Research Opportunities

Many of our faculty members lead ongoing research projects and take on students to join as research assistants, either as volunteers or internships. Working as a research assistant allows students to gain valuable hands-on research experience in the psychology field as well as apply classroom concepts in the academic research sphere.

You can find the the current projects, descriptions, and requirements for each faculty project on this page. 

List of Faculty Research Projects

PSYC 499 - Independent Research

 

The Psychology Department offers PSYC 499 - Independent Research, a class for Psychology students who are involved in research under faculty supervision. Students can choose to earn between 1-3 units of credit which can count towards the Psychology major (up to 3 units for the major; 9 units max for overall 120 units) required for graduation. Students interested in research, graduate school, or seeking hands-on experience are highly encouraged to get involved and take PSYC 499. 

If you are interested in getting involved in PSYC 499, you must:
1) Identify a faculty mentor by reviewing the Faculty Research Projects list
2) Get faculty approval for PSYC 499 and apply for enrollment
3) Submit the completed PSYC 499 form to psychology@fullerton.edu  

We highly encourage students complete the PSYC 499 form and sign up for the class during your enrollment appointment the semester before. 
Example: If you plan on being a research assistant for the Fall 2026 semester, apply and submit the form in April of the Spring 2026 semester.

PSYC 499 Form

Student Research Spotlight

Dr. Lucia Alcala and student, Miguel Leon Fernandez, at CSUF Summer Research Symposium (2025) presenting "How Do First Generation Chicana/Latina CSUF Students Balance Two Contradicting Identities and Approach the Cultural Mismatch Between Campus and Home?"

Dr. Jessie Peissig and student, Malal Khan, at CSUF Summer Research Symposium (2025) presenting "How Hormones Relate to Judgments of Female Attractiveness".