Interested in Participating?
There are numerous opportunities to participate in the research conducted by the Carlson and Zelazo Lab. Please see below to learn more about them!
For Families
For Undergraduate Students
We welcome undergraduate research assistants (URAs) to join the Carlson and Zelazo DSCN Lab! Students have the opportunity to help support our research in a variety of ways, including recruitment, data collection, coding, entry, analysis, presentation, and publication.
To become a URA for credits, please go to our CPSY 4994 page to learn more. To discuss an Honors thesis or an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) project, please email Dr. Carlson (smc@umn.edu) or Dr. Zelazo (zelazo@umn.edu) directly.
DSCN Lab URAs and graduate students with Dr. Carlson and Dr. Zelazo
CPSY 4994 (undergraduate directed research)
Each semester we seek Undergraduate Research Assistants (URAs) to participate in our lab for directed research credit (CPSY 4994) or, occasionally, as volunteers. We’d love to consider you for our team!
The Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain valuable research experience and earn college credits while working with preschool and school-aged children in a laboratory setting.
Current research topics include self-control, perspective-taking and pretend play. Our undergraduates are an integral part of our lab, and participate in all levels of our research. From offering suggestions for developing protocols to running sessions with children and families, research assistants are afforded every opportunity to pursue their own interests and apply their own skills within our lab.
As a Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab research assistant, you will interact with some of the leading scientists in the field of child development. You will also have the chance to contribute to presentations of our research at international conferences and be included in future publications. This is the perfect opportunity to develop important research skills and relationships while learning about children’s social cognitive development.
How to Apply
To apply please fill out this application form. Inquiries and questions can be directed to childlab@umn.edu.
"DSCN Lab has given me the opportunity to dive into research as an undergraduate. As a first-generation college student, the lab has provided an invaluable support system that has made me feel welcomed and empowered, helping me navigate both academic challenges and personal growth while pursuing my research goals. Additionally, DSCN lab fosters a highly collaborative atmosphere where diverse ideas are valued. Being a part of this team has deepened my passion for developmental psychology research and has inspired me to pursue a PhD to continue exploring and contributing to the field. The hands-on experience has opened the door to many opportunities, such as presenting my analysis of our collected data at the Minnesota Undergraduate Psychology Conference 2025 and the Institute of Child Development Symposium. Overall, my experience in this lab has been transformative, equipping me with the skills, passion, and determination to pursue a future in research and make a lasting impact on my career and life goals."
"My experience in the DSCN Lab has been phenomenal! Both the URAs and staff have been very supportive and friendly, always eager to volunteer a helping hand. Being able to engage with participants has been very beneficial to my future goals. I am very fortunate to be a part of this study and work alongside such amazing people! I am looking forward to another great semester to come!"
For graduate students
Drs. Carlson and Zelazo are currently accepting applications for graduate students at the Institute of Child Development. Please see the ICD website for more information.
Advising Expectations
Learn more about what to expect as a graduate student in the Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab. Drs. Carlson and Zelazo outline what you can expect from them as an advisor/mentor and provide an overview of their expectations of students in the child psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota.
Directions
Here are some walking and driving directions to our lab. We’ve provided general directions from all points North, South, East and West below. You can also find more specific directions by using Google maps or another mapping service on your phone.
If we can be of assistance, please call us at (612) 626-3187.
Drive north on I-35W to the “U of M/ 3rd Street” exit (Exit 17C). Follow the signs for “U of M East Bank” to get to Washington Ave. Continue on Washington Ave over the bridge and take the East River Pkwy ramp, the first right after the bridge. Turn right on to East River Rd at the stop sign. Continue on East River Rd until you reach the stop sign at Pillsbury Dr. Turn right and you will see the sign for the Institute of Child Development immediately on you right. Turn into our driveway, and pull into the angled parking spaces that face the wooden swing and the Institute of Child Development (Campbell Hall). A research assistant will meet you with a parking permit; please stay with your car until then to avoid being ticketed!
Take I-394 East toward Minneapolis to reach East I-94. Merge onto 1-35W North (Exit 233C, a left exit). Drive north on I-35W to the “U of M/ 3rd Street” exit (Exit 17C). Keep right at the fork in the road and follow the signs for “U of M East Bank” to get to Washington Ave. Continue on Washington Ave over the bridge and take the East River Pkwy ramp, the first right after the bridge. Turn right on to East River Rd at the stop sign. Continue on East River Rd until you reach the stop sign at Pillsbury Dr. Turn right and you will see the sign for the Institute of Child Development immediately on you right. Turn into our driveway, go past the first two sets of parking spaces, and pull into the angled parking spaces that face the wooden swing and the Institute of Child Development (Campbell Hall). A research assistant will meet you with a parking permit; please stay with your car until then to avoid being ticketed!
Drive south in I-35W to the “University Ave/ 4th Street” exit (Exit 18). Turn left onto University Ave and drive about five blocks. Turn right at the stoplight at 14th Ave SE. Go one block to the stop sign (Pillsbury Dr) and turn left. The first right is the driveway to the Institute of Child Development. Go past the first two sets of parking spaces, and pull into the angled parking spaces that face the wooden swing and the Institute of Child Development (Campbell Hall). A research assistant will meet you with a parking permit; please stay with your car until then to avoid being ticketed!
Take I-94 West to Huron Blvd (Exit 235B). Go three blocks to Washington Ave. Take a left on Washington and go four blocks to Harvard St. Turn left and follow Harvard St until you reach River Rd. Turn right and stay on River Rd until you get to the stop sign at Pillsbury Dr. Turn right and you will see the sign for the Institute of Child Development immediately on your right. Turn into our driveway, go past the first two sets of parking spaces, and pull into the angled parking spaces that face the wooden swing and the Institute of Child Development (Campbell Hall). A research assistant will meet you with a parking permit; please stay with your car until then to avoid being ticketed!
Enter campus from 15th Ave SE and University Ave. From the intersection of Pleasant and Pillsbury, (15th becomes Pleasant when you enter campus) go down Pillsbury towards 14th Ave. The knoll area should be on your right and Eddy Hall should be on your left. Just past Shevlin Hall, (on your left) there will be a driveway (also on your left). Go down it past Pattee Hall. The Institute of Child Development is at the end of this driveway (Campbell Hall). A research assistant will greet you by the main entrance.