NSF REU Site: Research in Behavior Science at

West Virginia University

Anticipated Dates: May 29 – August 7, 2024 (10 Weeks)

Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to apply for a 10-week paid summer research experience in behavior science.

The REU Site for Research in Behavior Science at West Virginia University is a 10-week summer program for undergraduate student research, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

(Award # 2050693)

REU participants receive high-quality research experience and mentorship to prepare them for pursuing careers in behavior science or related fields. Through this project, we aim to foster interest and participation in experimental psychology and expand the diversity of skilled researchers in behavior science.

**PARTICIPANT SUPPORT**

Stipend ($600 per week; $6,000 total)
Lodging and meals included
Reimbursed travel to/from WVU

**WHEN IS THE PROGRAM?**

Anticipated Dates: May 29 – August 7, 2024
*(10 Weeks)*

**WHERE IS THE PROGRAM?**

The Department of Psychology
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505

**WHO SHOULD APPLY?**

Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors as of Summer 2024*
**Qualified Applications Will:**
Be majoring in psychology or a closely related field
Have a grade point average 2.8 or above in their psychology undergraduate coursework

*Per NSF guidelines: Eligible students are those who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (part-time or full-time; baccalaureate or associate degree). Students who have already received their undergraduate degree and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are ineligible. Email Dr. Kestner if you have questions about eligibility.

Note: REU participants must be citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States per NSF guidelines.

Undergraduate psychology majors from primarily undergraduate institutions in the Appalachian region and students from underrepresented groups within psychology, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Black, indigenous, and persons of color), veterans, individuals with disabilities, first-generation college students, and students from socio-economically depressed areas are especially encouraged to apply.

Activities

Research Project

REU Participants conduct laboratory research in behavior science with a focus on “bench science” in behavioral psychology and the translation of basic research to issues of social significance. On a day-to-day basis, participants work with other student researchers, doctoral students, and faculty mentors in the laboratory. Students work with their faculty mentor to execute project planning, data collection, experimental sessions, data analysis, and interpretation of results. REU participants attend group laboratory meetings with their research mentor and lab colleagues.

One-On-One Mentorship

Participants meet weekly 1-on-1 with their faculty mentor to discuss project progress, developing a presentation for the WVU Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium, and other mentorship and professional development topics such as graduate school applications and career development.

Weekly Seminar

Participants attend a weekly seminar. Topics include:

Graduate School Roundtable (with faculty and graduate students)
Career Building (resumes, interviewing, elevator speech)
PrestigiousScholarships
Developing Effective Oral Presentation Skills
Creating and Presenting an Effective Research Poster

Cohort Team Building

Weekend team-building activities such as hiking, indoor rock climbing, a ropes course, and rafting build supportive relationships within the summer cohort

Physical Computing Workshop

Participants will learn to program microcontrollers to detect behavior via digital and analog sensors (e.g., switches, joysticks, distance sensors, force transducers) and create events via digital and analog actuators (e.g., lights, speakers, motors). Microcontroller-based physical computing is an increasingly important technology in laboratory research with both humans and animals. By the end of the summer, each REU participant will design, build, and program a system capable of carrying out a simple experiment with rats, pigeons, or people.

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Participants present their research project as a poster or oral presentation at the multidisciplinary WVU Undergraduate Research Symposium.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Application for 2024 is Now Closed

Application Materials:

Undergraduate transcripts
Personal statement essay
Letter of recommendation
- Preferably from an instructor who is familiar with your work in psychology or other scientific topics
The application form includes questions about academic experience and achievements, future career plans, and optional demographic information
*You do not need a Program Access Password— On the eligibility quiz, leave this field blank and click “Save my Profile.”