Dr. Lench will be accepting applications for graduate students for the next application cycle (i.e., for the 2026-2027 academic year). For any inquiries, please contact Dr. Lench at hlench@tamu.edu.

If you are interested in the lab, fill out the lab application at the bottom of this page and reach out to the lab manager: nbhimani@tamu.edu.

Practical Concerns:

• You can register for PBSI 491, with pass/no pass credit and no paper requirement.
• You MUST register for 3 units. This is the same as taking a class – plan accordingly so you are not overwhelmed.
  • Remember, each credit means being expected to work 3 hours a week.
• If you have a GPA of 3.5 and above, you may register for PBSI 491 Honors, with graded credit and a paper requirement. Potential paper topics can be discussed about and should be something relevant to your interests and the labs.

What does being a research assistant mean?

• Being a research assistant means that you are part of a psychology research team. Together we will explore the science of psychology and the research process.

What expectations do you need to meet?

• Be prompt, professional, and respectful of participants and colleagues.
• If you are unable to be somewhere or do something, let us know ASAP.
• Express your opinions, needs, and preferences. In order to work well with you, we need to know where you want to go, what experiences you want, and what fascinates you. Although it’s not always possible to place people where they want to be right away, we try to accommodate everyone. Communication is key in a team.

What can you expect from the lab (at a minimum)?

• An exciting and varied experience with multiple projects.
• Experience with data collection, coding, and entry.
• Experience with the scientific process.
• If you meet the expectations listed above, you can expect a letter of recommendation.

What opportunities are there for you (beyond the minimum)?

• We want you to become an expert in some area. This helps you when you move to graduate school and in developing your own interests. This is not something that can be accomplished in one semester.
• Becoming an expert can lead to honor’s theses, publication, or conference collaboration, or the opportunity for individual projects.

How do you become an expert?

• Within your first few weeks here, pick a project that sounds interesting to you and let the project leader know. This doesn’t mean you can’t switch later.
• Get involved in the project, read articles on the subject (we can help), discuss this area during meetings and give updates on your progress to the group.
• Think about what else you might want to know in this area. What questions do you have that seem to be unanswered? Are there other ways to look at the problem? Offer these suggestions in group meetings.