VISN 17 Center of Excellence
Training Opportunities
Undergraduate
Graduate
Undergraduate Training
VA Center of Excellence Research Program (VA-CERP)
The VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans is currently accepting applications for a two-semester (required minimum) undergraduate research program which begins in the fall of each school year. The purpose of this training program is to provide current undergraduate students with practical research experience in mental health and neuroscience research, specifically focused on a Veteran population.
Students will have the opportunity to be trained in several aspects of research including (but not limited to):
• Data entry
• Data management
• Screening participants for eligibility into current research studies
• Literature searches
• Reviewing articles
• Motivated and committed research assistants may be invited to participate in the dissemination of research through presentations at local and national conferences or publication in professional journals.
In addition to research training and experience, students will receive mentorship in preparing for graduate school or post-baccalaureate careers
Requirements
• Current enrollment at Baylor University or Tarleton State University
• Overall GPA of 3.3 or higher
• High interest in research
• Able and willing to make a 10 hour/week commitment for two semesters
For more information, please email Dr. Laura Zambrano-Vazquez (laura.zambrano-vazquez@va.gov). Please include your name and phone number where you can be reached.
VA Work Study
The Center of Excellence offers paid work-study positions throughout the year for Veterans who are currently pursuing undergraduate degrees at accredited institutions of higher learning. If you are interested in a work study position, please contact Dr. Laura Zambrano-Vazquez (laura.zambrano-vazquez@va.gov).
Graduate Training
The VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans is currently offering a two-semester (required minimum) graduate level clinical research program which begins in the fall of each school year. Each graduate student will develop skills in conducting clinically relevant research with Veterans.
Included clinical training may include:
• Clinical interviewing
• Evidence-based manualized clinical interviewing (e.g. CAPS-5, SCID-I or II)
• Manualized therapy protocols
• Screening participants for eligibility into current research studies
• Data coding, entry, and management of clinical data
• Analysis of clinical data to answer research questions
• Motivated and committed practicum students may be invited to co-author professional manuscripts or be selected to obtain mentoring for thesis or dissertation support
In addition to clinical training and experience, students will receive mentorship in preparing for internship and/or career planning.
Requirements:
• Current enrollment in the clinical psychology doctoral program at Texas A&M University, or the master’s level counseling program at Tarleton State University (pending)
• Overall GPA of 3.5 or higher
• High interest in research
• Able and willing to make a 12 hour/week commitment for two semesters
For more information, please email Dr. Laura Zambrano-Vazquez (laura.zambrano-vazquez@va.gov). Please include your name and phone number where you can be reached.
