NewScientist12

Hi, I am wondering, are there research jobs available for people with an MPH? And if so, what is their general nature? What types of research are available, what skills are desired, and which programs (if any) specialize in this area?

Anyone heard of these? I'm thinking they may be a way out of those back and shoulder problems I hear so much about from grad students. From what I've read online people almost unanimously extol the benefits (better posture, increased productivity, a feeling of "floating" rather than sitting, etc.) A few of the models have even been featured at the Museum of Modern Art for their design. The cost is kind of shocking at first (~$800 for the main players), but when spread out over 5 years it doesn't seem as hefty. I damaged my sciatic nerve pretty badly some years ago, and with a recent flare up that rendered me immobile and hospitalized I've been thinking more and more about preventitive measures. After researching a bit, and given how long we are at our desks, it seems they could be relevant to you all, too.

And this may sound dumb to an insider, but what exactly is a research internship? In social psych, profs were running studies around the clock it seemed, so volunteering as an RA was no problem, as they were usually looking for extra hands. Are the work opportuniities in anthropology more competitive or involved than this?

Thank you for the advice so far. As far as her interests go, she's likes cultural, but is still open to other areas. She's pretty curious, so I imagine that in the end it might be hard for her to settle on one. And regarding research experience, you mentioned internships and field practice... do the skills and more research-oriented tacit knowledge usually come by way of these opportunities? Are there opportunities or expectations to work on research with a professor or professors throughout the school year? Thanks again.

The answer is of course no. If you go to Chicago you will be neck deep in debt. IIT would have to be superior to LA's program by a longshot for you to be even considering this. You primarily go to graduate school to learn skills that will enable you to become a good psychologist. If you want to live in a city, get a 9-5 job for a few years and reapply.

Hi, all: My girlfriend is thinking about pursuing an academic career in anthropology. My general question is: how competitive are PhD programs in this field? In my field (psychology), it's not uncommon for top programs to admit only 1 or 2 applicants out of pools of ~50 for each division. And from my experience in applying this season, it seemed that to have a shot at a decent/top program, programs were looking for something like 1300+ GRE, 3.5+ GPA, 2 years of research exp in a couple of different labs. How does anthropology compare in competition? Any advice for my girlfriend on next steps to take? She's just going into her 2nd year of undergraduate...

Hi, all: My girlfriend is thinking about pursuing an academic career in liguistics. How competitive are PhD programs in this field? In my field (psychology), it's not uncommon for top programs each year to admit only 1 or 2 applicants out of pools of ~50 per division. And from my experience in applying this season, it seemed that to have a shot at a decent/top program, the typical candidate had something like 1300+ GRE, 3.5+ GPA, 2 years of research exp in a couple different labs. How do linguistics programs compare in competition?

1350 GRE, 3.58 GPA, 2 years of research exp in 3 labs. I applied for PhD, and no I'm not going there for the GA master program.

Yes. I was admitted last month, along with many others. BUT, If you click on the "results search" tab at the top of this page and search for "psychology," you'll see that NYU has been making offers as recently as today. This means that they still have available spots, and in the case that one or all of those aren't filled, you might still have a shot.

Ultimately this is your decision, but if I were you, I would wait a year, boost your GREs, and reapply. It seems there is little to lose by waiting a year, but possibly a lot to gain. It could mean the difference between 5 years of massive debt and walking away with little to none. Plus, if your current app got you into Pacific this year, it's likely that you'll get in again next season, either to the same or a comparable program.

High-ranking A vs Middle-ranking B??? Torn... guaranteed funding at University A for 5 years + Outstanding Scholar Fellowship. At A, the research fit is good, but I do not mesh well with my adviser. Some red flags (hard to get a hold of, poor feedback on writing - as in - literally no feedback). How big of a concern is this generally? Would you "suck it up" or stay away? Intuitively going in with this expectation of being my own mentor in a sense just doesn't feel right... At B, I was warmly welcomed, felt somewhat of a "spark," and hit it off pretty well with my adviser. Big strength, relative to A, is the collaboration opportunity, particularly with three established and respected researchers in my field. On rankings alone, I'd pick A, but do these really matter THAT much in this situation? At school B, I can build a solid network any way and hopefully work my way in that way... Thoughts?

I tend to approach research from a creative, big picture side of things, but, at the same time I also can often get lost in my own big ideas. From anyone's experience as an undergrad or grad, do you think I'd fare better in a more structured environment or one that affords me opportunities for free exploration? In graduate school it's obviously a balancing act, but if you were (or are) in my shoes, what would you do? I have two great offers, one to work with a mentor who is more structured, and the other who takes a relatively "hands-off," almost even lax approach. 2 weeks to make some big decisions... any input would be appreciated.

I tend to approach research from a creative, big picture side of things, but, at the same time also tend to get lost in my own big ideas. From anyone's experience as an undergrad or grad, do you think I'd fare better in a more structured environment or one that affords me opportunities for free exploration? In graduate school it's obviously a balancing act, but if you were (or are) in my shoes, what would you do? I have two great offers, one to work with a mentor who is more structured, and the other who takes a relatively "hands-off," almost even lax approach. 2 weeks until big decisions... any input would be appreciated.

