Join the Lab
Come do research with us
Interested in research? The MAP Lab trains undergraduate and prospective graduate researchers in the science of memory, attention, and perception — and treats them as people first.
We study how people perceive, remember, and pay attention to information — especially faces — with real-world applications in eyewitness identification, educational testing, and human–computer interaction. We value open science: making our materials, data, and methods public so others can build on them. If that sounds like your kind of work, read on.
What you’ll do
- Run participants through computerized experiments
- Prepare research materials — images, surveys, and experimental programs
- Learn to manage research data to professional standards
- Search for, read, and discuss the scientific literature
- Present findings at conferences and co-author peer-reviewed papers
What you’ll gain
- Hands-on research skills that transfer to graduate school, professional school, and careers beyond academia
- Professional development through conference presentations and co-authored publications
- Direct mentorship from Dr. Weatherford and senior lab members
- A genuine research community — many alumni describe the lab as a defining part of their undergraduate years
The commitment
New members begin by volunteering — a minimum of one semester at about three hours a week — shadowing experienced members and learning how the lab works. There is no pressure to lead a project right away. The goal of your first semester is to learn, contribute, and see whether the lab is a good fit for both of us.
How to join
-
Reach out
Email Dr. Weatherford for an informal conversation about your goals, your questions, and whether the lab fits your direction.
-
Try PREP
Complete the free, self-paced PREP modules. They include a fit-check reflection and give you a realistic preview of research before you commit.
-
Join the team
If it is a good fit for both of us, we will get you set up, and the lab’s training will walk you through everything else step by step.
Step two runs on PREP — free and self-paced, and the same on-ramp every MAP researcher starts with.
Ready?
Reach out — I’d love to hear from you
Email Dr. WeatherfordProfessorDawnWeatherford@gmail.com
Questions
Do I need prior research experience?
No. Most members start with none. PREP and your first-semester training are built for beginners.
What majors do you take?
Primarily psychology, but curiosity, reliability, and follow-through matter more than your major.
Is it paid?
Members typically begin as volunteers, for research credit or experience. Funded roles and student research awards become available as you take on more.
How much time does it take?
About three hours a week to start, for at least one semester.
I’m a prospective graduate student — can I work with you?
Yes. Email me with a note about your research interests, and take a look at the Research page for current directions.