Biobehavioral Research in Children with Life-threatening Illnesses
Faculty Sponsor: Evan, Elana E.
Department: Pediatrics
Contact Name: Elana E. Evan, PhD
E-mail: eevan@mednet.ucla.edu
Room Number: 22-464 MDCC
Phone: 310-206-1771
Website: http://www.uclahealth.org/cccp
Description of Research Project:
The Children's Comfort Care Program at the UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital is home to an active biobehavioral research lab focusing on the care of children with serious illnesses. These are just a few examples of a variety of exciting, open projects with volunteer opportunities: Pediatric Symptom Communication Study: The goal of this study is to understand children's experiences of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms during serious illness and determine the extent to which parents and children agree about the symptom experience; Communication Intervention: Help facilitate the implementation of a communication intervention for children with serious illnesses and their parents; Healthcare Provider Education: Assist during educational presentations and the distribution of information materials to healthcare staff who work with seriously ill children; provide support to track progress and efficacy of educational interventions for healthcare providers.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
"RESEARCH ASSISTANTS will be needed to: code qualitative interviews conduct literature reviews enter data assist in data management participate in related research and program development tasks ELIGIBILITY: completed Pysch 100B or an equivalent research methods course must be responsible & detail-oriented submit a resume must work well independently & with a team volunteer at least 8-10 hrs/wk "
Gender identity and own body perception implications for the neurobiology of gender dysphoria
Faculty Sponsor: Feusner, Jamie
Department: Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences
Contact Name: Courtney Sheen
E-mail: csheen@mednet.ucla.edu
Description of Research Project:
Perturbations of the experience of self and gender identity motivate individuals with gender dysphoria towards changing their bodies with hormones and surgical interventions, which are often effective in relieving dysphoria for adults and youth. However, little is known about the neural circuitry involved in body perception in those with gender dysphoria, how it is affected by hormonal treatment, and what may predict better or worse longitudinal outcome after treatment. This study will provide valuable information on the neurobiological underpinning of gender dysphoria, and promises to uncover brain structure, activation, and connectivity, as well as body phenotype and hormonal patterns that could predict outcome in terms of body image and quality of life after cross-sex hormone treatment, which ultimately could be used to assist in medical decision-making.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Assist with data management and analysis, attend weekly lab meetings, record/collect behavioral data, assist with MRI and EEG data collection.
Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization Program
Faculty Sponsor: Freeman, Stephanny
Department: Child Psychiatry
Contact Name: Freeman, Stephanny
E-mail: SFreeman@mednet.ucla.edu
Room Number: Semel Institute 78-222
Description of Research Project:
The Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization Program is a short-term integrated day treatment program for young children who have been diagnosed with, or may have, autism, developmental disabilities, and behavior disorders. The program uses a comprehensive
Description of Student Responsibilities:
The position is entry-level and is focused heavily on data and database management (i.e., data collection, entering, checking, backing up, etc.). There is also opportunity to work within a project that requires filming in one of the therapeutic classrooms, and training in coding and identifying specific social behaviors. As an RA, you must be able to work independently (once fully trained), must be able to communicate via various modalities with the coordinator (e.g., email, notes, etc.), must be organized and thoughtful, and have some basic computer skills. Please note that there is no clinical (i.e., working directly with children and treatment) component to this position. We require 7 hours per week and strongly recommend two consecutive quarters (given the intensive training).
