Title of practicum placement/position: The Nia Project – Undergraduate Practicum Student
Number of available placements per semester: 20 students from Emory University, Georgia State University, Spelman College or Agnes Scott College
Primary Duties: Support research projects (recruitment, project building, data collection, etc.), serve as a group help for therapy groups, attend weekly meetings for RAs and the full Nia team, participate in fundraising activities and other team and administrative duties as needed
Description of Site: The Nia Project was initially developed in the early 1990’s as a research intervention project for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and suicidal behavior. Since then, it has grown considerably and in addition to conducting research, the Nia Project provides a variety of psychological services, free of charge, to adults with a history of IPV and/or suicidal behavior.
- Setting – The Nia Project, which is under the auspices of Emory University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, is based at Grady Health System, a large, urban hospital located in downtown Atlanta that caters primarily to underserved and uninsured indigent populations.
- Participants – Research participants are comprised of primarily low-income, African American women with a history of suicidal behavior, many of whom have a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The individuals who participate in the comprehensive and culturally responsive clinical services primarily self-identify as African descended women who have significant trauma histories; who often have comorbid psychiatric diagnoses - including severe and persistent mental illness; and who are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced suicidal thoughts or have made suicide attempts. Many participants are also currently, or have at one time been, homeless, unemployed, uninsured and receiving government assistance.
Length of Commitment & Application Deadlines (semesters): This site offers year-round practicum opportunities (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters). A minimum commitment of TWO CONSECUTIVE semesters is strongly preferred. Due to a lengthy on-boarding/orientation process required of all trainees by Grady Hospital and the increasing number of applicants to the program, priority deadlines are as follows: June 1 (fall semester), November 1 (spring semester) and March 15 (summer semester).
Testimonial
“...Every week the research team meets for one hour of supervision. The team consists of Dr. Kaslow – Chief Psychologist and Principal Investigator of the Nia Project, the Project Coordinator, postdocs, interns, and graduate and undergraduate students. During those meetings, I had the opportunity to watch Dr. Kaslow interview two families, observe and critique a dissertation proposal, participate in discussions about research articles, learn about the stages of the research process, and gather first-hand experience of how team members can support one another among a stressful work environment.
I love going to supervision because I know I’m going to learn something new and exciting every week! Everyone on the team is available to help – I can ask any question and feel confident that someone will answer it without making me feel dumb or insecure. Before and after supervision meetings, I’ve had time to ask questions of postdocs, interns, and graduate students about their work and professional experiences. They are always eager to provide supportive feedback and advice for how to effectively navigate a clinical and research career in Psychology. Every week, I leave with new information that I can apply once I begin graduate school and in my life afterward.
My experience as a practicum student at the Nia Project was exceptional beyond words. My time spent there allowed me to increase my self-confidence and I am grateful to have been part of such a wonderful team of students and professionals. I established connections and friendships with people whom I admire in the field of psychology. My biggest thanks goes to Dr. Kaslow and Larisa. Dr. Kaslow inspires me because she is caring, hands-on, and smart. During supervision meetings, she is thought-provoking and makes me think critically. Larisa has a discerning spirit and knows what each practicum student needs to succeed; she strives to make herself available whenever needed. Being a part of the Nia Project research team has made me think and feel like a scientist.”
-LaTasha Porter, Georgia State University