Conduct Research
Cornell Psychology has a long and highly respected history of producing undergraduates that are fluent in critical thinking, research design and implementation, and experimentation. Direct involvement and participation in research is a crucial stepping stone to graduate studies, clinical psychology programs, and other post-graduate education and professional positions.
Research for Credit
The first step toward conducting research involves contacting faculty members of the Psychology department to volunteer in a laboratory, receive course credit for conducting research (PSYCH 4700), or to inquire about research for pay when opportunities are available (through Cornell Student Employment).
Honors Research
Rising Seniors with prior research experience can consider applying for the Honors Program in Psychology or Honors Program in Human Development to conduct a project of their own and earn this special distinction.
Research and Travel Awards
The Department of Psychology offers awards to Cornell undergraduate students engaged in research to facilitate conducting empirical research and/or for the dissemination of that research.
The overall goal of these awards is to promote undergraduate research in psychology at Cornell. Our awards aim to provide funds to help motivated and talented undergraduate students undertake independent empirical work and take part in the dissemination of the work via attendance at national conferences. Although students from all majors/minors are encouraged to apply, priority will be given to Psychology, Human Development, Cognitive Science, and Moral Psychology majors and minors.
Funds are generously provided by the Halpern and Rosevear families.
Individual awards can be requested for up to a maximum of $500 for the purposes of research support or attendance at conferences. More information on each award and purpose is provided below.
Undergraduate students will need to download, complete and submit a nomination form. For each nominated undergraduate, a Psychology department faculty member must send a brief statement of support for each applicant, including the amount requested and the purpose of the award. Please send all materials to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Lauren Korfine (psych-dus@cornell.edu).
Students may apply for these awards between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. For senior recipients, funds must be spent prior to graduation.
Importantly, these awards are only given to undergraduates who have already applied for research awards at the College level, such as the Einhorn and Undergraduate Research awards offered through the College of Arts & Sciences, or the Alan D. Mathios Research and Service Grant through Cornell Human Ecology. (See links below.)
The Psychology Department Undergraduate Research Award provides support to offset the cost associated with research; the funds can be used for participant payments and equipment. Funds for this award are sent directly to the student's bursar account.
The Psychology Department Undergraduate Travel Award provides support to offset the cost associated with business-related travel to present or actively participate in a conference on behalf of the student's faculty mentor and the university. Funds for this award are sent directly to the student's bursar account.
Summer Undergraduate Research (SURF)
The Psychology Summer Undergraduate Research program provides funding support to Cornell Psychology undergraduates interested in gaining research experience and pursuing a career in the field of Psychology.
SURF is supported by the Wade-Adkins-Regan, Rosavear Undergraduate Research/MRI, and the B. Halpern Undergraduate Research Funds.
The summer appointment period for 2025 will fall within June 9, 2025, and August 15, 2025. Students may apply for individual projects which normally run for eight weeks. Hours per week are project specific and compensation of $16.50/hour is provided. Research can take place in the lab or virtually; the format will be approved by the faculty supervisor.
This is a competitive program with limited funding open only to Cornell Human Development and Psychology majors. Students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented/historically excluded in higher education are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and eligible for employment in the United States.
Interested students should contact a faculty mentor to initiate the application process; students must have a mentor (new or current) committed to work with them over the summer before applying.
You must apply online by April 29, 2025, via Workday: here
A complete application, compiled into a single PDF, will include:
- Completed questionnaire, available here,
- Current CV/Resume, and
- Statement of research and professional goals (one page maximum, single spaced, 11--12 point font) in which you describe your research plan (what you are proposing to work on with your faculty mentor over the summer) and its relevance to your educational and career goals.
In addition, a short statement acknowledging support from faculty mentors is required. Mentors should note this acknowledgement here by April 29, 2025.
Contact us with questions at surf_psych@cornell.edu.
Undergraduate Awards (College of Arts&Sciences)
Einhorn Grant and Undergrad Research Fund
For research funding in the College of Arts & Sciences, you must already be working with a faculty member. You can then either apply for an Einhorn Grant or apply for a grant from the Undergraduate Research Fund. Students may apply to both funds for the same research project but must submit separate research applications and budgets. Funding is only provided for the academic year. Fall applications are due by October 31. Spring applications are due by March 31. Details and application links can be found on the College of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Research page.
Undergraduate Awards (Cornell Human Ecology)
Alan D. Mathios Research and Service Grant
The Alan D. Mathios Research and Service Grant funds undergraduate Human Ecology students’ research and service activities that further the mission of the college to improve lives. The Human Ecology Alumni Association (HEAA) awards these grants bi-annually to qualified CHE students and funds proposals that extend Alan Mathios’ legacy of visionary leadership and service. Individual awards range from $200 to $2,000 per recipient. FAQ and application information can be found on the Cornell Human Ecology Student Grants, Awards + Stipends page.
Participate in Research
Overview
A significant portion of the research conducted by the Psychology department relies on the participation of others. The nature of the work that rests on the participation of the community includes studying language in babies, children and adults, studying judgment and decision-making, studying mechanisms of perception, cognition, attention, and memory, and studying development of social behavior.
Research for Course Credit
Undergraduate students can participate in research for extra credit or as part of their courses through SONA.
Voluntary or Paid Research Participation
Some opportunities to be a paid participant also exist. Announcements are made in Psychology classes, and researchers often post flyers with information and requests for participants in both Uris and Martha Van Rensselaer Halls.
Our department has a long tradition of conducting developmental research to better understand human health and social behavior. The Lifespan Labs at Cornell (LiLaC) are a group of research labs which study all stages of human development, from infancy and childhood to adolescence and adulthood. Studies take place on the Cornell campus, in local museums and schools, in family homes, and online. Participants of all ages are needed.
We welcome your assistance in the work that we do.