Interested in joining the PERCH lab? Learn more about skills we emphasize, mentoring philosophy, open opportunities, and how to apply!

skills
general

- critical thinking
- written and verbal communication
- problem solving
- leadership
- collaboration and teamwork
- time and project management
content

- temperament and personality
- self-regulation
- socio-structural contexts
- mental and physical health
- longevity
- lifespan development
technical

- literature review and synthesis
- data collection
- coding in r
- advanced statistics and data analysis
- manuscript and grant writing
- open science research practices
mentoring philosophy

We take an individual differences approach to mentoring, meaning that we recognize and appreciate that each person is unique and has their own identities, backgrounds, values, needs, and goals. As a result, mentoring is viewed as an intentional and equitable process, with open communication and continued evaluation. We are intentional by tailoring our mentoring to the individualized needs, goals, and values of each person. We are equitable by providing each person with the same access, opportunity, and advancement within their chosen path.
prospective grad students
•As of April 28th, 2023 • dr. atherton will be reviewing graduate student applications for the upcoming academic cycle, with the hopes of recruiting 1 PhD student to start in fall 2024.
information
thank you for your interest in joining the PERCH lab! below is some information that you might find useful in determining whether you’d be a good fit for the lab, as well as some answers to frequently asked questions.

current research directions
in addition to answering research questions listed on the Research tab of this website, below are two overarching themes of ongoing research in the lab and some example projects within those themes.
1. moderating and mediating mechanisms linking personality, contexts, and health
rurality-urbanicity • personality • cardiometabolic disease, dementia, mortality
socioeconomic status • personality • cardiometabolic disease, dementia, mortality
age-period-cohort • personality • health
2. utility of social-personality psychology in real-world health settings
adherence to medical regimens
social and psychological determinants of health in primary care and emergency settings
frequently asked questions
1. where can I find more information about the SPH area, how to apply, stipend/benefits details, GRE requirements, etc?
please see https://www.uh.edu/class/psychology/social-psych/.
2. do you consider applications from international students?
yes! international students will not be eligible for some fellowships that are only available to U.S. citizens (e.g., NSF GRFP); however, there will still be department funding available if you are admitted. please see the above link for more details.
3. what criteria do you use to evaluate grad school applications?
please see here.
4. what should I do if I still have questions?
please contact dr. atherton directly at oeatherton@uh.edu.
prospective undergrad research assistants
•As of April 28th, 2023 • we are currently not accepting applications for undergraduate research assistants. you are welcome to still apply for future consideration, or to check back in future semesters for openings. if you are interested in doing a senior honors thesis in the lab, please contact dr. atherton directly at oeatherton@uh.edu.

to apply, please click the button below:
have more questions? please email perch.science@gmail.com.