Undergraduate Training
An important aspect of the Anxiety & Addictive Behaviors Laboratory is mentoring undergraduate students to help them develop an understanding of clinical psychology research and practice. Undergraduate research assistants and honors students work closely with faculty and graduate student mentors on ongoing studies and receive hands-on training in clinical research methods. Depending on their experience and project involvement, students may participate in:
- Data collection, management, and analysis
- Experimental and clinical research procedures
- Randomized clinical trials and other longitudinal research
- Literature reviews, scientific writing, and research presentations
Research in the laboratory focuses on anxiety, negative affect, substance use and related problems, and other behavioral health concerns, with particular attention to underserved and underrepresented groups.
As students gain experience, they may take on greater research responsibilities, including independent research projects and conference presentations. Individualized mentoring also provides opportunities to develop research and professional skills relevant to graduate training in psychology and related fields.
Honors Research
Undergraduate students enrolled in LSU's Honors College may complete their honors thesis project under Dr. Buckner's mentorship. Interested students are encouraged to email Dr. Buckner to determine whether our lab is a good fit. Prior undergraduate honors thesis projects include:
- Sasha Quintanilla, "Discrimination and Alcohol-Related Outcomes Among LGB+ People of Color: The Roles of Self-Stigma and Rumination".
- Lan Qiu, "Imposter Syndrome and Coping-Motivated Cannabis Use: The Impact of Race".
- Amelia Knox, "Imposter Syndrome and College Students' Drinking Behaviors".
- Evan Threeton, "Sexual Orientation-Based Microaggressions and Cannabis Use Outcomes among Sexual Minority Individuals: The Impact of Negative Affect and Coping-Motivated Cannabis Use".
- Emma Armstrong, "Preferences, expectations, and experiences of online therapy among college students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic".
Undergraduate Research Accomplishments
More than 40 former undergraduate researchers from the laboratory have subsequently pursued graduate training in psychology or related fields
Undergraduate researchers in the AABC Lab have received recognition through LSU research programs and awards and have presented their work at professional conferences.
Selected Awards and Research Recognition
LSU office of Undergraduate Research
-
4 students named LSU Distinguished Undergraduate Researchers
- 3 students received LSU Discover Travel Awards to present research at national conferences
LSU's Aspiring Scholars Program in REsearch (ASPIRE) Undergraduate Research Experience
- 11 undergraduate students have received ASPIRE awards to fund their research and professional conference travel
Other Awards
- LSU Psychology Department's 2023 Paul C Young award for most outstanding student in Psychology
- LSU McNair Research Scholars Program
- LSU Discover Day poster awards
- Pre-Doctoral Scholar's Institute program
Interested in joining the team?
Students must apply to work in our lab. Undergraduate research positions are generally arranged at least one semester in advance. Students interested in participating in the laboratory should submit an application no later than the preceding semester.
Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.2
- Commitment to at least two consecutive semesters
- Interested in research and clinical psychology or a related field
- Ability to make a consistent commitment to laboratory activities
Undergraduate research may be completed for course credit through PSYC 2999 or PSYC 4999, when appropriate.