Honors College and Psychiatry at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Program Overview

This program provides hands-on experience in clinical, translational, and neuroscience research, focusing on serious mental illnesses, neuropsychiatric disorders, and behavioral health interventions. Students will work alongside leading faculty and researchers investigating biological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, among others. Research within the department spans multiple disciplines, including clinical psychiatry, neuroscience, genetics, public health, and behavioral science. Students will be introduced to research methodology, study design, data collection, and analysis techniques, gaining valuable experience in clinical and behavioral health research.

Projects and Opportunities

Opportunities may also involve interviewing subjects participating in research, data management tasks, such as literature reviews, Qualtrics, REDCap database management, and basic data analysis. Some projects may provide exposure to neuroscience-based methods such as neuroimaging (MRI, EEG), cognitive testing, and biomarker analysis. Students with an interest in genetic and environmental influences on mental illness may have the chance to assist in genomic and epigenetic research under faculty guidance. Other opportunities may focus on public health and behavioral interventions, policy research, or community-based mental health studies. Students may also contribute to scientific presentations and manuscript preparation, with the possibility of co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible, students:

Must be in good academic standing at Rutgers-New Brunswick.
Prior experience is preferred.
Preference will be given to those with some experience with psychology, psychiatry, and mental health. First-hand experience with a friend or family member with a mental illness is also valuable. Work involves discussion of sensitive topics, and we seek individuals who can approach these conversations with empathy and professionalism.
Commit to a minimum of one academic semester (Fall or Spring) is required, with the option to continue into the summer, depending on the project.
Complete IRB-mandated HIPAA and CITI training before participating in research.

Benefits

This research opportunity provides students with a strong foundation for careers and graduate studies in psychiatry, neuroscience, and psychiatric genomics. Through mentorship for leading researchers and clinicians, participants will gain insights into cutting-edge genomic and phenotypic research while developing highly valued analytical and scientific communication skills. Students will also receive career guidance tailored to their interests, build professional connections in the field, and, for those making substantial contributions, earn co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications-- a valuable asset for future academic and professional endeavors.

Application

Application information is shared with students as projects become available in our weekly Opportunity newsletter.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Rydel, Assistant Dean.