Evaluating Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes
Faculty Sponsor: Glasner-Edwards, Suzette
Department: Psychiatry
Contact Name: Suzette Glasner-Edwards
E-mail: sglasner@ucla.edu
Room Number: Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
Phone: 310-267-5206
Website: http://www.uclaisap.org
Description of Research Project:
In a series of clinical research projects, we are (1) developing new psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for substance abusers with concurrent mental illness; and (2) investigating clinical outcomes of patients enrolled in these, and other substance abuse treatment programs throughout California. In conducting these studies, we work closely with a variety of community substance abuse treatment programs in Los Angeles county as well as the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Students will be involved in various aspects of the project, including data collection in substance abusing adults and youth ages 12-20, preparation of materials for submission to Institutional Review Boards of the Human Subjects Protection Committee of UCLA and the California state government, data entry and management, conducting literature searches, performing treatment program site visits, attending weekly staff meetings, scheduling of interviews with treatment providers, providing research support for presentations and papers, and assisting the Principal Investigator and Project Director in maintaining quality control in data collection.. These projects are ongoing and there are opportunities for extended involvement throughout the year.
The UCLA High School Diversity Project
Faculty Sponsor: Juvonen, Jaana
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Piper Harris
E-mail: piperharris@ucla.edu
Room Number: 2322 Franz Hall
Description of Research Project:
The purpose of this research is to test a set of interrelated hypotheses about the psychosocial benefits of racial/ethnic diversity in urban middle schools and high schools. It is hypothesized that greater diversity can benefit students' mental health, intergroup attitudes, and school adaptation via three mechanisms: (1) decreases in perceived vulnerability, (2) the formation and maintenance of cross-ethnic friendships; and (3) the development of complex social identities. These hypotheses will be examined in a longitudinal study of approximately 6,000 6th grade students as they enter one of the 26 urban middle schools in southern California.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
We are looking for a team of diverse students who can commit to 8 hrs/week. The main responsibility will be to collect psychosocial, behavioral, and academic data from ethnically diverse middle school students in Los Angeles area public schools. Other tasks include preparation for data collection, subject recruitment and retention, and data entry. Please contact the Project Manager if interested.
Optimizing Social and Communication Outcomes for Children with Autism
Faculty Sponsor: Kasari, Connie
Department: Education
Contact Name: Amanda Gulsrud
E-mail: AGulsrud@mednet.ucla.edu
Room Number: NPI&H 78-239
Phone: 310-206-1268
Description of Research Project:
Two different research projects are currently being conducted. The first project is a school-based social skills intervention study targeting children with autism in first- fifth grades. This is a randomized intervention trial examining the effectiveness of several different social skill intervention models for elementary school-aged children with autism. The second project examines caregiver-mediated interventions targeting social and communication outcomes for toddlers with autism.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Both research positions consist of coding behavioral observations and date entry. The student may also observe and learn about assessments during the intervention visits.
Adaptive Learning: Teaching with Computers
Faculty Sponsor: Kellman, Philip
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Everett Mettler
E-mail: mettler@ucla.edu
Room Number: 7574 and 2349
Phone: 310-825-4202
Website: http://kellmanlab.psych.ucla.edu
Description of Research Project:
Computer-based learning activities offer great potential to adapt the flow of learning events to optimize progress for each individual. Can adaptive learning algorithms that dynamically sequence learning items result in improved efficiency for factual learning and pattern recognition? The current study is concerned with basic research in adaptive learning and will examine if adaptive sequencing based on accuracy, speed, and retirement criteria, produce learning outcomes superior to traditional classroom methods.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Research assistants would help in the collection of data by grading assessments, data entry, and general office work for at least 5 hours per week and will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of research, including literature search, study design, experimental design, and data analysis. Experience with programming is a plus, but not required. Psych 120A&B are highly recommended.
Perceptual Learning: Teaching with Computers
Faculty Sponsor: Kellman, Philip J.
Department: Psychology - Cognitive Science
Contact Name: Everett Mettler
E-mail: mettler@ucla.edu
Room Number: 7574 and 2349
Phone: 310/825-4202
Website: http://kellmanlab.psych.ucla.edu
Description of Research Project:
How do learners get better at searching, organizing and interpreting their visual world? Do the same processes that underlie perception of movement in sport, discovery in art, facility with puzzles and other forms of visual expertise also underly such practical skills as fluency in mathematics or proficiency in medical diagnosis? The current study is concerned with basic research in perceptual learning and object recognition. In addition we attempt to isolate and train visual skills using computer software that dynamically adapts to a learner's mental state.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Research assistants would help in the collection of data by running subjects at least 5 hours per week. Opportunities would be provided for assistants to collaborate in the generation of new experiments, analysis of data, and independent research. Experience with programming is a plus, but not required. Psych 120A&B are highly recommended.
