The University psychology department offers guidance for students who want to get involved in academic-bound research projects.

‘I teach a psychology class that consists of freshmen only, and one of the first things I stress to them is if they are serious about psychology, then you have to get involved in research projects,’ Assistant Professor Jennifer Gillespie said. ‘It’s not necessary that you have an idea of what you want to research, but what matters is getting started.’

Gillespie is involved in a three-year research project. Her research includes a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, researching healthier ways for caregivers of patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia to keep emotions under control in the workplace.

Michael Zickar, chair and associate professor of the psychology department, readily supports Gillespie’s views.

‘Psychology goes far beyond the classroom. It’s a good idea to get involved in some sort of research project,’ he said. ‘I like to meet with a student, get to know their skills and interests and match them with a graduate student who is working on a project that might interest the student.’

Zickar has also been working on his own research project. His main topic includes personalities in the workplace and how different personalities reflect work performance.

Being involved in a research project not only looks good on a resume, but also helps those students who are interested in going to graduate school, Gillespie said.

‘Most students plan on getting into a graduate program and the hands-on training the research offers is going to show they are highly reliable and experienced,’ she said.

Graduate student instructors Katie Wolford and Mike Sliter also shared their advice.

‘If you want to go on to graduate school, research is going to get you where you want to be,’ Wolford said.

Silter agreed with Wolford.

‘Research is something you want on your resume to show you know what you are doing and that you are marketable,’ he said.

Both graduate students were involved in research projects at their respective undergrad institutions and are currently involved in research projects at the University.

Wolford’s primary research includes weight issues and health issues in the workplace. Sliter is researching aggression and hostility in the workplace.

Getting started can be very simple, Zickar said. Students should simply log on to the department homepage and see what different faculty members are researching.’