Undergraduate Training

Overview, Application Process, Example Publications,
Example Presentations, Example Grants & Awards
Download an Application To Join Our Lab HERE!

Overview

An important facet of the AHRL training experience is to help undergraduate students at the University of Vermont better understand behavioral science and research. The AHRL is designed to provide direct one-on-one mentoring regarding graduate school training and professional development. Typically, undergraduate students are paired with a doctoral level student and work with that doctoral student on a sub research team under the overall supervision of Dr. Zvolensky. Responsibilities often include attending individual and group weekly training meetings, working with various aspects of the research process (e.g., being trained in clinical interviews), attaining a formal introduction and training in the ethical conduct of research, and attending professional conferences to help present projects that have been run in the laboratory. Many undergraduate research assistants have successfully published their scholarly contributions with our team and others have received research training grants. Importantly, students who work in our laboratory have been successful in ultimately pursing advanced training in graduate school, ranging from doctoral education in clinical psychology to law school to social work and paid research positions.

Application Process

Students must apply to work in the AHRL. These positions can be quite competitive and only mature, reliable, and hard working persons should consider applying. For example, most students who are successful in working in our laboratory maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher and have a specific interest in ultimately pursuing clinical psychology or graduate education more generally. Typically, students work at least two semesters (continuously) with our team, but many end up working with our team for several years. It is advisable to submit your application one semester ahead of the time that you want to actually start work (e.g., in the Spring prior to the fall you want to work). You can download an application here, or contact us by phone (802-656-3831) or e-mail to speak to someone about learning more about current research assistant position openings.

Example Publications Authored or Co-Authored by AHRL Undergraduates

Note: An asterisk denotes a current or former undergraduate in the AHRL.

Leen-Feldner, E. W., Feldner, M. T., Bernstein, A., *McCormick, J. T., & Zvolensky, M. J. (2005). Anxiety sensitivity and anxious responding to bodily sensations: A test among adolescents using a voluntary hyperventilation challenge. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 29, 593-609.

Zvolensky, M. J., *Baker, K., Yartz, A. R., Gregor, K., Leen-Feldner, E., & Feldner, M. T. (2005). Mental health professionals with a specialty in anxiety disorders: Knowledge, training, and perceived competence in smoking cessation practices. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 12, 312-318.

Zvolensky, M. J., *Baker, K. M., Leen-Feldner, E. W., Bonn-Miller, M. O., Feldner, M. T., & Brown, R. A. (2004). Anxiety sensitivity: Association with intensity of retrospectively-rated smoking-related withdrawal symptoms and motivation to quit. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 33, 114-125.

Example Presentations Authored or Co-Authored by AHRL Undergraduates

Note: An asterisk denotes a current or former undergraduate in the AHRL.

*Babson, K., *Bucossi, M., Feldner, M. T., Zvolensky, M. J., & Vujanovic, A. A. (2004, October). A risk reduction program targeting the prevention of panic problems. Poster presented at the 13th annual Society for Prevention Research convention, Washington, D.C.

Vujanovic, A. A., *Babson, K., *Bucossi, M., Feldner, M. T., & Zvolensky, M. J.
(2004, November). Preventing panic problems among anxiety sensitive regular smokers. Poster presented at the 38th annual Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy convention, New Orleans, LA.

Leen-Feldner, E. W., Zvolensky, M. J., *McCormick, J. T., *Van Zanten, L. G., *Sinisi, S. A., *Hartigan, M. E., & *Follansbee, K. W. (2003, October). A cognitive diathesis-stress model of panic vulnerability among adolescents. Poster presented at the 18th annual Society for Research in Psychopathology convention, Toronto, Canada.

Example Training Grants and Awards Received by AHRL Undergraduates

Title: Anxiety Sensitivity and Smoking: A Prospective Evaluation
Dates: 12/2004-5/2005
Amount: $3,000 (direct costs) [$4,000 total costs]
Funding Source: University of Vermont/Stimulating Undergraduate/Graduate Research Program
Role: Sponsor [Meggan Bucossi (undergraduate student), PI]

Title: Panic Attacks and Smoking
Dates: 11/2002-7/2003
Amount: $2,000 (direct costs) [$2,000 total costs]
Funding Source: University of Vermont/Stimulating Undergraduate/Graduate Research Program
Role: Sponsor [Kristin Baker (undergraduate student), PI]

Title: An Examination of Behavioral Inhibition Sensitivity in the Laboratory
Dates: 1/2001-1/2002
Amount: $3,152 (direct costs) [$3,152 total costs]
Funding Source: University of Vermont/Stimulating Undergraduate/Graduate Research Program
Role: Sponsor [Jennifer Farber (undergraduate student), PI]