Michigan Summer Program in Cognition & Early Development (MSPICED)
Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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The Michigan Summer Program in Cognition & Early Development (MSPICED) is jointly hosted by four developmental psychology laboratories led by Drs. Susan Gelman, Ioulia Kovelman, Felix Warneken, and Henry Wellman. 

We are seeking motivated students to participate firsthand in developmental psychology research. Our research investigates the cognitive and social foundations of young children’s behavior. In particular, we study how children cooperate with each other, think about the minds of others, and acquire language, as well as how language shapes children’s thinking. We invite both UM and non-UM students to apply!

Our 10-week program runs from June 1st to August 7th, 2020. Each summer intern will be paired with a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow mentor (see Researchers) to work on new or ongoing research projects. Interns will gain experience in a variety of research activities, including conducting experimental studies with children, processing and analyzing data using advanced video coding technology and statistical software, recruiting and scheduling families, and helping with study design. Interns will also be introduced to developmental neuroscience research methods, including Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS).

In addition to working on specific research projects, interns will attend weekly lab meetings, reading groups, statistical analysis workshops, and professional development seminars on various topics (e.g., applying to graduate school and writing research statements). At the end of the program, interns will present their projects to members of the Psychology Department at a poster fair. 

Successful candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm in developmental psychology and in working with children and families. Previous research experience is desirable, although not required. We offer both full-time (40 hrs/week) and part-time (20 hrs/week) internship positions. Interested applicants are highly encouraged to apply for funding from their home institutions or outside sources, and we would be happy to support these applications. We may have some funding available, especially for qualified underrepresented applicants.

More information about our internship program can be found here. To apply, please fill out our online application form. Applications will close on February 15th, 2020, at 11:59 pm EST. For questions, please email us at MSPICED-admin@umich.edu.