Psychology Undergraduate Research Readiness (PURR) Program
What is PURR? Heading link
The Psychology Undergraduate Research Readiness (PURR) Program is both a course and program designed to equip undergraduate Psychology and allied majors with research knowledge, skills, and mentorship. Through engaging workshops, hands-on activities, and personalized mentor-mentee meetings, participants will strengthen their academic and research portfolios and join a supportive community. The program is currently co-led by Drs. Josefina Bañales and Christine Coughlin.
How is the program structured? Heading link
Workshops: Participants will attend workshops and panels that support undergraduate students’ awareness of and involvement in research
Mentorship: Undergraduate student mentees are paired with a graduate student mentor to promote a professional relationship that supports mentees’ awareness of and involvement in research, graduate school, and “hidden curriculum” associated with research and graduate school. Mentors and mentees will attend the workshops and meet throughout the semester.
Course: Undergraduate participants register for an in-person, 1-credit course – PSCH 394 – which is designed as a 2-semester class structure (1-credit each semester).
How Can I Get Involved? Heading link
There are two options for involvement in the PURR Program.
Register for PSCH 394
The first avenue involves taking an official PURR course (PSCH 394), which provides regular instruction via workshops, panels, and one-on-one mentorship. The course content is designed to span the fall and spring semesters, so students are highly encouraged to enroll in the course for both semesters. Please note that each course is currently capped at 20 students, so students who wish to join the program should register early.
- Undergraduate students who are interested in taking a course as mentees must register for PSCH 394 (CRN: 33310) with Dr. Christine Coughlin before the add/drop deadline. You will need approval from your academic advisor to register.
- Graduate students who are interested in taking a course as mentors must register for PSCH 594 (CRN: 34978) with Dr. Josefina Bañales.
Drop in when you can
The second avenue involves “dropping in” to our monthly workshops and panels when your schedule allows. Our workshops and panels are designed to help undergraduate students obtain research knowledge, skills. You are welcome to attend all events, so no registration or sign-up is necessary (see below for the current semester’s workshop schedule). Please note that this level of participation does not involve participating in a course and will thus not be listed on your academic record.
Semester Workshops Heading link
During the fall and spring semesters, we host several workshops that provide undergraduates with professional development information to prepare them to apply for research labs, graduate education, and post-graduate opportunities. Click the link below to learn more about the workshops being offered this semester.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Heading link
1. What kinds of workshops are offered?
During the fall and spring semesters, we host several workshops that provide undergraduates with professional development information to prepare them to apply for research labs, graduate education, and post-graduate opportunities. Some recent examples include:
- What is Research and What Does it Have to Do with Me? (workshop)
- How to Get Involved in Research (panel)
- How to Format Your CV (workshop)
2. Is attendance required for PSCH 394?
Yes, this course is in-person and attendance is required because we believe that face-to-face interaction fosters a more dynamic and engaging learning environment. This setting also encourages stronger connections with peers and mentors, which is essential for building a supportive academic network.
3. Can I attend the workshops if I am not taking the course?
Yes, you can attend the workshops even if you do not take the course. Please check our current schedule (see above) for a list of workshops you can attend.
4. Can I register for PSCH 394 in the spring semester if I did not take it in the fall semester?
Yes, you may register; however, we give priority registration to those who took the course in the fall.
Have More Questions? Heading link
Please email PURR@uic.edu if you have additional questions.
Meet the PURR Team! Heading link
Dr. Christine Coughlin is an Assistant Professor in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences Psychology Area at UIC. Her research leverages behavioral and neuroimaging methods to investigate how memory improvements contribute to the development of flexible cognitive abilities, such as future event imagination, reasoning, and creativity. As a first-generation college student, Dr. Coughlin is passionate about supporting students from all backgrounds. Outside of work, she loves burritos, pups, and the outdoors!
| Faculty Member, Brain & Cognitive Sciences
Dr. Josefina Bañales is an Assistant Professor in the Community and Applied Developmental Psychology Area at UIC. Dr. Bañales infuses her personal experiences as a Mexican American woman who is a first-generation high school, college, and doctoral student from the Southwest side of Chicago with her community-engaged research with youth of color in schools and community organizations. As an undergraduate student, Dr. Bañales completed the Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP). With the CAMBIAR Collective, her research examines how youth develop beliefs, feelings, and actions that challenge racism (i.e., youth critical racial consciousness development). In collaboration with youth, schools, parents, and community organizations, she co-creates opportunities that facilitate youths’ critical racial consciousness development. Dr. Bañales loves hot black coffee, singing, and walking at a very leisurely pace.
| Faculty Member, Community & Applied Developmental Psychology
Josh is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Community & Applied Developmental Psychology Program at UIC. Josh earned his BA in psychology from Duke University. Prior to pursuing graduate studies, Josh was a Fulbright Scholar in South Korea, where he spent three years teaching ESL to a wide range of students. He is broadly interested in the social and behavioral contexts of learning, especially in the social-emotional competencies of teachers and how this impacts a variety of factors in the classroom and school ecology. Josh has a fervid passion for teaching and pedagogy and wants to explore teaching-oriented careers after completing his PhD.
| Graduate Student, Community & Applied Developmental Psychology
Taylor is a 6 th year graduate student in the Brain & Cognitive Sciences Program. She earned her BS from the University of South Carolina and moved to Chicago to start at UIC right after her graduation. She is interested in problem-solving, and her current research focuses on insight problem-solving and the Aha! experience in the real-world context of computer-programming. In the future, she wants to explore a career in industry because she loves using data and stats to answer real-world questions.
| Graduate Student, Cognitive & Brain Sciences