Joining the Lab

Undergraduate and graduate CSUDH students may apply to be a research assistant (RA). RAs are students who are extremely organized, responsible, dependable, detail-oriented, professional, enthusiastic, and motivated to learn about research in health psychology. They have strong verbal and written communication skills.

RAs have opportunities to contribute to ongoing projects by: learning different methodologies used in the lab, performing literature searches, assisting with IRB paperwork, preparing study materials, scheduling research participants, helping with study logistics, collecting data, entering and coding data, conducting statistical analyses, interpreting findings, presenting study results, scientific writing, participating in lab meetings, contributing to the journal club, and/or managing the webpage.

RAs must be able to work 9-12 hours per week on lab activities. Undergraduate RAs must commit to a minimum of 2 consecutive semesters. Graduate RAs typically commit to 4-5 consecutive semesters. Students must have a minimum 3.3 GPA (3.5 or higher preferred). Students must be able to attend scheduled lab meetings.


Undergraduate students in the Psychology program can earn up to three units of credit per semester for directed research (PSY 498). Other opportunities at CSUDH are available through the Ronald E. McNair Program, MBRS/MARC Programs, and the Student Research Fellows Program.

Graduate students can gain research training and mentorship through the Masters of Arts in Psychology program. Prospective graduate RAs are encouraged to contact Dr. Merz prior to applying to the M.A. program. Graduate students typically join the lab during the fall semester of their first year in the program.  Graduate students can earn up to three units of credit per semester for directed research (PSY 598) and thesis research (PSY 599) per semester. 


Interested students should contact Dr. Erin Merz (emerz@csudh.edu) for an application form and instructions. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Students whose interests and academic records are a good match will be contacted for an interview if there is an available position.
The views and opinions expressed on unofficial pages of California State University, Dominguez Hills faculty, staff or students are strictly those of the page authors.
The content of these pages has not been reviewed or approved by California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on unofficial pages of California State University, Dominguez Hills faculty, staff or students are strictly those of the page authors. The content of these pages has not been reviewed or approved by California State University, Dominguez Hills.