Summer Internship @ George Mason University, PLAY Lab, Fairfax VA

The Play, Learning, Arts, and Youth Lab at George Mason University, under the direction of Dr. Thalia Goldstein, is now accepting applications for its annual paid Summer Internship Program. The lab’s research investigates how children and adults engage with the arts, fiction, and imagination, and how such engagement intersects with their social skills. Research methods include qualitative coding, in-lab experiments, and field-based research in science centers, schools, and theaters. For more information, visit the lab’s homepage at playlab.gmu.edu.

This internship offers students the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Goldstein and the lab's graduate students on both ongoing and new studies. Current projects are at various stages of development, including design, data collection, data preparation and coding, analysis, and writing. Interns will be involved in a wide range of activities, including project preparation, participant recruitment, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of results. Weekly lab meetings and professional seminars will also be part of the internship experience.

The internship is in-person at the lab in Fairfax, Virginia. Interns may choose to work full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week). Some evening and weekend work may be required, depending on participant availability. Start and end dates are flexible, but a minimum 8-week commitment is required.

A stipend will be provided to all interns. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding through their home institutions. The lab anticipates hiring 2-4 interns, depending on funding and availability.

The internship is open to all undergraduate students, including those graduating in 2025, as well as recent college graduates. It is especially suited for students considering graduate study in psychology or cognitive science.

Application due March 1, 2025 

Click here to apply