The focus of the research project is to assist with researching, writing, and presenting the forgotten history of African Americans interred in historic cemeteries.

Our research focuses on examining the effects of stress (e.g., poverty, marital aggression) on adolescents’ and young adults’ sleep patterns, mental and physical health, physiological regulation and cognitive functioning. Internships and volunteer opportunities available.

The purpose of our research is to conduct a descriptive evaluation study of the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) and Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program (SRAE) in Alabama by collecting and analyzing data and preparing semi-annual reports for distribution to stakeholders and decision makers. Undergraduate students may earn 1-3 credit hours (three to nine hours per week) providing support in data entry, literature review, reporting, and other areas.

The Social Development Lab examines the peer relationships of children and adolescents with a focus on how those relationships influence socioemotional health and school adjustment. Currently, students in the lab will help with analysis and writing papers from existing data sets, particularly from the Friendship Hero Project, an evaluation of a clinical intervention to increase positive bystander behavior (i.e., defending) in response to bullying.

AUMFT is an applied research project that evaluates the effectiveness of systemic therapy services at the main center and two satellite offices for individuals, couples, and families receiving treatment. AUMFT is excited to train undergraduates interested in observational coding of therapist behaviors. Additionally, undergraduates collect, enter, and manage data related to client outcomes, and create clinical effectiveness reports. Internships are also available that connect students to all aspects of the therapy process, auditing therapist paperwork, and receiving client intakes, which are related to evaluating clinical outcomes for couples and families.

The Military REACH team welcomes undergraduate students as research assistants and interns. The purpose of this project is to translate research on military families into implications and useful tools. Policy makers at the Department of Defense, military leadership, helping professionals, and military families use our work to inform their decisions and practices with regard to military families.

The Relationships and Health Lab focuses on the nexus of couple relationships and health behaviors and outcomes in couples with chronic illnesses (Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.). We are an interdisciplinary team consisting of people from many departments around campus, including nutrition, exercise science, pharmacy, and nursing. We are interested in studying how couple relationship processes in couples with chronic illnesses may help to improve engagement in healthy behaviors (such as diet, exercise, mindfulness, etc.) through improving emotional and mental health. Conversely, we are also interested in understanding how health and wellness (or lack of) influence relationship processes.
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In partnership with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), the Children’s Trust Fund awarded federal dollars to community-based fatherhood programs. The SFTF study explores fatherhood program specific services successfully support the development of protective factors with fatherhood program participants with the goal of strengthening children and families in Alabama. As a member of the research team, you will enhance your knowledge of social science research that can be applied to coursework and develop database management skills while working with statistical software. You will also be able to network and build relationships with peers, graduate students, and faculty in HDFS.

The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention (ADCANP) is the state lead agency designated to prevent child abuse and neglect and is explicitly focused on educating Alabama communities in the Strengthening Families™ framework. ADCANP oversees 150 plus community-based prevention programs focused on reducing risk factors for child maltreatment. The ADCANP/CTF Evaluation project welcomes undergraduate students from any major who are interested in learning more about the processes of program evaluation such as collecting and entering program participant data and an overview of research methods used to analyze data. We offer undergraduate research and internship opportunities. As a member of the research team, you will enhance your knowledge of social science research that can be applied to coursework and develop database management skills while working with statistical software. You will also be able to network and build relationships with peers, graduate students, and faculty in HDFS.

In partnership with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), the Children’s Trust Fund awarded federal TANF dollars to community-based fatherhood programs. The TANF study explores if fatherhood program specific services successfully support the development of protective factors with fatherhood program participants with the goal of strengthening children and families in Alabama. The ADCANP/TANF Evaluation project welcomes undergraduate students from any major who are interested in learning more about the processes of program evaluation such as collecting and entering program participant data and an overview of research methods used to analyze data. We offer undergraduate research and internship opportunities. As a member of the research team, you will enhance your knowledge of social science research that can be applied to coursework and develop database management skills while working with statistical software. You will also be able to network and build relationships with peers, graduate students, and faculty in HDFS.

Dr. Samek’s lab is currently focused on collecting data from students as they transition into and out of college. We collect data on their substance use, personality, family, peer, and romantic relationships, as well as other related topics.

Tuning in to Kids is a six-session research-based parenting education offered through Alabama Cooperative Extension. You may apply to intern to deliver this program (2 term minimum). In addition, I am seeking undergraduate or graduate students interested in assisting with evaluation research and light curriculum improvements.

In the Extension Publication Lab you learn the basics of science translation work, suitable for careers in science communication, public health and parenting outreach. We study how to create inclusive messaging and visuals, how to think about what audiences are interested in, and peer review each others’ work. We start with a structured revision of an existing publication, and then you may be able (if you want) to move on to your own project. All student authors are fully credited. See School Readiness Series: Overview in ACES.edu for an example.

This pilot project will involve teachers and parents at six smaller and larger child care centers in Alabama to understand ways of encouraging physical activity among pre-school age children in outdoor play settings. There are opportunities for play observation, data collection, video analysis, or assisting with interviewing. You must have your CITI training. This will be an interdisciplinary team, and I welcome students from many majors and minors.

The Auburn University Early Learning Center is an accredited laboratory preschool serving children ages 3, 4 and 5 years old in half day sessions. Children attend from 8:30-11:30 or from 12:30-3:30. The center, begun in 1926, has been continuously accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children since 1986.