Department of Psychology
Undergraduate Advising Office

Do you have a quick question about the Department of Psychology, the undergraduate major, undergraduate courses, experiential learning, or personal or academic issues that are effecting your academic performance? If so, please feel free to contact the drop-in advisor during the times listed below.

This is a first come, first served opportunity so you may be placed in the waiting area until the advisor is available to help you.

Monday - Thursday, 11 am – 1 pm
To connect with the Undergraduate Psychology Advisor during these designated drop-in times please use this zoom link:
https://pitt.zoom.us/j/9570125740

The Fall Career & Internship Fair is a must-attend event for any students seeking internships, jobs and other opportunities.  The Career Center wants to help you feel prepared, so make a game plan for taking advantage of the events and resources below!

Follow the links to the fairs to learn which companies are attending, filter for your field and mark your favorites!  Remember to bring resumes and plan to dress to impress!

ARTS & SCIENCES, GOVERNMENT, NONPROFIT:  Wednesday, September 18

Details found here.

Join us for our annual "Never a Spectator" student event on Tuesday, October 1st, from 4:00 to 7:30 PM at the University Club. Network with 20 regional leaders and hear a panel discussion on the importance of advocacy. Students will learn about the significance of strategic advocacy and how these methods can lead to meaningful policy changes. Engage with local leaders from a wide range of social agencies, including those focused on education, reproductive rights, affordable housing, economic development, LGBTQIA+ issues, disability awareness, politics, and more.

The keynote speaker for the evening is Sloane Davidson, Founder and CEO of Hello Neighbor. Her organization works to improve the lives of recently resettled refugee and immigrant families by matching them with dedicated neighbors to guide and support them in their new lives.

Dinner will be served and students can earn OCC credit. This will be an exciting and informative event that you won’t want to miss!

All University of Pittsburgh students pursuing any major or degree are welcome to register and attend.

The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to join us online for our upcoming lecture. This lecture will be live streamed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg or you can join with Zoom at  https://pitt.zoom.us/j/95274742428

Featured Former Fellow – Soazig Le Bihan

Tuesday, September 17th @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST

Title: How to Secure Public Trust in Value-Laden Science – A Fiduciary Model.
Abstract:
Many philosophers of science agree that science cannot, and in some contexts should not, be value-free. Values, whether epistemic or not, influence scientific practices in multiple ways (See Elliott 2022 and references therein). One worry is that value influence undermines public trust (Bright 2018, Lusk 2021).  Public trust in value-laden science may not be warranted unless the values involved align with the public’s. The question is thus: how to conceive of value influence so as to ensure public trust in value-laden science? One proposed remedy to this conundrum is to require that scientists appeal to democratic values (Kourany 2010, Inteman 2015, Elliott 2017, Schroeder 2021, 2022 Lusk 2021). Democratic processes, after all, are a well-worn legitimization tool for authority. However, I argued that this strategy faces serious challenges, including the problems of marginalization and polarization (Le Bihan, 2023). In this talk, I offer an alternative model—The Fiduciary Model. I propose to import some of the concepts from Fiduciary Political Theory (FPT) to the field of Science and Values.  FPT advocates defend a fiduciary model of government authority (Leib and Galoob 2016, Criddle at al. 2018, Galoob and Leib 2018). I argue that a fiduciary model of value-laden science could warrantee public trust.

The Center for Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh invites you to join us for our 65th Annual Lecture Series Talk. Attend in person in room 1008 in the Cathedral of Learning (10th Floor)  or visit our live stream on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRp47ZMXD7NXO3a9Gyh2sg

The Annual Lecture Series, the Center’s oldest program, was established in 1960, the year when Adolf Grünbaum founded the Center. Each year the series consists of six to eight lectures, about three quarters of which are given by philosophers, historians, and scientists from other universities.

ALS – Thomas Ryckman
Friday, September 27  @ 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT
1008 Cathedral of Learning

Title: Niels Bohr: Transcendental Physicist
Abstract:
While it would be unwarranted to label Bohr as “neo-Kantian” or indeed adherent of any philosophical school, his understanding of quantum theory crucially employs an intricate transcendental argument. Bohr deemed the quantum postulate, or “wholeness” of interaction between agency of measurement and atomic system, to call into question a core epistemological distinction between subject and object familiar in the concept of ‘observation’ from everyday life and classical physics. Re-conceptualizing that distinction led to redefinition of the term ‘phenomenon’, a corresponding non-representationalist account of the wave function, and to situating the notion of objectivity within “conditions of the possibility of unambiguous communication”.
Zoom at https://pitt.zoom.us/s/99943669767.

A reception with light refreshments will follow in 1008 lounge from 5-6pm.

