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Become a Volunteer Research Assistant!
We are accepting applications for research assistant positions for the Fall semester of 2025. Please fill in the application form before 05/05/2024.
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This is a great option if you are trying to get experience in psychological research for graduate school, or specialized training in BPD research.
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We typically expect that volunteer research assistants will commit to a minimum of 8-10 hours a week for three semesters. They are expected to engage in responsible, ethical conduct of research.
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Criteria: (1) Psychology Major or A/A- grade in at least 2 300-level psychology courses
(2) GPA > 3.4
(3) Interested in graduate school
(4) Ability and aptitude to contribute to research, as evidenced by a letter of recommendation from a professor, TA, or supervisor
(5) A recommendation letter is recommended (not mandatory)
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If you are interested in applying, please complete the form by following the link below. For any application related questions, please reach out to CASL's lab manager Connie (cmaerker@umass.edu) for more information.
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Apply for Grad School
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Dr. Dixon-Gordon will not be reviewing applications for graduate students for Fall of 2025. For more information on how to apply to UMass and deadlines, please see our departmental website.
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What is Dr. Dixon-Gordon looking for?
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Overall, Dr. Dixon-Gordon is seeking graduate students who share a passion for the research being conducted in the lab and are committed to becoming clinical psychologists and providing evidence-based care for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors and borderline personality disorder as a part of their training. As a clinical science program, UMass is geared towards preparing the next generation of researchers and educators in the field. As a clinical psychology program, UMass expects that trainees to become competent service providers as well.
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Most successful applicants have already been engaged in some research prior to graduate school and have a good idea of the types of research they would like to do. Your application requires a personal statement, which should describe your career aspirations, training goals, and what motivates you and prepares you in these pursuits. Although it's called a "personal" statement, it is a professionally oriented one. You are welcome to include personal information as well, although it is not expected or required. You will not be penalized either way.
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Review of your materials will focus most on: (1) past experiences - what experience, training, skills prepare you to make the most of this PhD program? (2) fit - do your career aspirations and research goals fit with what is happening in CASL?
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Thanks to Dr. Victor for inspiring this description.
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