For Students

Getting Involved in the Lab

Undergraduate research students play a central role in the MCS Lab, and I am always glad to welcome motivated students into our research team. If you are interested in getting hands-on research experience in the MCS Lab, there are several paths you can task. You may choose to enroll in my advanced research course (PSYC 383), sign up for a research tutorial, or apply for a paid summer research position. For exceptional students, there may also be opportunities to pursue an honors thesis or a BA/MA mater’s thesis, but keep in mind that prior experience in the lab is generally required.

Because positions in the lab are limited, I give priority to students who have shown success in relevant coursework, such as Cognitive Psychology (PSYC 220), Cognitive Neuroscience (PSYC 225), Psychology of Human Memory (PSYC 341), and Quantitative Research Methods (e.g., PSYC 210). All lab members should be prepared to commit at least 5 hours per week to lab activities, as consistent engagement is essential for meaningful learning and contribution.

If you are thinking about joining the MCS lab, I encourage you to reach out to me during the semester prior to when you hope to begin.  

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

I am happy to write letters of recommendation to support students’ applications for academic and professional opportunities.

Before requesting a letter, please give some careful thought as to whether I am well-positioned to highlight your strengths. Letters are most effective when we have worked closely together or known each other for some time, for example, through a research assistantship or thesis advising. I am also able to write strong letters for students who have demonstrated exceptional motivation and engagement in my courses, particularly in a smaller seminar or lab course.

I am happy to discuss this process with you and help you think through your choice of recommenders. You should feel free to ask someone else if that seems more appropriate; I will not be offended.

Strong letters take time to write, so please contact me at least three weeks before the deadline. Once I agree to write a letter for you, please email me the following materials:

  1. A spreadsheet including:
    • Direct hyperlinks to each program you are applying to
    • The submission deadline
    • Specific instructions for sending the letter, if any.
  2. Latest resume
  3. Unofficial copy of your transcript (screenshot is fine)
  4. Relevant application materials (e.g., cover letter, personal statement, essay, etc.; drafts are fine).
  5. A brief description of the following:
    • Your motivation for pursuing this opportunity or position
    • A challenging assignment or task you completed in a class or lab, and what you learned from it
    • A rewarding assignment or task, and what you gained from the experience
    • Your reflections on your experience as a student in my class(es), including the grade and semester (e.g., Fall ’25)
    • Your top 3 strengths as a student or research assistant
    • Your top 2 areas for growth as a student or research assistant

Please also send me a reminder email one week before the deadline. Importantly, keep me updated on both your successes and losses, as rejection is often part of the path to eventual success.