Come join us!
PET Lab Diversity Statement: The PET Lab’s research strives to break down the psychological and physical consequences associated with systematic oppression and marginalization that individuals from underrepresented groups experience within Southern Mississippi and throughout our nation as a whole. Through the development of interventions that are aimed to get into the hands of community members in easy and accessible ways, we hope to improve the mental and physical health of individuals who would not have access to evidence-based care otherwise. We strive to translate our research aims into our lab culture, and hold enhancing our cultural humility towards issues of diversity and inclusion as one of our highest values. As a lab, we welcome the perspectives and presence of individuals from all backgrounds - regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status. Further, we seek to create a lab where all individuals, regardless of identity, are represented and provided with opportunities for academic and research success.
Graduate Students
Dr. Renna plans to admit a graduate student within the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Southern Mississippi for the 2024-2025 academic year. Dr. Renna welcomes inquiries from prospective graduate students! Application information to the Clinical Psychology program at USM can be found here: https://www.usm.edu/graduate-programs/psychology-clinical.php |
Undergraduate Research Assistants
The PET Lab is looking for volunteer undergraduate research assistants! Please e-mail the PET Lab Director Dr. Megan Renna at [email protected] if you are interested in learning more. Undergraduate volunteers are expected to commit approximately 8-10 hours/week to the lab and have the opportunity to learn about all different aspects of the research process! Students interested in graduate school, medical school, or nursing or PA schools are encouraged to apply! |
FAQs for Potential Graduate Students
What qualities do you look for in a graduate student?
Broadly, students who are independent, motivated, and have a strong commitment to research will make a good fit for the lab. Further, I am looking for students who enjoy working as part of a team and are interested in building their leadership skills within the lab. Students with experience collecting inflammatory and psychophysiological data is preferred but not required, as is experience conducting diagnostic interviews. Prospective students are expected to have at least one year of previous research experience. Students will be expected to actively participate in data collection within the lab, and comfort with conducting diagnostic interviews and collecting biological/psychophysiological data is required.
Will my research interests align with the PET Lab?
The PET Lab may be a good fit for prospective students who are interested in some combination of studying inflammation, psychophysiology, or health behavior among adults experiencing psychological distress, specifically within the context of anxiety and depression. The PET Lab conducts research on both adults with distress disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder), physically and psychologically healthy adults (experiencing ranges of anxiety and depressive symptoms), and breast cancer patients/survivors. Further, students who are interested in intervention research on one or more of these populations would make a good fit for the lab.
What types of career paths are available for students working in the PET Lab?
My approach to mentorship of Ph.D. students is to help them find the path that is best for them. Students will need an interest in passion in conducting research to be successful Ph.D. students and to be successful in the lab, but ultimately, it is each individual's decision as to whether they want to pursue a research-oriented career or not. The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at USM is a scientist/practitioner program that prepares students for various career paths based on their goals. Students interested in research oriented careers will gain experiencing with lab management, collecting data, and developing independent programs of research throughout their time in the PET Lab. In addition, students have many opportunities for applying for research-based awards and conference presentations. They will also get exposure to and experience with grant writing and publishing.
Broadly, students who are independent, motivated, and have a strong commitment to research will make a good fit for the lab. Further, I am looking for students who enjoy working as part of a team and are interested in building their leadership skills within the lab. Students with experience collecting inflammatory and psychophysiological data is preferred but not required, as is experience conducting diagnostic interviews. Prospective students are expected to have at least one year of previous research experience. Students will be expected to actively participate in data collection within the lab, and comfort with conducting diagnostic interviews and collecting biological/psychophysiological data is required.
Will my research interests align with the PET Lab?
The PET Lab may be a good fit for prospective students who are interested in some combination of studying inflammation, psychophysiology, or health behavior among adults experiencing psychological distress, specifically within the context of anxiety and depression. The PET Lab conducts research on both adults with distress disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder), physically and psychologically healthy adults (experiencing ranges of anxiety and depressive symptoms), and breast cancer patients/survivors. Further, students who are interested in intervention research on one or more of these populations would make a good fit for the lab.
What types of career paths are available for students working in the PET Lab?
My approach to mentorship of Ph.D. students is to help them find the path that is best for them. Students will need an interest in passion in conducting research to be successful Ph.D. students and to be successful in the lab, but ultimately, it is each individual's decision as to whether they want to pursue a research-oriented career or not. The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at USM is a scientist/practitioner program that prepares students for various career paths based on their goals. Students interested in research oriented careers will gain experiencing with lab management, collecting data, and developing independent programs of research throughout their time in the PET Lab. In addition, students have many opportunities for applying for research-based awards and conference presentations. They will also get exposure to and experience with grant writing and publishing.
FAQs for Potential Undergraduate Research Assistants
What qualities do you look for in an undergraduate research assistant?
Students that are detail-oriented, have strong interpersonal skills, and are motivated and able to work independently make the best fit for the lab. Students are not expected to have previous research experience but a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the research process is required to have a fun and enjoyable experience in the lab!
What do undergraduate students in the lab work on?
Responsibilities will vary on a semester-by-semester basis depending on what students are active. It can also be expected that students gain responsibilities depending on their skills and interests if they remain in the lab for multiple semesters. Undergraduate research assistants can expect to gain experience with data entry, literature reviews, data management, and running participants (this includes administering questionnaires and collecting psychophysiological data). RAs with interest and ability may also have the opportunity to engage in activities such as psychophysiological data processing and independent research opportunities. It is expected that all undergraduate research assistants contribute to data collection in the lab, including the collection of dried blood spots.
Are there minimum qualifications for working in the lab?
Students should have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA to work in the lab. Although it is not required, preference is given to students who have already completed coursework in research methods and/or abnormal psychology. The minimum time requirement for the lab is 6-10 hours/week for a full academic semester. However, preference is given to students who are willing to commit to the lab for at least a full academic year. Students who do not meet these qualifications can still be considered for an undergraduate research assistant position in a case-by-case basis and are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Renna.
Students that are detail-oriented, have strong interpersonal skills, and are motivated and able to work independently make the best fit for the lab. Students are not expected to have previous research experience but a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the research process is required to have a fun and enjoyable experience in the lab!
What do undergraduate students in the lab work on?
Responsibilities will vary on a semester-by-semester basis depending on what students are active. It can also be expected that students gain responsibilities depending on their skills and interests if they remain in the lab for multiple semesters. Undergraduate research assistants can expect to gain experience with data entry, literature reviews, data management, and running participants (this includes administering questionnaires and collecting psychophysiological data). RAs with interest and ability may also have the opportunity to engage in activities such as psychophysiological data processing and independent research opportunities. It is expected that all undergraduate research assistants contribute to data collection in the lab, including the collection of dried blood spots.
Are there minimum qualifications for working in the lab?
Students should have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA to work in the lab. Although it is not required, preference is given to students who have already completed coursework in research methods and/or abnormal psychology. The minimum time requirement for the lab is 6-10 hours/week for a full academic semester. However, preference is given to students who are willing to commit to the lab for at least a full academic year. Students who do not meet these qualifications can still be considered for an undergraduate research assistant position in a case-by-case basis and are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Renna.