Want to gain more hands-on research experience and career development training in psychology?

After nearly 10 years, the DiSH Lab Summer Research Intensive program has come to a close. We are no longer accepting applications, and there will not be a Summer Intensive program in 2026.

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The DiSH Lab offers a summer intensive program for students from 2-year and community colleges who have faced significant challenges throughout their academic careers. The program is intended to provide research experience and career development training to underrepresented undergraduates who wish to gain experience in hands-on research in psychology.

All students will receive a stipend of $1,200 for their participation. Full attendance is mandatory for participation in the program.

This program has come to a close and is not taking any applications.

Each day has 5 distinct modules: (1) a seminar-type lab meeting; (2) a research skills workshop; (3) a career development workshop; (4) dedicated time to work on a study proposal; and (5) dedicated time for writing. The table below displays the topics for the research and career modules.

Research Skills Workshop Career Development Workshop
1. Reviewing literatures

2. Experimental designs

3. Cutting-edge methods

4. Human subjects and the IRB

5. Deception

6. Statistical analysis and SPSS I

7. Statistical analysis and SPSS II

8. Writing an empirical paper

9. Presenting your work

10. Student presentations on proposed studies

 1. Introduction: What’s grad school?

2. The GRE

3. Choosing a graduate program

4. The personal statement

5. Building your CV

6. Secrets of successful applications

7. Workshopping personal statements I

8. Workshopping personal statements II

9. Interviewing

10. Grad student panel

If you have specific questions about the program, please send an email to Manuel Ramirez at manuel83@ucla.edu.

Testimonials from former students in the program:

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2024: Student

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the DiSH Lab’s Summer Research Intensive program. This experience has not only provided me with valuable mentorship from experts in the field of psychology, but it has reinforced my drive to pursue the field and a higher education as a whole. These two weeks have been invaluable to my future in research. ”

2024: Student

“The DiSH Lab Summer Intensive Program was such a enlightening experience where I learned so many new concepts that I didn’t even know I needed. Preparing for graduate school and graduate programs were something so unachievable in my eyes, but through this program I feel so much closer to achieving those goals. This program helped me get my foot into the door of pursuing my career, as well as finding new pathways to put my skills and knowledge in. ”

2023: Student

“The DiSH Lab Summer Intensive Program is an extremely enlightening experience which allowed me, as a first-generation college student pursuing higher education, to gain knowledge, understanding, and insight on my path. The program has given me the opportunity to share these valuable experiences with my younger sibling who one day hopes to pursue a similar path. Overall, I’d like to thank the entire cohort for making this an amazing experience that will guide me in all my future endeavors. ”

2023: Student

“The [Summer Research Intensive] was a life time experience that I will carry with me forever. I learned lots of valuable information that has helped me solidify my decision to pursue my Ph.D. DR. T and her team set a calm and safe vibe. I looked forward the internship to everyday. I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”

2023: Student

“I really feel had it not been for this course, I would not be clear into what field of psychology is best for me. Not only that, I felt like an equal and valid. I really enjoyed all the mentors and the wealth of knowledge that was provided. I cannot wait to jumpstart my career!”

2021: Student

“I just want to say thank you for selecting me to be part of this summer intensive program. I appreciate all the feedback, tips, and advice from all the members of the lab. I learned a lot these two weeks. I wish I would have been longer to keep working with graduate students and other interns as well. All of the questions I had about graduate school were answered and I listened to other information about graduate school I was not aware of. I am leaving the program with a much greater knowledge about graduate student life, research, and graduate schools applications. Thank you so much!”

2021: Student

“Summer Intensive Research has been immensely helpful. I have learned so much about graduate school, my personal strength, and future career goals. I am super grateful that I got this opportunity to have a preview of what graduate school is like, and the possible pathways to reach those goals! Thank you to Dr. T. and the Staff for making this such an enriching experience :)”

 

2019: Student 1

“The two week intensive program was educational and eye opening, learning first hand from graduate students from UCLA about applying for graduate schools and what research entails was a takeaway that will benefit me in understanding what I would like to do in the future.”

2019: Student 2

“Before attending this program, I was unsure of where my academic journey would take me. The DiSH Summer Intensive Program has left me with insightful knowledge about graduate programs and the world of academia that I was previously unaware of. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.”

2019: Student 3

“The DiSH Summer Intensive was a great experience that helped solidify my pursuit of higher education. I received academic counseling that made me more confident in my future as a graduate student, and had the opportunity to collaborate with like minded individuals.”

2016: Student

“The program was really helpful and to provide it to community college students allows us to have some sort of research experience to put on our CV. This is very important when appealing to RA positions or perhaps see if being into research is a good fit before going into the PhD field.”

2016: Student

“Participating in the Summer Intensive Program is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my transition to UCLA from Cerritos College. Dr. Tomiyama and her graduate students provided valuable coursework that helped me prepare for the rigorous UCLA experience.”

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