Prospective Students
Prospective Students
Research Focus
The lab investigates the consequences of chronic exposure to abuse and neglect, particularly with respect to physiological arousal, emotion regulation, and information processing. A central aim is to examine how ongoing relational trauma may result in symptom presentations that differ qualitatively from single-incident trauma (e.g., accidents).
A secondary focus involves examining recovery processes and treatment approaches, often using naturalistic and ecologically grounded methodologies.
Training & Research Experience
Students engage in multiple methodological approaches, including:
• Self-report and structured interviews
• Psychophysiological recording
• Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral assessment
Lab members participate in all aspects of the research process: study design, data collection, data management, analysis, and dissemination, including conference presentations and manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publication.
Research may involve working with adult patient and non-patient populations; occasional opportunities to work with children also arise. Because our work involves narratives of significant abuse and neglect, students should be prepared for exposure to complex and emotionally intense material.
Many projects involve computer programming and experimental task design. Prior experience is not required, but intellectual independence and openness to learning are essential.
Admissions & Interview Process
The lab conducts admissions interviews once per year, during the fall semester. Applications are typically reviewed in September and October, and interviews are held during that period.
We admit a small cohort annually—approximately 1–2 MA students and 1–2 BA students—following a structured interview process.
Prospective students interested in applying during the fall cycle are encouraged to email a brief paragraph describing their research interests, relevant experience, and general availability to meet.
Inquiries should be directed to:
Stephen Kirsch
Lab Manager
kirss270@newschool.edu
While we welcome BA-MA students, the accelerated timetable often limits sufficient time for skill acquisition prior to PhD application. Students intending to pursue doctoral training are generally encouraged to allow for an additional year of preparation.