Psychology Research

Research is built into the curriculum at Ursinus. We provide consistent personalized support while challenging students to tackle ambitious academic challenges. The result? Our students’ research success has been exceptional, as noted recently by external reviewers.

Our majors help to design and carry out a research project under faculty supervision and students present and publish papers with their faculty advisers. Not just in the senior year but every year!

Quick Facts

100%

of Ursinus psychology majors conduct research.

Conferences & Presentations

Each semester the Psychology Department staff posts information about upcoming conferences, including pertinent information relating to dates, locations, deadlines for registration, etc. in order to facilitate student involvement. Supplemental email alerts also help students stay apprised of valuable presentation, internship, and occupational opportunities.

 Presentations are made at the following conferences and meetings:

  • American Psychological Association Annual Meeting
  • Eastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting
  • Association for Psychological Sciences Meeting
  • Society for Research in Child Development
  • Regional psychology conferences

Examples of Recent Student Research

Recent research studies focus on such subjects as:

  • self expansion
  • relationship enhancement, the effects of mothers’ careers on their children
  • the origins of memory
  • neuropsychological and cognitive consequences of concussion
  • adolescent health challenges
  • preventing depression
  • strengths of those on the autistic spectrum

Distinctive Research Opportunities

Many research opportunities exist for students in the Psychology Department. At Ursinus, students can get graduate-level, hands-on research experience at the undergraduate level. This makes our program distinct from many larger universities.

Research Labs

Students can choose to perform research off-campus or in the laboratories of the Psychology Department faculty. Members of the faculty in the Psychology department maintain active research laboratories and are committed to involving undergraduates in their work. Research can be carried out for 1 credit (3 hours/week) or 4 credits (12 hours/week).

Students are encouraged to sign up for research and there are various opportunities available each semester. Students are encouraged to speak with any of our Psychology or Neuroscience faculty and inquire what research they are currently working on as well as what research they will be working on in the future. Handouts are available in the department for students to review as they plan their next semester.

Honors Research

The department also offers Honors Research opportunities.

Summer Fellows and Other Fellowships

There are opportunities to perform research during the summer as a Summer Fellow, HHMI Fellow, or NIH Fellow (all are paid fellowships with on-campus housing). There are also opportunities to present your work at regional, national, and local conferences.

Celebration of Student Achievement (CoSA)

The Celebration of Student Achievement (CoSA) is annually every April. It is an Ursinus traditon, where all students are encouraged to present their research, posters, etc. 

Research Spotlight

Dr. Catherine Chambliss Explains her notable research on depression and its interpersonal correlates.