Undergraduate Opportunities
At GCDS we are a dynamic and diverse group of scientists conducting multidisciplinary developmental research among youth and families. If you are interested in working with us, please see the opportunities below!
Get Involved with Us: Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
Are you passionate about research and looking for ways to gain hands-on experience while earning course credit? Our center offers exciting opportunities for undergraduate students to contribute to meaningful research projects through the CURO (Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities) program.
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. If you’d like to explore working with us for credit, feel free to reach out with your questions!
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 students are saying about their experience at GCDS
2024 Undergraduate Research Assistant
“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
“Interacting with children and their caregivers has made me more passionate about children's mental health and their outcomes. This experience is invaluable to me and has really pushed me towards the path of child/adolescent psychiatry. In addition, I am very grateful for the knowledge and guidance I received during my time at YDI [GCDS], which was truly one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had at UGA.”
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 click the button below so we can learn more about you. Once you submit your undergraduate research application, one of our student coordinators will contact you about training opportunities.
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.”
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 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.
Gabi prepares to make brain bottles and perform jello brain surgery with kids in the community