Join the lab! Options for undergraduate students
Volunteer
We often have opportunities for students interested in research to volunteer in the lab. Students are asked to contribute between three to four hours per week to the lab, at times chosen based on their schedules. Volunteers often go on to do directed research projects, honours theses, or research assistantships in the lab. We are also happy to offer letters of reference for our volunteers.
For more information, or to apply, contact the Assistant Lab Manager.
For more information, or to apply, contact the Assistant Lab Manager.
Take on a Research Project
There are two main ways for undergraduate students to do independent research in the lab.
Directed Project: In your third year of study, you can conduct supervised research in the lab through PSYO 3001 or PSYO 3000 projects (half or full credit research-based courses). This is a directed research project supervised by Dr. Deacon (or another senior lab member). These research projects are recommended as preparation for an Honours Thesis. Strong academic performance is required.
Honours Program: Each year, we accept up to four exceptional Honours students to work in the lab. These students are typically enrolled in either Psychology or Linguistics. They work with Dr. Deacon to create a new project or they contribute to an ongoing project in the lab. Details can be found on the department's web page.
Contact Dr. Deacon for more information on either of these research avenues.
Directed Project: In your third year of study, you can conduct supervised research in the lab through PSYO 3001 or PSYO 3000 projects (half or full credit research-based courses). This is a directed research project supervised by Dr. Deacon (or another senior lab member). These research projects are recommended as preparation for an Honours Thesis. Strong academic performance is required.
Honours Program: Each year, we accept up to four exceptional Honours students to work in the lab. These students are typically enrolled in either Psychology or Linguistics. They work with Dr. Deacon to create a new project or they contribute to an ongoing project in the lab. Details can be found on the department's web page.
Contact Dr. Deacon for more information on either of these research avenues.
Apply for a Summer Research Assistant Award
Undergraduate students in any year of study can apply for a full-time summer research assistantship to work in the lab.
Students can apply for funding through NSERC. Applications for this award can be found in the forms section of the Faculty of Science Website. Students can also apply for funding through the IWK Health Centre. The application form for this award can be found on the IWK website. Students of African descent in the Faculty of Science are also eligible to apply for funding through the university's partnership with Imhotep's Legacy Academy (ILA) . The application form for this can be found on the ILA page of the university website.
Interested students should contact Dr. Deacon for more information about applying for summer research assistantships.
Students can apply for funding through NSERC. Applications for this award can be found in the forms section of the Faculty of Science Website. Students can also apply for funding through the IWK Health Centre. The application form for this award can be found on the IWK website. Students of African descent in the Faculty of Science are also eligible to apply for funding through the university's partnership with Imhotep's Legacy Academy (ILA) . The application form for this can be found on the ILA page of the university website.
Interested students should contact Dr. Deacon for more information about applying for summer research assistantships.
Take related classes
Students interested in developmental psychology in general should consider taking Developmental Psychology (PSYO 2090) and/or Methods in Developmental Psychology (PSYO 3091). Students interested in language and literacy in particular should consider taking Language and Literacy (PSYO 3093) and/or Psycholinguistics (3190). Dr. Deacon also often teaches a fourth year seminar.