Psyched about research

Abby Hazlett, a senior from Chicago, expected close faculty-student interaction when she chose a small liberal arts college. But even she was surprised when, halfway through her first semester of Introduction to Psychology, her professor invited her to be involved in research. “I was just a freshman,” says Abby. “At most universities, only a graduate student would get offered an opportunity like that.”

In Lewis & Clark’s Behavioral Health and Social (BHS) Psychology Lab, it’s not at all unusual for underclassmen to be engaged in research with faculty members. Assistant professors Brian and Jerusha Detweiler- Bedell designed the lab that way. Research teams include one student “assistant” who is new to the major, one sophomore or junior “associate,” and one advanced psychology major who acts as the “team leader.” Each team manages every aspect of a research project, from choosing the focus to designing and conducting the study, analyzing the data, and presenting the results.

“Professionally, it allows the research to move forward in a very exciting way,” says Jerusha, “but more importantly, it allows us to really get to know our students. Many of them stay with the lab for years. Watching them rise to intense challenges, learn about themselves, discover their strengths, and stretch intellectually is incredibly rewarding.”

Abby leaped at the chance to join the lab, and has risen through the ranks from assistant to associate to team leader. The experience has led to opportunities that she wouldn’t give up for anything: she has presented her team’s research at national conferences; she was awarded a faculty- student collaborative summer research grant with Jerusha; and she has landed a research internship with a colleague of the Detweiler-Bedells at Northwestern University--all of which, of course, will look great on her applications to graduate school. “Getting involved in the BHS lab,” says Abby, “is definitely the best thing I’ve done in college.”