Get Involved
Join the CONNECT Lab
Auburn Undergraduate Students
Are you an Auburn undergraduate interested in research? We are actively recruiting.
If you are curious about how young people’s social worlds, including families, friendships, schools, and neighborhoods, shape the developing brain and body, we would be glad to hear from you.
No prior research experience is required. What matters most is curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
What you might do
As an undergraduate research assistant, you may have opportunities to:
- Receive training in fNIRS hyperscanning and other research methods
- Assist with participant recruitment, scheduling, and data collection
- Conduct literature reviews
- Learn about emerging AI-assisted research methods and gain experience applying AI in research
- Help maintain the lab website and Instagram page
- Develop an independent research project, if that is something you are interested in pursuing
When to apply
Dr. Cai accepts undergraduate research assistants for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
If you are interested in joining the lab, we encourage you to reach out a few weeks before the semester begins. This gives us the best chance of finding a role that fits both your interests and your schedule.
Opportunities may still be available after the semester has started, so you are welcome to contact us at any time.
How to apply
Email Dr. Cai at tic0006@auburn.edu. Please include:
- Your year and major
- A brief description of what interests you about the lab’s research
- Approximately how many hours per week you could commit
- How many semesters you hope to be involved
- A résumé/CV or unofficial transcript
Prospective Graduate Students
If you are considering applying to work with Dr. Cai, it is recommended to reach out to her directly before submitting your application.
Graduate admissions depend on the fit between your research interests and the direction of the lab, as well as funding availability.
In your email, please tell us a little about your research interests, what draws you to this lab in particular, and any previous research experience you have. Including a CV is helpful.
Questions about the program, funding, research opportunities, mentoring, or what graduate training in the lab might look like are all welcome.
Graduate students join the lab through Auburn University’s Human Development and Family Science (M.S./Ph.D.) program.
Collaborations and Community Partnerships
We are glad to hear from researchers, schools, clinics, and community organizations working on related questions, particularly where fNIRS hyperscanning may be useful.
For collaboration or community partnership inquiries, please contact chct@auburn.edu.
Contact
chct@auburn.edu · general and collaboration inquiries
College of Human Sciences
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama