Overview of Lab Interests

In addition to hallucinations and delusions, people with schizophrenia often have problems with cognition in many domains such as memory, learning, executive function, and attention. In the MAPS Lab, we are interested in the neurobiological mechanisms that support these cognitive processes in people without a psychiatric illness, and how these mechanisms are disrupted in people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. By understanding the underlying pathophysiology that gives rise to cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, we hope to be able to develop more effective and targeted treatments for remediating these deficits.

Our studies are typically comprised of three phases: in Phase 1, research participants complete a diagnostic interview conducted by full-time research staff. In Phase 2, participants complete a battery of neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive functioning in different domains. Finally, in Phase 3, participants complete a series of computerized cognitive tasks, usually while electroencephalography (EEG) is recorded.

Your Role

As a volunteer member of this lab, you will have the opportunity to develop skills in one of two specific areas: the clinical specialization track or the EEG specialization track. You will be expected to commit 7-8 hours per week (clinical track) or 10 hours per week (EEG track) for a minimum of two consecutive quarters on a probationary basis. Volunteers will be accepted into the lab under their preferred specialization and will focus on becoming proficient in the track’s skills for the first two quarters in the lab. Contingent on good performance, there will be opportunities to expand your role in the lab to other advanced activities as well as promotion to part-time paid status at the conclusion of your two-quarter commitment. See below for track descriptions.

Metcalf Funding

At this time, Metcalf funding is not available for undergraduate research assistants during the probationary period. As described above, following the first two volunteer quarters, you may have the opportunity to move into a part-time paid position funded by Dr. Erickson for the following quarters. If you have any questions, please send all inquiries to our undergraduate research assistant coordinator, Charlotte Li (charyli@uchicago.edu).

Currently, the MAPS Lab is looking to recruit volunteers for EEG track. The application portal can be accessed here.