UCLA TIES for Families
Faculty Sponsor: Langley, Audra
Department: Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences
Contact Name: Vanessa Perez
E-mail: VaPerez@mednet.ucla.edu
Phone: 310-825-6110
Website: https://www.uclahealth.org/mattel/ties-for-families/
Description of Research Project:
TIES for Families is an interdisciplinary, university-based program established in 1995 to promote the successful adoption, growth, and development of children with special needs, especially those with prenatal substance exposure who are in foster care. Research assistants will focus on several research projects: 1) UCLA TIES for Families Treatment Outcomes Project: Project testing the efficacy of UCLA TIES for Families intervention services available to children and families, including adoption counseling for new families in transition, individual and family therapy, home-visiting, psychological testing, monthly parental and child support groups, short-term weekly therapy groups for children and teens, parenting skills training, infant mental health, and new parent peer mentoring. 2) ADAPT Research Project: Project testing the efficacy of a manualized psychotherapy intervention aimed at improving outcomes for children adopted from foster care, ages 5-14. 3) UCLA TIES for Adoption Evaluation Qualitative Study: Project investigating the long-term outcomes of children adopted from foster care through qualitative interviews of young adults adopted as children.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Research assistants will help with data organization, data entry, data collection, and interview coding. Research assistants will also be asked to perform basic administrative tasks such as filing, photocopying, and maintaining databases. No prior research experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn. Requirements: at least a 2-Quarter commitment, attention to detail, independent work skills, and timeliness.
Graph Perception and Data Visualization
Faculty Sponsor: Liu, Zili
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Lucy Cui
E-mail: lucycuilabRA1@gmail.com
Description of Research Project:
How do people interpret preexisting and novel graphs and data visualizations? What misconceptions and misperceptions do they have? What does this tell us about people’s understanding of data and statistics? We will explore these questions using mixed-methods.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Research assistants will help with data collection by running participants through experiments and will help pilot-test those experiments. Opportunities will be available to get involved in data analysis and experiment development/material creation. Applicants with experience in data analysis (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R) and programming (e.g., python, matlab, javascript) are preferred and will be given priority. Students must be able to commit a minimum of 8 hours a week for a minimum of 2 quarters. If interested, please email Lucy (lucycuilabRA1@gmail.com) your resume or CV, unofficial transcript, quarter availability and planned graduation date.
Visual Object Recognition
Faculty Sponsor: Liu, Zili
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Dr. Zili Liu
E-mail: zili@psych.ucla.edu
Room Number: Franz 7619
Phone: 310-267-4683
Description of Research Project:
This National Science Foundation sponsored research investigates how the brain encodes into memory visually perceived scenes and objects (e.g., faces). Counter-intuitive predictions, with promising pilot data, will be tested.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include scheduling experiments on experimentrix, conducting the experiments, and debriefing the participant after each experiment.
