Interested in Joining the LAB?
I am always looking for bright, motivated students at the graduate and undergraduate levels who are interested in conducting and contributing to our research program.
Potential graduate students:
We have two doctoral programs at ISU-- Experimental Psychology and Clinical Psychology. I have students from both programs in my lab. All of them engage in basic research-related theses and dissertations in either or both of my research labs (rat and human). In addition to timely completion of the requirements of the programs, students are expected to present their research at regional, national, and international conferences and to publish their work in scientific journals. I am most likely to accept students who have the following characteristics:
Potential graduate students:
We have two doctoral programs at ISU-- Experimental Psychology and Clinical Psychology. I have students from both programs in my lab. All of them engage in basic research-related theses and dissertations in either or both of my research labs (rat and human). In addition to timely completion of the requirements of the programs, students are expected to present their research at regional, national, and international conferences and to publish their work in scientific journals. I am most likely to accept students who have the following characteristics:
- High undergraduate GPA
- Laboratory experience in animal or human lab (behavioral economic and behavioral pharmacological preferred)
- Strong letters of recommendation
- Evidence of independence and conscientiousness
- Presentation of research at professional conferences and/or co-authored publications
Click here to find out more about applying to ISU's Department of Psychology's graduate programs:
Undergraduate students:
If you are interested in pursing a graduate career in psychology or a related field, working as a Research Assistant (RA) provides experience and opportunities that will greatly help you along this path.
What is expected of RAs: RAs are expected to contribute between 4-12 hours per week and may require a one year or longer commitment. RAs should register for credit (1-3 for PSYC 4483 Special Problems), though, occasionally there is also grant funding for a paid RA position. RAs may assist with the day-to-day running of the lab including data collection, reading and discussing research papers, preparing research materials, and managing data. Attendance at weekly lab meetings is required. From time to time an especially gifted RA may be asked to conduct a specific independent research project. There are also opportunities for presenting research at professional conferences and co-authorship on publications. All lab team members are required to complete the appropriate research ethics training by the CITI program before beginning in the lab.
Qualifications of Successful Applicants: Most RAs plan to apply to graduate school in psychology or related fields. Although not required, the following are preferred: GPA above 3.5, completion of Introduction to Psychology, Learning and Behavior, Research Methods, and Statistics (with grades of B+ or better), and a clear interest in learning processes.
How to Apply: Dr. Rasmussen considers admitting new students to the lab on an ongoing basis and usually recruits talented and motivated students through her classes. However, if you are interested in our research, and you are highly motivated to learn about and contribute to our research, feel free to contact Dr. Rasmussen with a statement indicating why you are interested in working in this lab. Please include a copy of your unofficial transcript as an email attachment. Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.
If you are interested in pursing a graduate career in psychology or a related field, working as a Research Assistant (RA) provides experience and opportunities that will greatly help you along this path.
What is expected of RAs: RAs are expected to contribute between 4-12 hours per week and may require a one year or longer commitment. RAs should register for credit (1-3 for PSYC 4483 Special Problems), though, occasionally there is also grant funding for a paid RA position. RAs may assist with the day-to-day running of the lab including data collection, reading and discussing research papers, preparing research materials, and managing data. Attendance at weekly lab meetings is required. From time to time an especially gifted RA may be asked to conduct a specific independent research project. There are also opportunities for presenting research at professional conferences and co-authorship on publications. All lab team members are required to complete the appropriate research ethics training by the CITI program before beginning in the lab.
Qualifications of Successful Applicants: Most RAs plan to apply to graduate school in psychology or related fields. Although not required, the following are preferred: GPA above 3.5, completion of Introduction to Psychology, Learning and Behavior, Research Methods, and Statistics (with grades of B+ or better), and a clear interest in learning processes.
How to Apply: Dr. Rasmussen considers admitting new students to the lab on an ongoing basis and usually recruits talented and motivated students through her classes. However, if you are interested in our research, and you are highly motivated to learn about and contribute to our research, feel free to contact Dr. Rasmussen with a statement indicating why you are interested in working in this lab. Please include a copy of your unofficial transcript as an email attachment. Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.