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California State University Fullerton
Center for Autism Applied Developmental Core

Research Assistantships

assistantships

CSUF Outstanding Student Scholarly Activities Award

Center Student Associates won the CSUF Outstanding Student Scholarly Activities Award every one of the first four years that it was offered!: Howland (HSS; 2013), Rodriguez (HSS; 2014), Moffitt (HSS; 2015), and Bailey (HHD; 2016).

Student Involvement in Research:

Students involved with the Center have authored numerous conference presentations and manuscript submissions, obtained several grant awards for travel and independent research, won prestigious University awards for scholarship, and have been accepted for graduate study in programs related to special education, teaching, and clinical psychology. Listing of student accomplishments available here.

Students in our laboratory are involved in every step of the research process. The role of each student is based upon a balance of lab needs, student experience, and student interests. We work with students to create a mutually beneficial experience. Responsibilities may include a combination of:

  1. Administrative tasks and data entry.
  2. Training in observational coding systems focused on family interaction and/or certain aspects of child development.
  3. Assisting with data collection, including application of observational and/or psychophysiological technology and interaction with children and families.
  4. Training and experience in administering laboratory tasks and/or clinical assessments (depending upon student experience and interest).
  5. Assisting with preparation of presentations and publications based upon lab data.
  6. Engaging in independent research guided by faculty (depending upon student experience, commitment, interest, and ability to work independently). Such projects often result in conference presentations by the students.

The following are required for involvement in the research lab:

  1. A commitment of no fewer than two semesters.
  2. A commitment of at least 5-6 hours per week.
  3. Sufficient availability to schedule the above hours and to offer reasonable availability for the scheduling of a weekly full lab meeting.
  4. A relatively consistent schedule throughout the semester.

In addition, the following are preferred:

  1. Identification as a CAS/CHAD, psychology, or related major.
  2. Desire to pursue graduate studies.
  3. Enrollment in CAS 499 research credit for lab activities.
  4. GPA of 3.0 or above

If you would like to be considered for a position in our lab, please email Dr. Baker (jbaker@fullerton.edu) with the following:

  1. A description of work or related experience (e.g., a CV or résumé).
  2. GPA (current and CSUF).
  3. A brief statement about why you are interested in our lab and what you hope to learn.
  4. A confirmation that the above requirements will be met.
  5. A confirmation that you are willing to volunteer or participate for course credit.

We consistently involve a moderate number of research assistants in the lab throughout the year; however we are committed to individual mentorship and students’ professional development. If we are unable to invite an applicant to participate at any particular time, we will hold his or her application, and may contact the applicant in the future once positions open up.

Thank you again for your interest in our laboratory. We love working with students in our lab and most students find it to be a very rewarding experience. Please let us know if you would like to be put in contact with past or current research assistants in order to learn more about our lab.