Our research lab has an exciting opportunity. The details are available at https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/chawarska/jobs/

The Office for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (OEDI) is excited to announce several opportunities for students to join our team.

We are looking for motivated students who are passionate for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs and initiatives and who want to make a meaningful impact at the University.

Key responsibilities include support for various areas including communications and marketing, data and assessment, and programming and events. Interested students should submit a resume with their application via Pitt's Talent Network.

• Communications/Marketing Student Assistant
• Data & Equity Student Assistant
• Programming Student Assistant

A Sarah Heinz House Youth Development Aide works directly and indirectly with the children enrolled at Sarah Heinz House.  The incumbent will be trained to work in three of our program areas: gamesroom, locker room and open gym. Employees will have specific duties based on each area and be assigned a different area daily based on their shift. Lastly the incumbent will serve as an adult role model while maintaining a positive, professional relationship with members, parents, volunteers, staff and the community. All Sarah Heinz House employees will be held to the highest standard.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Sarah Heinz House Standard:  To empower all youth, especially those who need us most, to laugh, learn and lead
• Ensure safety of children at all times
• Strive to develop positive values and ethical behavior in members through teaching, discussion and modeling. 
• Support and administer policies and traditions of Sarah Heinz House
• Advise and provide informal guidance to Heinz members
• Support and assist with the implementation of Programs
• Recommend modifications/improvements to program
• Supervise and manage all people who enter program area
• Clean up area after each shift
• Attend and actively participate in all trainings and staff meetings
• Perform all other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• CPR/AED certified (recommended)
• First Aid (American Red Cross) certified (recommended)
• Required Clearances:  FBI Fingerprint Registry Check, PA Child Abuse Registry, PA State Criminal Background Check and National Sex Offender Registry

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
• Desire and ability to work with children
• Proven ability to supervise and manage children’s behavior
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude throughout the day
• High energy
• Experience working with children
• Understanding of programming planning and implementation
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and children
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Considerable knowledge of the mission, objectives, policies, programs and procedures of SHH desired

TYPICAL SHIFT:
Monday-Friday: 3pm-9pm
September 6th-April 29th

Interested candidates can forward their resumes to Sandra Herman at herman@sarahheinzhouse.com.

This year’s conference will be at PennWest University in California, PA, on Saturday, April 12th, 2025. As one of the oldest undergraduate psychology research conferences in the nation, WPUPC allows students to present their undergraduate research to a broad audience from across Western Pennsylvania. We strive to keep the conference affordable; this year the fee will be $15 or less per attendee, which will include continental breakfast, lunch, and a keynote speaker. While the conference is just over seven months away, I know many faculty members will be planning and working with their student researchers, and we wanted to put the conference on their radar. Student researchers can elect to present their research via poster or in an oral presentation session.

I will be sending out a call for presentations early on in the spring semester, which will include an announcement of our keynote speaker.

Supervising Faculty: Dr. Amanda Forest

Contact: Emily O’Brien, ero36@pitt.edu (for questions only; if you’re interested in applying, please fill out the Google form linked below)

Area of Research:  Social Psychology: Close relationships

Description of Research:  We are looking for highly motivated, organized, reliable, and community-oriented Psychology students to join the Pitt Relationship Processes lab. Students should be eager to learn about and participate in the conduct of research on close relationships, and to work collaboratively with other members of our lab.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about social psychology and close relationship processes while gaining hands-on research experience. Some tasks may be independent, while others may be in groups with other students. Training and supervision will be provided.

Current projects in the lab examine how people communicate with others, how they pursue goals together or support each other’s goal pursuits, and how people respond to events and situations that might make them feel that their romantic relationships are at risk.

Duties of Students: Students will be trained and involved in various phases of the research process and will be given substantial responsibility. Tasks vary by semester and may include: coding written, audio-recorded, or video-recorded data; scheduling and/or running participants in lab-based or remote studies (e.g., on Zoom); assisting with the development of study materials and procedures; participating in the administration of online studies; and performing data entry, management, and/or analysis. Students will also be expected to attend and participate actively in lab meetings.

Total number of hours of participation per week will be approximately 8 hours (spread across multiple days) for 3 credits. Interested students should be able to commit to coming in to our lab space in Sennott Square at least 3 days of the week for 1-3 hours each shift, and must be available to attend lab meetings held in Sennott Square on Wednesdays from 2:00-3:00pm. Previous research experience is an asset but is not required. For some positions, preference will be given to students who can commit to 2 terms of Directed Research in the lab.

