Dr. Dennis Ashford is hiring research assistants for a paid summer experience.

This position serves as the Research Assistant (RA) on fundamental chemical research at Tusculum University. The job includes working closely with a supervising faculty advisor to conduct fundamental research in the chemical sciences. The RA is responsible for assisting the faculty member in a variety of non-administrative tasks that may include designing and preparing materials, utilizing instrumentation, and documenting results in support of the research activity. The research project specifically deals with the synthesis and analysis of new anti-cancer prodrugs and combines organic and inorganic chemistry techniques and theories. The RA position is intended to provide the opportunity to learn proper research procedures and techniques. The supervising faculty mentor will be responsible for providing ongoing feedback and assistance in the research project.

There is no prior experience required for this position, but it is required that the applicant be working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Biology at Tusculum University. It is also required that the RA be able to work safely in a laboratory setting, be able to collaborate with their peers on the research project, and clearly document their experimental design and results in a laboratory notebook. In addition, the RA should be able to utilize library and/or literature searchers to advance the project forward.

If you would like to apply for this position, please email a cover letter (no more than a single page) and your resume/CV to Prof. Dennis Ashford at dashford@tusculum.edu. Applications accepted until 3/15/21.

Understanding the physical and mental barriers to quality healthcare is a large-scale goal for many in the health sciences. The Appalachian region is especially vulnerable to healthcare shortages for numerous reasons, which has negatively impacted both the physical and mental health of its residents. Drs. Smith and Pellosmaa are have multiple research lines broadly examining mental and physical health; current projects are investigating vaccine hesitancy, perceptions and access to mental health care, and the relationship between stress and physiological health. The goal of our lab is to elucidate some of the factors that could impair or promote healthy living. Previously, student research assistants have explored relationships between Spirituality & Health, Pet Ownership & Mental Health, Impulsivity & Health, and Social Media Use & Self-esteem. Each year, our students are encouraged to present their work at local and regional conferences (e.g., Tusculum Symposium & Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Symposium). Most of our research assistants are pursuing graduate programs (Medical School, Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Neuroscience, etc.) and are encouraged to enroll in PSYC 353/435 and/or apply for stipend supported research fellowships (e.g., Psi Chi, ACA Ledford Scholars).

 

Who we’re looking for: Students who are interested in projects that broadly examine health (mental, physical, social, spiritual, etc.). No prior experience is needed for this position, but students should be working towards a degree in psychology or a psychology adjacent area (e.g., biology, criminal justice, mathematics, neuroscience, sports science, nursing, etc.).

 

What’s the project: We have previously collected data that may be used for secondary data analyses for students who are interested in projects where data collection has already been completed. However, students are also encouraged to present their own research questions to the Primary Investigator’s for evaluation.

 

Start time: rolling; at least 2 semesters before graduation

 

Course pre-requisites: PSYC 201/L or permission from Drs. Smith and/or Pellosmaa

 

Approximate hours/week: Flexible, this will depend on the scope of the project and if the student is being compensated (i.e., via a fellowship stipend or course credit)

 

Email interest to psycresearch@tusculum.edu