A Computational Investigation of Threatening Actions
Faculty Sponsor: Lu, Hongjing
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Akila Kadambi
E-mail: akadambi@ucla.edu
Room Number: Franze 7562
Website: http://cvl.psych.ucla.edu/
Description of Research Project:
The present study aims to unveil the computational mechanisms that the human visual and reasoning system employ to perceive threatening actions. We will investigate both the contribution of bottom-up, kinematic information in the perception of threatening actions and the contribution of top-down, contextual information to support complex understanding and reasoning of threatening actions. We will focus on how people interpret actions in novel situations, using both laboratory and real-life stimuli.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Students will assist in stimuli collection and be familiar with YouTube. Students who have programming ability (e.g., MATLAB, Python, etc) will be preferred. An ability to work during the summer is also preferred. Students will also be involved with data collection and materials preparation. Prior research experience is not necessary, but a strong enthusiasm for research is. 10 hour/week minimum commitment. If interested, please email Akila Kadambi (akadambi@ucla.edu) with your resume/CV and an unofficial transcript. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Quantitative Research Collaboratory
Faculty Sponsor: Montoya, Amanda
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Amanda Montoya
E-mail: qrclab@psych.ucla.edu
Room Number: LSB 5324
Phone: 310-794-5069
Website: http://akmontoya.com/QRClab
Description of Research Project:
The QRClab focuses on developing and evaluating statistical methods and research practices used to answer psychological research questions. We develop new statistical analyses to be used for testing questions of mediation, moderation, or moderated mediation with complex data structures. We review published research to understand current practices and develop new guidelines for research practice. We conduct qualitative and quantitative research to understand new publishing mechanisms, such as registered reports. We develop tools (e.g., R packages, SPSS and SAS macros) to help researchers implement new statistical methods.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Students may contribute to these projects in multiple ways. For example, finding research articles with specific data structures or from specific domains. Conducting data analysis to demonstrate novel statistical methods or using specific tools. Quality testing of newly developed statistical tools in SPSS, SAS, or R. Literature searches and coding of academic papers to describe how they use certain statistical methods. Searching for useful or interesting datasets to be used in analysis. Students often come to the lab from a wide range of backgrounds, but the most important qualifications are an eagerness to learn, interest in quantitative psychology, and confidence in your analytical and mathematical skills. Students particularly interested in statistics and research methods are highly encouraged to apply.
To apply to the lab go to akmontoya.com/QRClab, download and complete the lab application, and email it to qrclab@psych.ucla.edu.
Study of antipsychotic medication adherence in schizophrenia
Faculty Sponsor: Nuechterlein, Keith
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Kenneth Subotnik, Ph.D.
E-mail: ksubotnik@mednet.ucla.edu
Room Number: 300 Medical Plaza, Room 2240
Phone: (310) 825-0334
Website: http://www.semel.ucla.edu/aftercare
Description of Research Project:
The UCLA Aftercare Research Program has been on the UCLA campus for over two decades, and provides free psychiatric treatment for patients with a recent onset of schizophrenia who participate in the research study. Our longitudinal research program examines whether we can accentuate our efforts to get first break patients back to work to prevent the onset of chronic disability.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
For this SRP position, the student will help to maintain our extensive database on medication adherence among our schizophrenia patients. In addition the student will assist in the review of the literature on medication adherence in schizophrenia and summarize articles related to medication adherence. Students with an interest in schizophrenia and psychopathology research are encouraged to apply. This position is particularly appropriate for undergraduates with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. Second year students are especially encouraged to apply, but all years will be considered. Must be extremely reliable and dependable (excessive tardiness and absences are NOT acceptable). Must be able to balance competing demands and must be competent in multitasking and adapting to fluctuating priorities. Candidate must be detail-oriented, organized, accurate, and efficient with minimal supervision. Candidate must have excellent oral and written English communications skills. Ability to understand issues of patient confidentiality and safety is required. Proficiency in the use of standard PC office equipment and standard PC software (i.e. MS Office, Word, Excel, Internet searching) is also required. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate appropriate interpersonal boundaries with patients and staff and be able to work in a shared workspace with a diverse team of mental health professionals. Some experience in library literature reviews, use of pubmed on UCLA library website, some experience in reading and summarizing psychology research articles. Experience in the use of SPSS is preferred. Sophomore applicants preferred so that they can potentially stay for multiple years. Documents to Submit: Resume, Cover Letter, Unofficial Transcript, Writing Sample Send materials to: ksubotnik@mednet.ucla.edu Document Submission notes: Please name each file with the following format (in the following example, the applicant’s name is “Jane Doe”, The content is “Resume”, and date (e.g., Jane Doe Resume 9-1-2017). Other documents should use a similar file naming format. Writing sample can be a term paper for college level class, preferably one with a literature review included.
