2026-06-09 –, HA Room 2416
Prior to graduate programs in psychology or related fields, undergraduates are expected to have a strong background in research. However, developing research skills depends on the experiences offered at their institution, which are often limited. This lack of opportunities may stem from advisors and mentors not having the bandwidth, time, and resources to support novice student researchers. One possible solution is to implement a hierarchical lab model where more senior undergraduates support and mentor junior students, thereby reducing faculty workload while expanding access to research training. Through this hackathon, we will identify which research products (e.g., posters, manuscripts) are best suited for peer mentorship and how to implement these models while maintaining research quality within a researcher's respective lab. Attendees will leave with new insights and strategies for implementing a peer-mentor system in their labs.
A Hierarchical Lab Model Blueprint
How will the session's content foster diversity & inclusion (e.g., who will present, who will it serve), and how will it improve psychological science?:This unconference will be organized and led primarily by a team of undergraduate students at a public university in the United States. In addition, most of our speakers ascribe to stigmatized identities and are open to sharing their lived experiences and insights on how to make psychological science more equitable for those historically underserved. This session will improve psychological science by giving strategies and blueprints for researchers to promote more equitable opportunities in a manageable way. Raising awareness of this lab model helps equip faculty, graduate students, and other mentors to better prepare undergraduates for graduate careers.
Please note any pre-requisite knowledge/expertise you will expect from attendees (i.e., is the session most appropriate for someone who already has experience with a topic?).:No prior expertise or knowledge is required for this Hackathon. All that is needed is a desire to mentor undergraduates and a commitment to improve equity in research experiences. This session is designed for mentors at all levels, including faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates who are interested in becoming mentors or learning more about different mentoring models.
Jonathan Griffin Perry (they/them) is an 3rd year undergraduate at George Mason University studying psychology. They currently serve as a lab manager in Dr. Natasha Tonges’ Trust and Interpersonal Disclosure Lab. Their passions lie in research and advocacy for underserved populations, particularly queer men of color.