Student members of the FOCUS Lab will:
- Engage with scientific literature to critically evaluate research, identify gaps in knowledge, and develop informed research questions and hypotheses.
- Design and conduct research studies using various methodologies, including experimental (e.g., randomized controlled trials, lab-based studies), correlational (e.g., survey research, archival data analysis), qualitative (e.g., interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis), longitudinal (e.g., cohort studies, ecological momentary assessment), and applied research (e.g., field studies, program evaluation, community-based research).
- Gain hands-on experience in research ethics and compliance, including completing training and certification in human subjects research, filling out IRB applications, consenting participants, protecting participant confidentiality, and practicing data security.
- Learn and use various research platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, SONA, Prolific, MTurk, and other emerging tools) to design, implement, and manage studies.
- Develop data management and analysis skills using multiple software programs (e.g., SPSS, Mplus, R, and Excel) to clean, analyze, and interpret research data effectively.
- Communicate research findings through writing and presenting, including manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, research briefs, conference posters, and public outreach materials for campus, regional, national, and international audiences.
- Learn and utilize open science practices, including pre-registration, data sharing, reproducibility, and open-access publishing to enhance transparency and scientific integrity.
- Apply for funding opportunities, including grants, scholarships, and fellowships, while developing skills in proposal writing and budget planning.
- Develop professional and career-readiness skills by creating resumes, cover letters, CVs, and graduate school application materials, as well as practicing interview and networking strategies, to prepare for careers in academia, industry, government, and the non-profit sector.
- Collaborate with peers, faculty, and external partners on interdisciplinary research projects, fostering teamwork and mentorship opportunities.
- Gain experience in leadership and mentorship by guiding newer lab members, coordinating projects, and engaging in collaborative teamwork.
- Cultivate professional resilience by learning strategies for maintaining work-life balance, managing research-related stress, and fostering a supportive lab culture open to everyone.