Study of social cognition and attention in schizophrenia patients: Data tracking and entry
Faculty Sponsor: Nuechterlein, Keith
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Kenneth Subotnik
E-mail: ksubotnik@mednet.ucla.edu
Room Number: 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Room 2240
Phone: (310) 825-0334
Website: http://www.semel.ucla.edu/aftercare
Description of Research Project:
The UCLA Aftercare Research Program has been on the UCLA campus for over two decades, and provides free psychiatric treatment for patients with a recent onset of schizophrenia who participate in the research study. Our longitudinal research program examines whether we can accentuate our efforts to get first break patients back to work to prevent the onset of chronic disability.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
The student will assist the Aftercare Research Program staff with general research/project tasks including: data file management, data entry and data collection, tracking and triggering research measures, and updating the data entry site. Other tasks can include filing, photocopying, faxing, and maintaining an off-site data storage inventory, and assisting the patient coordinator with patient file maintenance and errands. Students with an interest in schizophrenia and psychopathology research are encouraged to apply. This position is particularly appropriate for undergraduates with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. Second or third year students are especially encouraged to apply, but all years will be considered. Must be extremely reliable and dependable (excessive tardiness and absences are NOT acceptable). Must be able to balance competing demands and must be competent in multitasking and adapting to fluctuating priorities. Candidate must be detail-oriented, organized, accurate, and efficient with minimal supervision. Candidate must have excellent oral and written English communications skills. Ability to understand issues of patient confidentiality and safety is required. Proficiency in the use of standard PC office equipment and standard PC software (i.e. MS Office, Word, Excel, Internet searching) is also required. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate appropriate interpersonal boundaries with patients and staff and be able to work in a shared workspace with a diverse team of mental health professionals.
Factors influencing Classroom Learning
Faculty Sponsor: Paquette-Smith, Melissa
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Melissa Paquette-Smith
E-mail: paquettesmith@psych.ucla.edu
Website: https://tlclab.psych.ucla.edu/
Description of Research Project:
This project assesses how different aspects of the learning environment (e.g., the presentation and timing of stimuli, instructions on how to study materials) impact aspects of learning, memory and metacognition. We are also interested in how the individual characteristics of the learner (e.g., working memory, language background) or the individual characteristics of the teacher may influence learning and memory.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Student responsibilities include data entry and organization, review of the literature, scheduling and running participants online. No prior experience is necessary. Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., R or SPSS) is an asset.
Social Perception and the Brain
Faculty Sponsor: Parkinson, Carolyn
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Karina Lopez
E-mail: karinalopez@g.ucla.edu
Room Number: 3319 Franz Hall
Website: http://csnlab.org
Description of Research Project:
Our social neuroscience lab studies how the human brain represents and navigates the social world. This research combines approaches from cognitive neuroscience, social network analysis, and social psychology to address questions like: How do our brains track and encode information about the structure of our social networks? How are our thoughts and actions influenced by the social networks we inhabit? How does the brain encode different kinds of distance from the self (e.g., distance in time, space, and social ties), and how does the encoding of this information interact with other mental processes? To address these and other questions, we use a combination of behavioral experimentation, social network analysis, and neuroimaging techniques.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
We are seeking enthusiastic, organized and independent students interested in getting first-hand exposure to research. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in multiple aspects of the research process, with the scope of each student’s responsibility increasing over time. Possible responsibilities include corresponding with and running participants, basic experimental design, generating experimental stimuli, developing and implementing participant recruitment strategies, literature reviews, data entry, coding data, and participating in lab group discussions. Excellent, exceptionally motivated students may also have the opportunity to get involved with fMRI research and data analysis. Students are asked to commit a minimum of 2 quarters. Interested students should email Karina Lopez at karinalopez@g.ucla.edu with your CV/resume, unofficial academic transcript and a brief statement summarizing your research interests and academic goals.
