Undergraduate Students
We welcome motivated and curious students to our research team. Our lab offers a collaborative and supportive environment where you’ll have the opportunity to pursue independent projects, develop new skills, and contribute to applied research on couple relationships. If you’re passionate about advancing healthy couple relationships and are eager to grow as a scientist, we’d love to hear from you!
Join our team as a volunteer or intern!
Why Get Involved?
The CARE Lab provides undergraduate students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in research, program evaluation, and community outreach focused on strengthening couple and family relationships. Students work alongside faculty, graduate students, and community partners while developing skills that prepare them for graduate school and careers in research, counseling, healthcare, education, and family-serving professions.
Where Do CARE Lab Students Go After Graduation?
CARE Lab alumni have gone on to pursue master's and doctoral degrees in Couple and Family Therapy, Human Development and Family Science, Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, and related fields. Others have entered careers in research, evaluation, healthcare, education, and community-based organizations serving individuals, couples, and families.
Interested in learning more? Visit our CARE Lab Alumni page to explore the educational and career paths of former lab members.
What Students Say
"My time with the CARE Lab has been great in many ways. I've been able to work in different roles, gaining experience as both a team member and a team leader. It always means a lot that I can see how impactful our work is on couples across Georgia." — Kaitlyn Lopes, BS Psychology '24, MS HDFS '25
“If you want to learn something new, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. When I joined the CARE Lab, many of the activities and responsibilities were completely new to me. Through those experiences, I developed skills that will benefit me in graduate school and beyond." — Isabella Nelson, B.S. Psychology ‘26
CARE Lab Opportunities
Undergraduate students play an active role in both research and outreach activities. Depending on project needs and student interests, opportunities may include:
Assisting with research and program evaluation activities
Collecting, managing, and analyzing data
Conducting literature reviews and evidence summaries
Supporting community outreach and participant recruitment efforts
Assisting with social media and communication initiatives
Participating in program implementation and evaluation activities
Contributing to conference presentations and scholarly products
Pursuing independent research through CURO
Volunteer & Internship Expectations
Because training and mentorship require a substantial investment, CARE Lab students are expected to be active, engaged members of the team and commit to contributing consistently throughout their time in the lab. Students are expected to:
Demonstrate a strong interest in research, outreach, or program evaluation
Have completed coursework in HDFS, Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field (preferred)
Commit to at least two consecutive semesters in the CARE Lab
Begin as a volunteer for at least one semester before being considered for an internship position
Commit at least 8 hours per week to in-person lab activities
Attend required meetings, trainings, and team activities
Complete assigned tasks and responsibilities in a timely manner
Maintain professional communication, reliability, and professionalism when interacting with team members and community partners
Be willing to learn and contribute as part of a collaborative team
Ready to Apply?
The CARE Lab accepts new undergraduate volunteers and interns only at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters. To be considered, applications must be submitted by the deadlines below:
Fall Semester Start (August): Applications due April 15
Spring Semester Start (January): Applications due November 15
Please note that we do not accept applications for mid-semester entry. Limited summer start opportunities may be available based on lab needs and available openings.
Questions? Email Dr. Ted Futris (tfutris@uga.edu) and Dr. Evin Richardson (evinr@uga.edu).