CURO Undergraduate Students - Georgia Center for Developmental Science at UGA

Students

CURO Course Information

Students from specific majors such as Biology (BIOL), Human Development & Family Science (HDFS), and Psychology (PSYC) can pursue 4000-level research courses with an “R” suffix to meet CURO requirements. Be sure to check both CURO and departmental deadlines, as these may vary. Depending on your major, you may need to register through your department or directly through the CURO website.

Major-Specific Guidelines:

Psychology (PSYC) Students

Psychology students can participate by registering for CURO courses with the HONS prefix, including HONS4960R, HONS4970R, and HONS4980R.

Biology (BIOL) Students

Biology students can take CURO using the BIOL prefix and enroll in courses like BIOL4960R, BIOL4970R, and BIOL4980R.

Human Development & Family Science (HDFS) Students

HDFS students can register using the HDFS prefix for courses such as HDFS4960R, HDFS4970R, and HDFS4980R.

What we offer

By collaborating with us through CURO, you can:

Pursue a research project that aligns with your interests and earn course credit toward your degree
Gain valuable experience presenting your work at conferences and potentially secure funding for your research
Build a mentoring relationship with experienced faculty who will guide your research and professional growth
Develop an in-depth understanding of your chosen field through direct, hands-on experience

Earn Course Credit

We work with students on a case-by-case basis to help them receive course credit for their involvement. If you’re interested in partnering with us, you can reach out to discuss how to tailor your research experience for academic credit.

For more information, visit the UGA CURO website or contact your department’s undergraduate coordinator or advisor to discuss eligibility and requirements.

Opportunities to work with us for credit in the Summer 2026 and Fall of 2026 are now filled. However, feel free to reach out if you have general questions or are interested in future opportunities.

CURO Undergraduate Research Assistants

Undergraduates are important, valued members of the GCDS community. No prior research experience is necessary to join us! To help you get the most out of your research experience and training, we request students commit for multiple semesters, whenever possible. If you’re interested in joining our team, please fill out the brief interest form below.

Applications for Summer and Fall 2026 Undergraduate Research Assistants (URAs) are now closed. If you are interested in working with us in the future, please fill out the interest form below. To learn more about the expectations and roles of a URA at GCDS, see our FAQ.

Interest Form

URA FAQ

During my time at YDI [GCDS] , I gained experience with advanced technologies such as fNIRS (functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy), HRV/RSA (Heart Rate Variability/Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia), and actigraphy watches. This allowed me to understand and apply complex methodologies to study physiological and psychological states.

2024 Undergraduate Research Assistant

Completing a research project and participating in CURO (the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities) was incredibly beneficial for me. I learned how to compile a research project, create a poster, and present at a poster session. These experiences significantly enhanced my resume.

2024 Undergraduate Research Assistant

My work here has allowed me to hone in on my communication skills, especially when working with children. Also, my research has made me more empathetic for the children and families who face unfair discrimination or adversities, and has exemplified the lasting effects on psychopathology that my research at YDI [GCDS] has demonstrated. The many different roles I have served here has made me more adaptable to being comfortable and learning quickly in new situations. This experience has been crucial for my goals to continue working in this field as a psychiatrist.

2024 Undergraduate Research Assistant

Nicki presents her work at the CURO Symposium entitled: Examining the Influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Adolescent Psychopathology: The Role of Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia as a Moderator

Nika, a URA, helps distribute Thanksgiving food boxes at a community center

Aerica presents her poster at the CURO Symposium entitled: Sleep and impulsivity as mechanisms for the link between parental neglect and substance abuse

A group of URA's with a student coordinator at the CURO Poster Symposium

Logan speaks with UGA Provost, Dr. Hu, at the CURO Symposium on his work entitled:Associations between psychopathology and stress-induced brain activation patterns in rural youths: A home-based fNIRS analysis.