If you are interested in becoming a member of the lab, see below and contact Dr. Kucker directly at skucker@smu.edu

For prospective students:

Undergraduate Students

We are always looking for highly-motivated, interested students to join the lab. All backgrounds are welcome to apply and prior experience with research or in a lab is not required. Students from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Research assistants help in the running of studies, recruitment of families, coding of data, literature searching, and other parts of a successful research project. Research assistants can receive credit for their work through an independent study or distinction project, can volunteer in the lab, or join for lively discussions at lab meetings. Dr. Kucker has also mentored a number of Distinction projects, honors thesis, independent research, and McNair Scholar projects; students interested in these avenues are welcome to reach out and discuss options. All research assistants must complete a short application (found here; to be emailed to Dr. Kucker when complete) and if applicable, will meet to discuss possibilities with Dr. Kucker.

Graduate Students

Dr. Kucker plans to review applications in fall 2024 for a graduate student to start in the fall of 2025. Importantly, Dr. Kucker seeks students who are committed to engaging in developmental and cognitive research and demonstrate an aptitude and passion for psychological rigor, regardless of specific background or experiences. Dr. Kucker and the KID lab recognize that such aptitude and passion may arise from a variety of backgrounds, including those that are less traditional. As such, students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially those from underrepresented groups. Prospective students should reach out to Dr. Kucker to discuss interest in the lab, potential fit, and learn more about the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Southern Methodist University. More information about the application process can be found here.
Current graduate students interested in finding out more about the lab or current studies are encouraged to contact Dr. Kucker via email. There are many opportunities for collaborations across labs, departments, and even universities.