If you are interested in learning more about our lab, please visit our website: www.pittrelationshipprocesseslab.com

If you would like to apply, please fill out our application form here: https://forms.gle/fhzABYKmsCHcub2SA

Additional Requirements:

• Able to attend weekly lab meetings in Sennott Square on Wednesdays from 2:00-3:00 pm
• Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
• 12 credits of Psychology (including current term)
• STAT 0200/1000/1100 Statistics
• PSY 0036 Research Methods Lecture
• PSY 0037 Research Methods Lab
• PSY 0105 Introduction to Social Psychology
• Strong motivation to learn about psychological research and interest in relationships research in particular
• Good interpersonal skills
• Dependability, ability to work collaboratively in a group as well as independently

We will begin to review applications for Fall 2024 positions on Tuesday, August 6th and will consider applications until positions are filled, prior to the start of the Fall semester.

Identity & Intergroup Relations Lab

Supervising Faculty: Dr. Joel Le Forestier
Contact: Nalanda Ray (IIRLAB@pitt.edu)

Area of Research: Social psychology; intergroup relations; diversity science; self & identity; social-psychological interventions
Lab website: www.joelleforestier.com

In the Identity & Intergroup Relations Lab, we research interactions between members of different social groups (e.g., gay people and straight people, Black people and White people, etc.), what influences the quality of these interactions, and what we can do to improve them. We also research the outcomes that follow from these interactions, particularly for members of minoritized groups (e.g., disparities in health and wellbeing, identity threat, etc.). Current projects in the lab examine when and why people choose to reveal or conceal their stigmatized identities, and what the downstream effects of prejudice reduction interventions are for minoritized-group members.

Volunteer opportunity: We are looking for organized, reliable, collaborative, and energetic psychology students to join the lab! Students will have the opportunity to participate in multiple phases of the psychological research process. Students will take on a mix of independent and collaborative work and will also attend biweekly lab meetings where they will interact with other lab members, present, and give feedback on, work being done in the lab, and participate in journal club-style meetings. Common tasks will include participant recruitment, data collection, literature review, assisting with developing study materials and procedures, and attending lab meetings. The anticipated time commitment is approximately 8 hours per week, but students who are available for fewer hours are also encouraged to apply.

Recruitment Process:
• Please fill out the following survey:  https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b8INqHeveeROexM
• Once you have completed the survey, you will be contacted by the lab manager, Nalanda Ray (IIRLAB@pitt.edu), regarding next steps.
For any questions, please reach out to Nalanda (IIRLAB@pitt.edu)!

APA’s Education Directorate published the September 2024 issue of Psychology Student Network.
https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn

Feature article:
How to market the skills you have and develop the ones you need

Other articles in this issue:
Bridge to baccalaureate: Seek the paths of least resistance
How to use O*NET in your career journey
How I learned to stop lying and got the job of my dreams
Many career options in applied psychology
Cracking the grad school code: Tips and tricks for undergrads
Review of ‘Do I Know You?’
Announcements:
New YouTube video on the importance of learning APA Style
Psi Alpha announces new initiatives
CABE essay competition
Join APA Community today
APA virtual psychology graduate school fair

The Families, Emotions, Neuroscience, and Development (FEND) Lab at the University of Pittsburgh, directed by Dr. Jennifer Silk, is seeking a Project Coordinator to manage an NIMH-funded R21 study that will develop a functional neuroimaging task to assess adolescents’ brain response during social media use.

Responsibilities:
• Engage with teens in the community through a Youth Research Advisory Board
• Recruit participants by managing an online campaign and serving as a liaison with local clinics
• Monitor recruitment, schedule assessments, and monitor participant retention
• Conduct neuroimaging assessments
• Orient participants to ecological momentary assessment (EMA) procedures and monitor EMA compliance
• Prepare and modify IRB protocols, progress reports, and maintain regulatory binders and standard operating procedures

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field
• Minimum of 2 years of research experience
• Evidence of excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience working with adolescents

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing graduate school in child clinical psychology and/or developmental/social affective neuroscience. The selected applicant will receive training in multi-method research approaches. Opportunities for mentored independent research are available.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and an Oct 1 start date is preferred. A two-year commitment is required. Interested candidates should send a CV or resume and a cover letter describing their interest to Dr. Jennifer Silk at jss4@pitt.edu.

Individuals from groups underrepresented in clinical psychological science are highly encouraged to apply.

Attend an Application Workshop - Apply by October 1

The Peace Corps application is an opportunity for you to let us know about the education and experiences that would make you a great Peace Corps Volunteer. Through your resume, motivation statement and other documents you can communicate the skills and personal traits that make you stand out.
 
Peace Corps recruiters are hosting a series of Application Workshops in September to provide you with tips for submitting a competitive application. Sign up for a workshop now as many of our current Volunteer opportunities close on October 1!

Click here for Announcement Archive page.