internship & volunteer opportunities


View a quick handout on research opportunities at CHEST

CHEST provides its interns and volunteers with learning opportunities during which they are able to apply their skills towards helping us carry out our mission of identifying and promoting strategies that prevent the spread of HIV and improve the lives of people living with HIV.

We accept applications from enthusiastic individuals willing to volunteer their time in an intern or volunteer capacity prior to the start of each academic semester. Please note that all internship and volunteer opportunities are unpaid.


*The Spring 2012 Internship application period has ended.*
Applicants interested in interning/volunteering at CHEST for the summer of 2012 can begin applying on May 1, 2012.

Examples of Ongoing Projects & Opportunities for Interns

  • Gain exposure to qualitative research through interview transcription.
  • Participate in recruitment efforts by preparing materials and attending events, venues and organizations which cater to our populations of interest.
  • Be part of the team that develops projects by screening potential participants for eligibility, making reminder calls to participants, organizing data, making appointment binders, and performing data quality assurance tasks.
  • Enter data from assessments and field surveys.
  • Organize data for various projects.
  • Train and engage in Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) Coding. Motivational interviewing is a client centered counseling method utilized in many CHEST behavioral interventions. MITI coding involves listening to counseling sessions and scoring the therapist on their use of MI skills. Given that this involves intensive training, we ask that interns who wish to train in MITI coding commit to at least two semesters of work at CHEST.
  • Assist with literature searches for papers and grants in process. Work closely with a staff person to create annotated bibliographies and literature reviews in support of the publication and funding process.

    Please note: Due to the level of training and time commitment required, interns and volunteers do not engage in counseling or outreach directly with study participants. As an Intern, you can expect to spend 7-10 hours a week at our research site in Chelsea working on our HIV-related and sex research studies to gain research experience for graduate school.

    Internships through CUNY

    Hunter College Students
    1. Independent Study. Psych 201 (Independent Study, 3 credits) - This course requires that you dedicate 7 hours per week over the course of the semester at CHEST and write a short paper about your experiences. Note that the only prerequisite for Psych 201 is six credits of psychology.
    Click here to read the Syllabus

    2. Independent Research. Psych 395 (Independent Research) - Spend a second semester with us during which you dedicate 7 hours per week over the course of the semester at CHEST, and write a longer paper based on data with which you worked. This is for students who have already completed a semester of Psych 201 with CHEST.
    Click here to read the syllabus

    3. Honor Thesis. Psych 396/398 (Honors Thesis) - Students can enroll in this course in order to graduate with departmental honors. There are, however, specific requirements in terms of grade point average for students to take this course (check with the Hunter Psychology Department). The requirements for this course involve the conceptualization of research questions, a full literature review, data analyses, and the completion of a full thesis. Students spend two semesters working on this.
    Click here to read the Syllabus

    4. Masters Thesis. Psych 707
    Click here to read the Syllabus

    5. Masters Independent Research. Psych 690
    Click here to read the Syllabus

    Send CV and cover letter to:
    Dr. Brooke Wells
    Research Scientist
    Dr. Brooke Wells


    CUNY: Graduate Center Students:
    Please review our list of ongoing research studies.

    Send CV and cover letter to:
    Dr. Brooke Wells
    Research Scientist
    Dr. Brooke Wells


    Brooklyn College Students:
    1. "Health and Nutrition Science" - Students at Brooklyn College may be eligible to register for HNS 83.1 "Honors Directed Research" with Dr. Christian Grov. Prior research experience is not necessary. Students must have 12 credits of HNS coursework completed with at least a 3.0 GPA. The time commitment is 150 hours/semester (10 hours/week).
    Click here for a flyer with more information

    Send CV and cover letter to:
    Dr. Christian Grov
    Faculty Affiliate
    Dr. Christian Grov

    2. "Independent Research" - The time commitment is 90 hours/semester (6 hours/week).
    Click here to view a flyer with more information

    Send CV and cover letter to:
    Dr. Christian Grov
    Faculty Affiliate
    Dr. Christian Grov

    Other CUNY Students:

    If you are a Hunter Student (but your major/minor is not in Psychology), are a Brooklyn College Student (but your major is not Health and Nutrition), or are with a different CUNY school, you may still be eligible to register for an Internship via your department. Contact your department to see if they offer "Independent Study" or "Internship" Credits. You will register within your department, however, your time will be spent here at CHEST.

    Send CV and cover letter to:
    Dr. Brooke Wells
    Research Scientist
    Dr. Brooke Wells

    Internships through other Academic Institutions:

    CHEST is delighted to work with Interns from academic institutions outside of the CUNY system (Graduate and Undergraduate). If you would like to receive credit for internship hours at CHEST, please consult with faculty advisors at your home institution. Please review our list of ongoing research studies.

    Send CV and cover letter to:
    Dr. Brooke Wells
    Research Scientist
    Dr. Brooke Wells

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