Q: How can I do research in the Kable Lab as an undergrad?
A: There are three main ways in which undergrads participate in research in our lab.
Q: What does a Paid Research Assistant position look like?
A: If you have a work-study award, then you are eligible to be a Work-study RA in the Kable Lab. If you do not, then you are considered a Student Worker. The positions look similar. Paid RAs usually assist on multiple projects by performing specific support tasks. Typically, paid RAs work 5-10 hours per week and are paid $10/hour. For these positions, we generally give higher priority to work-study students.
Q: What does Independent Study look like?
A: Independent Study students receive course credit (instead of monetary payment) for their work in the lab. Independent Study students typically design and conduct a study in collaboration with a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher in the lab, being responsible for all aspects of the study from conception to end. This study typically forms one part of a larger research project in the lab. Students can take independent study for one or two semesters; we encourage students to take two semesters if possible.
Q: What does a Summer Research look like?
A: If you are interested in doing research in the Kable Lab over the summer, there are opportunities for summer fellowships. First- and second-year students can apply for PURM; second- and third-year students can apply to the MindCORE Undergraduate Fellowship Program. If selected, summer fellows conduct research full-time for 10 weeks and receive a stipend. The responsibilities are similar to that of an Independent Study; summer fellows will work with a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher and take responsibility, from start to finish, for a study that forms part of a larger project.
Q: Can I talk to Dr. Kable face-to-face about his research or possibly working in his lab?
A: Sure. If you would like to ask a question that is not addressed here or otherwise speak with Dr. Kable, you are encouraged to attend Dr. Kable’s office hours.
Q: Can I be a volunteer research assistant in the Kable Lab?
A: We tend to discourage volunteer RAs in our lab. In our experience, you will have a better research experience in our lab when your responsibilities and what you gain in return for those responsibilities are clear.
Q: When and how should I contact the lab to express my interest in conducting research in the Kable Lab?
A:
A: There are three main ways in which undergrads participate in research in our lab.
- Paid Research Assistant position (Work-study Students or Student Workers)
- Independent Study (PSYC 399/COGS 301/BIBB 399)
- Summer Research (Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program (PURM) for first- and second-years or MindCORE Undergraduate Fellowship Program for second- and third-years)
Q: What does a Paid Research Assistant position look like?
A: If you have a work-study award, then you are eligible to be a Work-study RA in the Kable Lab. If you do not, then you are considered a Student Worker. The positions look similar. Paid RAs usually assist on multiple projects by performing specific support tasks. Typically, paid RAs work 5-10 hours per week and are paid $10/hour. For these positions, we generally give higher priority to work-study students.
Q: What does Independent Study look like?
A: Independent Study students receive course credit (instead of monetary payment) for their work in the lab. Independent Study students typically design and conduct a study in collaboration with a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher in the lab, being responsible for all aspects of the study from conception to end. This study typically forms one part of a larger research project in the lab. Students can take independent study for one or two semesters; we encourage students to take two semesters if possible.
Q: What does a Summer Research look like?
A: If you are interested in doing research in the Kable Lab over the summer, there are opportunities for summer fellowships. First- and second-year students can apply for PURM; second- and third-year students can apply to the MindCORE Undergraduate Fellowship Program. If selected, summer fellows conduct research full-time for 10 weeks and receive a stipend. The responsibilities are similar to that of an Independent Study; summer fellows will work with a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher and take responsibility, from start to finish, for a study that forms part of a larger project.
Q: Can I talk to Dr. Kable face-to-face about his research or possibly working in his lab?
A: Sure. If you would like to ask a question that is not addressed here or otherwise speak with Dr. Kable, you are encouraged to attend Dr. Kable’s office hours.
Q: Can I be a volunteer research assistant in the Kable Lab?
A: We tend to discourage volunteer RAs in our lab. In our experience, you will have a better research experience in our lab when your responsibilities and what you gain in return for those responsibilities are clear.
Q: When and how should I contact the lab to express my interest in conducting research in the Kable Lab?
A:
- Paid Research Assistant: The deadline to contact us about a Paid RA position is rolling. If you are interested, please email kablelab@gmail.com. Please specify in your email whether you are a Work-study Student or a Student Worker and attach your resume and unofficial transcript.
- Independent Study: If you are interested in conducting an Independent Study in our lab, please email kablelab@gmail.com AND Dr. Kable (kable@psych.upenn.edu) during the appropriate registration period. Please attach your resume and unofficial transcript to your email and arrange to meet with Dr. Kable during his office hours.
- Summer Research: PURM and the MindCORE Undergraduate Fellowship Program have their own application processes and deadlines. Please visit the appropriate website by clicking the links to learn more.