^ Haha, glad I wasn't the only one who was incoherent. When one of my top choice POI's broke the news, a flood of exitement rushed in, and still in half-disbelif, I bumbled through the entire conversation. I must have sounded terrible!

I was also e-mailed ads for the Social Stigma Lab at UCLA and the Psychology of Belief and Judgment Lab (joint with Decision Research Lab) at UChicago. The details are in PDF's, so I can't share them, but PM your e-mail address if you want a copy of either or both.

Lab Manager Position Department of Psychology New York University Professors David Amodio and Jay Van Bavel are currently seeking a full-time Lab Manager to begin in August or September 2012, for a two-year commitment. The lab manager will work half-time in David Amodio’s Social Neuroscience Lab and half-time in Jay Van Bavel’s Social Perception and Evaluation Lab, located adjacently in the NYU Psychology Building. The Lab Manager will work closely with Drs. Amodio and Van Bavel, and their respective lab groups, to coordinate and conduct research studies related to human social cognition using a combination of behavior and neuroscience methods (e.g., EEG, fMRI, peripheral psychophysiology). The Lab Manager will also manage laboratory activities, such as planning research events and meetings, maintaining laboratory computers and equipment, maintaining lab websites, interviewing and supervising research assistants, managing grants, preparing stimuli, programming experimental tasks, processing and analyzing data, reviewing literature, and editing manuscripts. The Lab Manager will also have the opportunity to participate in the broader intellectual community in the New York University Department of Psychology. This position is open to candidates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a related discipline. Previous experience conducting research in social psychology or cognitive neuroscience is highly desired. Experience with fMRI and/or EEG methods and data analysis and with computer programming (e.g. MATLAB) is preferred but not required, and will otherwise be learned on the job. Above all, we seek a candidate who is self-motivated, highly organized, and a good team player and who, ideally, seeks to eventually pursue a career in psychological science. The ideal candidate will also make creative contributions to the research program and, as such, have opportunities to co-author manuscripts resulting from the research. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience. We will review applications until the position is filled. However, for full consideration, we encourage applicants to submit materials by April 15th. Applicants should submit a brief resume and a 1-page cover letter describing their qualifications for the position, relevant experience, and research interests, along with the names of 2-3 references that may be contacted for a recommendation. Please address applications to both David Amodio (david.amodio@nyu.edu) and Jay Van Bavel (jay.vanbavel@nyu.edu) via email. For more information about our research labs, please visit our respective web sites: http://www.amodiolab.org/ http://psych.nyu.edu/vanbavel/

I was accepted into Villanova ~2 weeks ago after applying in mid-January. W&M made me an offer today, but not to work with my top choice professor. Regarding a chance for you to get in, I'll most likely be turning down both offers within a couple of weeks, so hopefully it'll open up a spot for you.

Even if it is your top choice, I recommend saying "X University is among the top of my considerations." Play your cards right and you might walk away with more consideration for funding, fellowships, etc..

So I have a friend living right outside the university where I'm interviewing. The plan is to stay with a grad student for two nights and go to the airport the next morning. The last official event before the airport is a dinner party from 6 to ~9pm. Do you think it would be bad etiquette to leave the grad student's house the second night to go hang out with my friend? On one hand - it will save the student a ride to the airport and back, as well as the burden to not house a guest for another night. Plus I'll be able to have some fun in the city without the vigilance from feeling like I'm being watched even at the social events. On the other hand, I can see how it might appear anti-social. Further complicated because the grad students apparently have some say in the admissions process, according to the website. Thoughts?

I was offered a spot at UConn last week. They're now determining who gets fellowship nominations, so it sounds like the initial offers have already gone out.

I've often finished exams thinking I got a C only to find out later that it was an A. When I first saw my GRE scores, I thought the computer had made an error. When I received an offer into a top program, I thought they were extending me some kind of sympathy. We really beat ourselves up over nothing! One of my undergraduate advisers says that she had similar thoughts throughout her training and still has them as a prof (at an R1). I suspect these feelings will continue to follow us around (paranoia-alert), but if you find a way to counteract them, I'd love to know!

Other than the one poster on the survey, has anyone heard from UC-Boulder?

Stereo - If you're willing to sail the seas, Dr. Quadflieg (NYU-Dubai) studies person perception and social neuroscience and was looking to hire an RA as of December. I'm not sure if the spot is already filled, but it might still be a possibility for you given your interests.

Every university does it a little differently, but they'll all look at the whole package. I would guess that your overall GPA will be of little concern considering that your GRE scores, upward trend in grades, and dedication to research all reflect a strong work ethic and ability. The admissions process is too variable to answer your first question, but as for your second, the two main masters programs are Wake Forest and Villanova, both of which are usually fully funded, and as a result, pretty competitive.

Yes, to Cognitive.