The Minneapolis VA Mental Health Integrated Care Community, with support from the VA Office of Research and Development, hosts a Veteran and military-connected student summer research program in mental health research. We recognize that Veterans are underrepresented among scientists pursuing VA mission-critical behavioral science research on PTSD, suicide prevention, post-deployment health and reintegration issues, and other mental health issues.
We're eager for student Veterans and military-connected students (e.g., children of U.S. Veterans) to gain a clinical science understanding of mental disorders necessary for their success as the future generation of VA scientists.
Dates
Apply by March 30, 2022
Program runs from June 6 to August 12, 2022 (10 weeks)
Accommodations for start and end dates may be made to meet class schedule needs. This program is a full-time commitment to extensive lab work.
Stipend and housing
$6,000 stipend
Additional housing allowance (University of Minnesota campus housing is available)
Travel reimbursement up to $500
Highlights
Real-world experience with cutting-edge Veteran-focused research at a major VA medical facility. Our nationally and internationally recognized award-winning VA faculty are studying a range of questions relevant to Veteran populations; including PTSD, suicide risk and prevention, traumatic brain injury, cognitive aging, severe mental illness, dimensional psychopathology, addiction, sensor technologies and mHealth assessments, risk and resilience.
Faculty-led seminars on various interdisciplinary topics in Veteran mental health research.
Tutorials on applying to, surviving and excelling in graduate school and beyond.
Social networking activities with other summer researchers in the program.
Weekly research seminars on topics such as how-to’s of applying statistics, effective mentoring and scientific writing.
Opportunities for authoring papers and scientific presentations.
Daily experience of learning from faculty mentors, graduate students and others farther along their career paths.
Presentation of your research experience to other students and faculty.
How to apply/Who can apply
This program is open to undergraduate (junior or senior standing) and graduate students in psychology and related health science fields
Students must have a strong academic record, minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen
Applicants must be a U.S. Veteran or service member, or their dependent
Preference will be given to applicants who have completed Research Methods or a related course prior to application. Students who are interested in pursuing research careers and have an interest in Veteran mental health research are especially encouraged to apply. Applications will also be considered from students from groups that have been historically underrepresented in science as defined by the National Science Foundation.
Application process
Please submit the following materials by March 30, 2022:
Personal statement: 500-word (maximum) statement describing your 1.) academic and career goals, 2.) how the program would support those goals, and 3.) specific research areas in Veteran mental health that you're interested in, as well as 4.) potential faculty mentors.
Curriculum vitae/resume describing your academic, research and work experience, and a list of three references.
Transcripts: unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.
Email application materials to: Derall.King@va.gov
