Skip to main content

Research Opportunities

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers research opportunities for students who register for PBSI 491 under the direction of a professor. These intensive research experiences put students into teams with faculty and graduate students to work on original research projects.  Benefits to students who get involved in research include:

  • Experience with psychological science and familiarity with how research in the field of psychology and neuroscience is conducted
  • Establishment of professional and mentoring relationships with faculty members, graduate students and undergraduate students
  • Can expect a letter of recommendation
  • Can lead to independent projects such as thesis or honors projects
  • Can show leadership, teamwork and research skills

 How Do I Find a Research Opportunity in the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department?

Research faculty who are looking for undergraduate students to help with research (i.e., join their “labs”) can be found here:

These lists are updated each semester before pre-registration.  Faculty recruit undergraduate students in a variety of ways (see spreadsheets above for specific information about each lab). Most will be looking for students sometime before pre-registration.  Some labs want students to commit to at least 2 semesters.  Others do not have this requirement.  Information about each laboratory including research topics, tasks that will be required of undergraduate students, and other selection criteria can be found in the above links.  Some researchers have websites that describe their research labs in more detail; these can be found under the Research Tab located on the Home Page of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences website.

How Do I Get Approval From a Faculty Researcher?

You must have approval of the instructor to take part in research.  Do this early!!  Most labs fill before the semester begins.  Some labs will have the email address of the researcher provided, and others will require you to fill out a google or similar form.  If there is just an email address, write the researcher and include the following information:

  • Who you are
  • What you’re interested in
  • Why you’re interested in the lab
  • Qualities or experiences that you bring to the lab
  • Say thank you
  • Expect additional questions or requirements

You do not need to state why you need credit.  Here is a Step by Step Guide about how to express interest in a research lab. If you do not hear back from a lab in a couple of weeks, reach out again or try another lab.  Asking other undergraduate students about their research experience in a lab can sometimes be helpful!

What Do I Need To Do Once I Have Been Accepted Into a “Lab”?

Students who are accepted into a laboratory will be given the opportunity to earn course credit through PBSI 491 for the following semester.  Students can sign up for 1, 2, 3 or even 0 credits when participating in a lab. Participation in any of the research experience requires that you and the instructor complete a contract that details the expectations for working on the project. These forms are below.

After you’ve spoken to a faculty member about participating in their research lab, bring one of the above contracts to the professor, and then email the form to psycadvising@tamu.edu during the open registration time period (see advising tab for information).

 

Other Research Resources

The Aggie Research Program is another way for undergraduates to get involved in research. Browse the project list for available opportunities throughout the University.  Select a team that interests you, and contact the team leader to inquire about joining, Prospective students should be undergraduate students who can commit to at least one semester and attend weekly meetings.

Research Guidance from Other Undergraduates

Talk to an Undergraduate Research Ambassador and learn how to get started and get the most from your Honors and/or Research experiences from a student’s point of view!

Present at Student Research Week