Interested in joining or collaborating with the PRP Lab?
This page provides information for prospective graduate students, undergraduate research assistants, and researchers whose interests overlap with the lab's work. Availability, procedures, and recruitment plans may change, so please review the current information below before contacting the lab.
Prospective Graduate Students
Dr. Burger will be reviewing graduate student applications for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Prospective applicants should consult the official Stony Brook Psychology Ph.D. program page for current program requirements, deadlines, and application instructions before applying.
FAQs:
Is Dr. Burger reviewing graduate student applications for the 2027-2028 academic year?
Yes. Stony Brook Psychology currently lists Dr. Burger as reviewing applications for the 2027-2028 academic year. Applicants should still confirm the current status on the department's
Faculty Recruiting Students page.
What research interests would be a strong fit with the PRP Lab?
Relevant interests may include psychological problems and therapeutic change within individuals, individualized case conceptualization, psychotherapy mechanisms, transdiagnostic processes, intensive longitudinal assessment, personalized network analysis, formal theory and simulation, natural language processing, and LGBTQ-affirmative psychotherapy. Applicants do not need to work in every area, but they should be able to explain the specific connection between their interests and the lab's work.
Is prior programming, statistics, or computational experience required?
Experience with statistics, programming, intensive longitudinal data, or computational methods can be helpful, but applicants are not expected to arrive with mastery of every method used in the lab. Strong research foundations, a genuine interest in the lab's questions, and a willingness to develop quantitative skills are also important.
Can I request a meeting before applying?
Individual meetings may not be possible and are not required for an application. Applicants should use the lab website and the official program materials as their main sources of information.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate research assistants may have opportunities to contribute to the lab's work while developing experience in clinical science, research methods, data organization, scientific communication, and related areas. Openings depend on current projects and the lab's training capacity.
FAQs:
Is the PRP Lab currently accepting undergraduate research assistants?
Current availability will be posted here when possible. If no current information is listed, students may send a brief inquiry that explains their interest and relevant background.
What background is useful for joining the lab?
Useful preparation may include coursework or experience in psychology, research methods, statistics, programming, data management, or scientific writing. Students do not need experience in every area. Curiosity, reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are also important.
How should an undergraduate student express interest?
Send a concise message that includes your name, year, major, relevant coursework or research experience, the reason you are interested in the PRP Lab, and your general availability. A CV or resume should be attached only if the lab requests one.