DSEC Lab

The DSEC Lab looks to recruit dedicated undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in the development of emotional communication skills in adolescence. Students receive training in experimental design, statistical analysis, the collection and analysis of neuroimaging data, speech analysis, behavioural coding, and the communication of scientific findings.

Why join the DSEC Lab?

Graduate students

The DSEC Lab will be looking to recruit a graduate student to join the lab in Fall 2025. Prof. Morningstar can accept students in the Developmental, Clinical*, or Cognitive Neuroscience programs at Queen's. Individuals with interest in understanding the biological, cognitive, and social processes influencing teenagers' perception of their peers are particularly encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, detail-oriented, and motivated to learn. Information about admissions can be found here. Candidates are welcome to contact Prof. Morningstar with research ideas or specific questions.

*Please be advised that, as a Developmental faculty member, Prof. Morningstar does not have priority in accepting students to the Clinical stream and may be unable to accept a student in this program.

Undergraduate students

Directed lab students: The DSEC Lab has currently filled all PSYC 299/570/575 positions for the 2024-2025 academic year. If you are interested in completing a directed lab course in the DSEC Lab in the future, please email Dr. Morningstar (attaching your CV and unofficial transcript) in July 2025.

Volunteer research assistants: We have currently filled all our volunteer RA positions for Fall 2024. We may be looking to expand the team in the Winter 2025 term. If you are interested in assisting with recruitment, data collection, and data processing, please email the DSEC Lab Coordinator (attaching your CV and unofficial transcript) in early December 2025. We will also be looking for RAs for the summer 2025 term.

Summer fellowships: The DSEC Lab may offer the opportunity to conduct a fellowship through USSRF, NSERC USRA, or ASURF in summer 2025. Keep an eye out for these application opportunities, which are typically advertised through the Department of Psychology in the spring. SWEP positions may also become available (applications through SWEP in the spring).