Personality Questionnaire) and political affiliation
(Political Affiliation Questionnaire). The goal of the current project is to analyze
this data and interpret the findings. A better understanding of the relationship between
these variables could help us understand the neural factors that guide our everyday
behavior.
Requirements/Qualifications Students involved in this research will be expected to (1) Master basic principles
of functional magnetic resonance imaging and brain connectivity (2) Become familiar
with neuroanatomical locations and functions of brain areas relevant to the personality
and political affiliation (3) prepare raw behavioral and brain data for subsequent
analysis (4) assist in the analysis of brain imaging data, (5) assist in the interpretation
of results and dissemination of findings (via creation of PowerPoint presentations,
posters presentations and manuscripts). Good computer skills and tenacity are a must.
Programming skills and experience with statistics software would be advantageous,
but are not required.
Applicants must be eligible for the SURF grant.
For more information about this project, contact:
Roger David Newman-Norlund, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Science 803-777-7176 rnorlund@mailbox.sc.edu
Are you interested in learning more about real-world applications of psychology to
help youth and families in need? Are you interested in developing research skills
(e.g., data collection, entry, and management, writing) that are attractive to graduate
school programs? We are seeking motivated students to assist with a research study
focused on improving mental health treatment participation. In mental health services
all around the country, many youth and families don’t achieve their goals due to common
barriers that interfere with them fully participating in treatment. The goal of our
study is to work with community mental health providers to find ways to increase youth
and family participation in services. Students will have the opportunity to participate
on a multisite team (along with students and faculty from the University of California,
Los Angeles) and interact with providers statewide. Student research assistants will
have opportunities for hands-on research experience and mentorship. Volunteer or independent
study credit opportunities are available. Students are also encouraged to apply for
Magellan and other internal funding. Students should be able to commit approximately
8 hours per week (work hours are flexible). Interested students should send a resume
and cover letter to Dr. Kim Becker at beckerkd@mailbox.sc.edu. Please indicate prior research experiences and software proficiencies (e.g., Excel,
Access, SPSS, etc.).
Women who had high blood pressure in pregnancy or preterm birth have a lifetime of
increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The goal of this project is to link
levels of hormones that influence blood pressure to subtle measurements of vascular
dysfunction in women soon after having a baby so that prevention of disease is still
possible. Given the race disparities in both adverse pregnancy outcomes and CVD, we
will investigate the effect of race on these mechanisms.
I'm looking for students to help collect non-invasive measurements (blood pressure,
tonometry, ultrasonography) of vascular function. This would be an ideal lab environment
for someone interested in becoming a physician or PA.
If you are interested in working on this study, please contact me by email at: LANECORD@mailbox.sc.edu.
Abbi Lane-Cordova, PhD
Are you looking for opportunities to develop research skills that will help you prepare
for graduate school? Interested working on research related to children, especially
those who are part of underrepresented groups (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities)? Do
you love working with kids? The goal of the School-Based Prevention Research Lab at
the University of South Carolina is to improve children’s academic and social/behavioral
outcomes. Our lab is focused on helping schools improve their use of data and evidence-based
interventions, as well as promoting parent engagement in children’s education. We
are seeking out individuals who are passionate about working towards the success of
all children in schools. Undergraduate research assistants will have the opportunity
to gain hands-on and mentored research training such as data entry, data coding, and
potentially working directly with children. Research assistants can participate as
volunteers or earn course credit, and have the potential to pursue research funding
for independent projects. Interested students should contact Dr. Stacy-Ann January
at psycsprl@mailbox.sc.edu for more information.
Interested in exercise and the brain and/or clinical populations (such as cancer survivors)?
Dr. Ehlers’ current project aims to better understand breast cancer survivors’ needs
and perceptions related to their physical activity levels and cancer-related cognitive
impairment across the cancer experience. Study will use a combination of quantitative
(questionnaires, physical activity monitoring, cognitive testing) and qualitative
(interviews) assessments to answer research questions. Study will lead to an exercise
program aimed at improving cognitive function in breast cancer survivors beginning
Summer 2018.
Student Experience: Student will gain experience with objective behavioral monitoring, neuropsychological
testing, psychosocial aspects of cancer, qualitative interview administration, graded
exercise testing, exercise prescription and leadership with clinical populations,
and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.
Position Details: Experience is volunteer or independent study. Please note paid opportunities may be
available after a semester working in the lab. Work schedule is flexible and will include 10-20 hours per week. Multiple semester commitment preferred (starts Spring 2018 semester and will continue
in Summer and/or Fall based upon student’s interests and availability).
Contact: Dr. Diane Ehlers, Exercise Science at ehlersd@mailbox.sc.edu
The Pocivavsek lab seeks enthusiastic undergraduate scholars that are motivated to
conduct preclinical research in the area of sleep and cognition. We aim to understand
the underlying molecular mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction. Poor sleep quality is
associated with impairments in cognitive function. Our research strives to unravel
common molecular mechanisms between sleep disturbances and cognitive impairments and
introduce new therapeutic approaches to alleviate these outcomes. More information
about our lab can be found at www.pocivavsek-lab.com
Project Goals: The aims of our project are designed to investigate the interplay between tryptophan
metabolism via the kynurenine pathway, sleep and cognition in rodents. Experimental
work will encompass mainly biochemistry (in vivomicrodialysis and HPLC), pharmacology, and behavioral neuroscience (hippocampal-dependent
learning and memory tasks, EEG/EMG sleep recordings).
