Psychology - Adoption & Foster Care Research Reading Group Fall 2025

We are searching for motivated students to join our research reading group this fall! This reading group aims to provide a broad introduction to research processes with a specific focus on developmental issues related to adoption and foster care. Weekly reading discussions will be led by the Learning Lab director and Rudd Adoption Research Program Faculty (Dr. McDermott) and senior lab RAs, with the goal of inspiring psychology students to become more deeply engaged with research during their academic journey. 

You will be responsible for reading 1-3 articles weekly (which may take 1-2 hours of time weekly outside of reading group) and being prepared to participate in weekly one-hour meetings. The reading group will culminate with a final project at the end of the semester, where students will be expected to present a brief review on a topic of their choice. 
 
Any questions regarding the application may be sent to Research Fellow Conor Johnston (cdjohnston@umass.edu) or Dr. Jennifer McDermott (jmm@umass.edu). 
 
Application Deadline: Priority August 22nd, rolling applications accepted until September 1st
Apply here: https://forms.gle/Cym4k98yBsm5pRgEA
 
Name of research group, project, or lab
Rudd Adoption Research Program & Learning Lab
Why participate in this opportunity?

Gain experience with understanding and communicating scientific findings on applied topics (adoption & foster care) in a small group setting. Develop and practice a range of skills including critical thinking, scientific dialogue, and presentation techniques.

Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Psychology
Student ranks applicable
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications
Students without previous lab experience and those who are earlier in their psychology major (e.g. Freshman, Sophomores) may be prioritized, however ALL students are welcome to apply. Applicants are encouraged to share their goals for participating in this research reading group in the application below.
 
This reading group will be limited in size to allow enhanced student participation. We hope to offer additional research reading groups in future semesters.
 
Application Deadline: Priority August 22nd, rolling applications accepted until September 1st
 
Apply here: https://forms.gle/Cym4k98yBsm5pRgEA
Time commitment
1-4 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Independent Study or Research Assistant credit
Number of openings
6
Techniques learned

Learn how to read primary source research articles and synthesize findings. Understand ethical concerns, study considerations, and research process with children and families as connected to adoption and foster care.

Project start
Sept. 8th
Contact Information:
Mentor
jmm@umass.edu
Principle Investigator
Name of project director or principal investigator
Jennifer McDermott
Email address of project director or principal investigator
jmm@umass.edu
6 sp. | 4 appl.
Hours
1-4 h/wk
Project categories
Psychology (+2)
Clinical PsychologyClinical PsychologyPsychology