The research assistants will serve as a developer to develop data science platforms and enable them through the web portal as SaaS and work at least 10 hours per week. The range of the compensation would be from $13.00 to $20.00 per hour. Based on the RA performance, it is possible to renew the contract for Summer and Fall 2022. 

 

This is an excellent opportunity for a student interested in gaining experience working on real-world applications. Responsibilities will be developing web portal components including front-end or back-end ones, providing a weekly report, and maintaining programs as needed. The successful candidate must be currently enrolled as a student at UofSC and possess expertise in at least one of the programming languages, such as JavaScript, Python, Swift, and Java. 

 

Please send me an email to Dr. Karami at karami@mailbox.sc.edu and attach your unofficial transcript and CV. For full consideration, please mention the job title “RA Software Developer” in the subject line of your email and answer the following questions in your email: 

1. Major: 
2.  GPA: 
3.  When did you join USC? 
4.  Graduation Date: 
5.  Which programming language do you know? What is your level? For example, Intermediate JavaScript 

 

Dr. Jennifer Fillo, is currently accepting applications for undergraduate research assistant volunteers to gain experience working in her lab in the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior. Work in the lab focuses on examining the reciprocal relations among close relationships (e.g., family, friends, romantic partners), stress, and substance use. Student lab members will gain experience in the development and use of surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups; literature review; participant recruitment and interaction; quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques; and the scientific publication process. Students are encouraged to define and develop research questions that link aspects of studies being conducted in the lab to their intended future research interests.

Please contact Dr. Fillo at screlstudy@gmail.com for information on how to apply.

There is an immediate opening for a student assistant on a research project exploring Mobile Health Units in South Carolina. The position will work directly with the team at the SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare https://www.scruralhealth.org/.

The position requires strong verbal and written communication skills. Self-motivation and a high level of responsibility to complete tasks on time are necessary. Strong computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. The student will be required to work 20 hours each week and attend team meetings. Working remotely is an option.

Responsibilities will include tracking and contacting health facilities, assisting in conducting research, and collecting and compiling data. Inquiries or interested candidates should send an email to Andrea Mitchell.

Dr. Daniel Coopers mission is to use innovative methods to improve the mental and physical health of underserved children and families. He is committed to partnering with communities to address health disparities and promote the health and wellbeing of underserved groups. His current research focuses on (a) using existing datasets to identify malleable risk and protective factors that can be targeted using prevention interventions and (b) developing family-based prevention programs to promote strength and resilience among BIPOC.

He will be interviewing undergraduate research assistants to begin as soon as possible. The ideal candidate will be a sophomore or junior in a psychology/health-related major, have strong reading and writing skills, and have a desire to pursue post graduate education. Candidates must have a commitment to social justice and be willing to work with underserved communities. If you are interested in joining Dr. Cooper’s lab, please contact him at dc47@mailbox.sc.edu. You can learn more about his current research here.

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 

Time commitment: 10-12 hours per week 

Application Instructions 

Please send your resume along with a cover letter to Dr. Christina Andrews by email: candrews@mailbox.sc.edu 

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.

Find more information.  

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:

1. Reduced order modeling, real-time simulation, and design optimization for multiphysics engineering systems.
2. Machine learning, image and signal processing, and computer vision on the heterogeneous computing platform (CPU + GPU.)
3. 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.  

For more information visit SCfamilystudy.com or contact Dr. Jessica Klusek at klusek@mailbox.sc.edu. 

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 is NOT required. Interested students should contact Dr. Kelly Goldberg at goldbeke@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, at andrewgross@sc.edu for 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 via yu3@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 provided here.

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.
 
This project is led by Professor Stanley Dubinsky.  To learn more and to become involved, see the information on this link.

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

Interested? Please email esdilab@mailbox.sc.edu for a research assistant application.

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 at jpournelle@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 at jpournelle@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 of Language Conflict and Language Rights: Ethnolinguistic Perspectives on Human Conflict (Cambridge University Press, 2018), we are creating an Encyclopedia 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 the Encyclopedia of Global Ethnolinguistic Conflict to 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 the UC – Davis Summer Linguistic Institute in June-July 2019. This is a long-term project that will extend over several years.

Interested students should submit a current resume, along with a statement describing their interest in the project and the role that they feel most suited for.

Contact: Stanley Dubinsky

Email:  dubinsky@sc.edu

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 an interest in ecology/evolutionary biology to join the lab this Fall 2018.  The 

student would be working on a project in algae, measuring population growth, cell size, and trophic interactions.   The student is expected to be a biology major and have already taken, and done well in, BIOL 301.

Please contact Dr. Dudycha directly at dudycha@biol.sc.edu

Jeffry L. Dudycha

Professor

Dept. of Biological Sciences

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.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jessica Klusek (klusek@mailbox.sc.edu).

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 at pintob@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

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.). 

 

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

To apply, email lwilde@email.sc.edu with the following:

1. Cover letter describing interest in the project and relevant past experiences

2. Resume/CV

3. 2 to 3 references

Questions? Come visit the Senner Lab (CLS 406).