UCLA Child, OCD, Anxiety, and Tic Disorders Program
Faculty Sponsor: Peris, Tara
Department: Psychiatry
Contact Name: Tara Peris
E-mail: tperis@mednet.ucla.edu
Description of Research Project:
Are you interested in kids and families? Would you like to learn more about how anxiety and depression affect the body at a biological level? There are several 196 opportunities available in the UCLA Child OCD, Anxiety, and Tic Disorders Program for students with these interests. These are great training experiences for anyone interested in biological aspects of youth mental health. Currently, we have multiple studies that measure stress responding in children and adolescents (and sometimes their parents). Research assistants will be involved in data collection from kids and families and in monitoring and processing data. An interest in working with families and learning about methods for collecting and analyzing psychophysiological data is a must.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities include assisting with the processing of electrocardiographic and electrodermal data, data collection procedures, calling participants, answering questions, data entry, administrative support, and attendance at weekly supervision meetings. This is a great opportunity to gain research experience for graduate school and learning about clinical research. Please note you will not be involved in patient care.
Early Identification of Childhood Anxiety
Faculty Sponsor: Piacentini, John, Ph.D., ABPP
Department: UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
Contact Name: Kate Sheehan, LCSW
E-mail: ksheehan@mednet.ucla.edu
Website: http://carescenter.ucla.edu
Description of Research Project:
A public awareness campaign and community-based education targeting destigmatization, early identification, and evidence-based intervention for clinical and subclinical childhood anxiety.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Student will conduct research literature searches, consolidate and report best evidence-based practices, and disseminate pertinent information to educate the community (via social media). This position provides challenging opportunities to translate scientific and clinical findings to be applicable to different audiences, including clinical (e.g., clinicians, pediatricians) and non-clinical (e.g., teachers, parents, children, teens) groups.
Topics in Coping and Well-being
Faculty Sponsor: Stanton, Annette
Department: Psychology
Contact Name: Jacqueline Kim, PhD
E-mail: jhjkim@psych.ucla.edu
Description of Research Project:
This assistantship involves examining various topics in coping, mental health, and physical health, particularly of those experiencing chronic adversity. Some of the focus is cross-cultural and aimed at better understanding the influence of collectivist cultural backgrounds (esp. Asian-heritage). Outcomes of interest include self-reported internalizing and somatic symptoms. Topics the research assistant may be assigned to work on include: • Culturally relevant supportive care needs in cancer • Symptom experience and mental health/health service use • Use of approach- and avoidance-oriented coping strategies and internalizing symptoms • Prospective associations between internalizing and somatic symptoms • Coping via writing and its relationship to well-being.
Description of Student Responsibilities:
Students’ primary responsibilities will be to conduct literature reviews, and engage in discussions about study recruitment, and assist with all research-related tasks. Data management will be assigned as needed. Topic assignments will depend on research needs, tailoring to student interest when possible. Depending on prior statistical background and project need, students may assist with data analyses. Given data availability and student initiative, students will be encouraged to work on research conference proposals. *Qualifications of Student: Some familiarity with literature reviews and able to critically analyze academic journal articles. Student must be detail-oriented, conscientious, accountable, and communicate clearly in a timely fashion. It will be helpful to know if the student has experience using Zotero/Mendeley, Qualtrics, or statistical software but this is not a requirement. Currently limited to students who are bilingual and fluent (reading, writing, speaking) in Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin). *Time Commitment Requested: Minimum 2 quarters, but longer commitment preferred (can continue as a volunteer after 1 quarter). 6-10 hours/week, including supervision/meetings as needed. *Dates of Project: Present - Summer 2022.