The Minneapolis VA Health Care System Service to Science Scholars Summer Research Institute offers six full-time paid positions for undergraduate and graduate students in psychology and related health sciences.
The Minneapolis VA Mental Health Integrated Care Community, with support from VA Office of Research and Development, hosts a summer research program for veterans and military-affiliated students in mental health research. We recognize that veterans are underrepresented among scientists conducting VA mission-critical behavioral science research on PTSD, suicide prevention, post-deployment health and rehabilitation issues, and other mental health issues.
We strive for veterans and military-affiliated students (e.g., children of US veterans) to gain a clinical-scientific understanding of mental disorders necessary for their success as a future generation of VA scientists.
about the program
Events
- Apply by March 30, 2022
- Program runs from June 6 to August 12, 2022 (10 weeks)
Adjustments to start and end dates can be made to meet lesson plan requirements. This program is a full-time commitment for extensive laboratory work.
scholarship and housing
- $6,000 grant
- Supplemental Housing Benefit (University of Minnesota campus housing is available)
- Travel reimbursement up to $500
highlights
- Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art, veteran-focused research at a major VA medical facility. Our nationally and internationally recognized, award-winning VA faculty examines a range of questions relevant to veteran populations. including PTSD, suicide risk and prevention, traumatic brain injury, cognitive aging, severe mental illness, dimensional psychopathology, addiction, sensor technologies and mHealth assessments, risk and resilience.
- Faculty-led seminars on various interdisciplinary topics in research into the mental health of war veterans.
- Tutorials on how to apply, survive, and excel in grad school and beyond.
- Social networking activities with other summer researchers in the program.
- Weekly research seminars on topics such as how to use statistics, effective mentoring and academic writing.
- Opportunities for writing papers and scientific presentations.
- Daily experience of learning from faculty mentors, graduate students and others advancing in their career path.
- Presentation of your research experience to other students and teachers.
How to apply
Who can apply
- This program is open to undergraduate (junior or senior) and graduate students in psychology and related fields of health sciences
- Students must have a strong academic record, at least a GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale
- Applicants must be US citizens
- Applicants must be a US veteran or service member or their dependents
Preference is given to applicants who have completed research methods or a related course of study before applying. Students who are interested in a research career and have an interest in research into veterans’ mental health are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications from students will also be considered Groups historically underrepresented in science as defined by the National Science Foundation.
application process
Please submit the following materials by March 30, 2022:
- Personal opinion: (maximum) 500-word statement describing your 1.) academic and professional goals, 2.) how the program would support those goals, and 3.) specific research areas in veteran mental health in which you are interested , and 4.) potential faculty mentors.
- CV/resume a description of your academic, research and work experience and a list of three references.
- transcripts: unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary institutions attended.
Email application materials to: Derall.King@va.gov
program structure
We are currently seeking applications for a limited number of full-time paid positions for 10 weeks of summer research in collaboration with one or more principal investigators conducting mental health research at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. No prior knowledge of research is required, just an interest and curiosity about the scientific process. Additional opportunities to continue research participation for class credits throughout the school year may be available. Please contact us with any questions: Melissa.Polusny@va.gov and Snezana.Urosevic@va.gov
Science Summer Research Institute service includes
We assume that the summer program 2022 will take place in person. Program structure and any changes are subject to change and will be adjusted accordingly to align with VA COVID-19 guidelines.