How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter directly to Dr. Ana Pocivavsek at Ana.Pocivavsek@uscmed.sc.edu
The Mousseau Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences is looking for volunteers
to help analyze images of wild mammals from cameras located in Chernobyl, Fukushima,
and South Carolina. We need students interested in wildlife/ecology research that
would like to help out processing images. Students would help by examining images
and recording the animals observed in those images to a database. The purpose of the
project is to determine the influence of anthropogenic disturbance and radiation on
mammal populations. Students across disciplines are welcome and no previous experience
is required! If you start now, there are opportunities to earn class credit and apply
for grants in future semesters.
If interested, please email Melissa Groleau at mgroleau@email.sc.edu with the following
information: First and Last Name, Year, Major, GPA, and Interest/Motivation. If applicable,
please explain any previous lab experience.
The NESLS program offers students on-the-job education and research opportunities
at a multidisciplinary national laboratory. Research areas of interest may include
nuclear security technologies; nuclear systems analysis, design and safety; fuels,
isotopes, and nuclear materials. Other features of the internship include: Stipend,
Travel/Housing assistance, and Professional Development Activities.
Application Deadlines: For a Spring 2019 internship, Jan. 6, 2019. For a Summer 2019
internship, Feb. 28, 2019.
For eligibility requirements and to apply online, visit https://orise.orau.gov/crnl
Work alongside CMU faculty in this National Science Foundation-funded REU program
to develop research projects ranging from limnology, fisheries biology, conservation
and spatial ecology, molecular ecology, and microbial ecology.
Document how unprecedented changes currently underway in the Laurentian Great Lakes
(one of the world’s most important freshwater ecosystem) are affecting the structure,
function, and ecosystem services on the nearshore environment.
Engage with government, private, and cultural stakeholders who have interests in
Great Lakes resources and learn how to communicate findings to those groups.
Participating students receive a $5,750 stipend, free room & board at the CMU Biological
Station, and up to $500 to travel to CMU.
Applications are due Friday, February 1, 2019. Online applications are available
at se.cmich.edu/cmubsreu. Funded by the NSF award 1757418 and the College of Science
& Engineering.
You are invited to participate in an exciting 10-week, summer research training program
where you will learn from the nation’s leading cancer researchers and receive hands-on
training at the Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center. You will
be exposed to the latest advances in biomedical and biobehavioral cancer research
spanning basic, clinical, and population sciences with an emphasis on cancer disparity
dynamics in South Carolina.
Program Description:
* 10 week program (May 27, 2019 – August 2, 2019)
* Cancer Health Equity Research Course
* Transferable credit hours
* Hands-on research experience with faculty member
* Cultural awareness activities
* GRE prep course
* Competitive stipend
Location: Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
Application Opens: October 5, 2018
Application Deadline: February 1, 2019 To Apply: https://kcannady.wufoo.com/forms/p14a8ysl0d99soo/
Intelligent structures are structures that are capable of sensing and understanding
changes in their own condition. Moreover, these structures may be capable of adapting
to these changes through a variety of mechanical or chemical response mechanisms.
Dr. Austin Downey in the department of Mechanical Engineering is currently seeking
undergraduate researchers with interests in working on projects related to smart structures,
multi-functional materials, and connected infrastructure. Multiple projects are available
that will build on, or combine, some of the following skills.
* Electronic design (micro-controller based)
* Python coding for data acquisition
* Machine learning
* 3D printing and CAD modeling
* Data processing
* Concrete material testing
* Structural control
The majority of the projects have some hands-on components and all the work is research
oriented (not data-entry). The skill sets required fit well with students from Mechanical,
Civil, and Electrical engineering. However, students from all disciplines are welcome.
Due to the nature of the work, students must be self-motivated with the ability to
identify and solve problems on their own. Students interested in perusing graduate
level degrees are strongly preferred. No prior research experience is required. If
interested, please contact Dr. Austin Downey at adowney2@cec.sc.edu.
This study looks at smooth muscle cell fate in the aortic wall in transgenic mice
that develop thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Tasks include:
*mouse genotyping
*immunohistochemistry
*digital image analysis
*assisting with small animals
Applicants should have previous research experience and be willing to work 8-10 hours
a week starting immediately. The positions may extend into the summer.
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Dr. Susan Lessner, cell Biology
& Anatomy, School of Medicine at susan.lessner@uscmed.sc.edu.
This study looks at aterial calcification in peripheral arterial disease and whether
it can be used to predict clinical outcomes following femoral endarterectomy surgery.
Tasks include:
*calcium assays
*microCT of plaque specimens
*digital image analysis
*possibly white blood cell isolation
Applicants should have previous research experience and be willing to work 8-10 hours
a week starting immediately. The positions may extend into the summer.
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Dr. Susan Lessner, cell Biology
& Anatomy, School of Medicine at susan.lessner@uscmed.sc.edu.
The Senner Lab is seeking an undergraduate to assist in field methods for the study
of adpative predator behaviors in red fox (Vulpes vulpes alascensis). This study is
focused on understanding how predators' daily moement and activity patterns respond
to risk avoidance measure in prey species (ground-nesting shorebirds, waterfowl) and
how prey-phenology affects the diet of a small-bodied carnivore.
April 27-July 27, 2019 | Location: Beluga River, Alaska
Tasks include:
*assisting a field crew focused on bird ecology
*den survey and occasional live-trapping
*small mammal trapping
*nest predator camera monitoring
For experience details and applicant requirements, visit ow.ly/d/8eAv