The SNaPP Lab application period will be announced soon.
***Please note that you are applying to join for Spring 2026***
What is the SNaPP Lab?
The Social Networks and Political Psychology (SNaPP) Lab is a collaborative research group, directed by Prof. Jaime Settle but driven by the questions and ideas of the undergraduates involved in the group. Each year, students contribute to an ongoing project in the lab related to Prof. Settle’s active research agenda.
Why join the SnaPP Lab?
The goal of the SNaPP Lab experience is to enable students to develop the analytical, methodological and writing skills necessary to 1) successfully execute a high-quality independent research project before they graduate and 2) plan for and attain post-graduation opportunities (job, graduate school, fellowship, etc.) that utilize those skills. Equally important are the opportunities to 1) work closely with a faculty member outside of the classroom environment and 2) interact with other students interested in data analysis and research.
What is the time commitment?
New lab members must sign up for two credits of GOVT 394 (Directed Research). Returning members can 1) receive up to two credits of GOVT 394, can 2) affiliate with the lab while receiving credit for an independent study or honors thesis, or can 3) be paid for their research assistance.
New members will meet every Wednesday from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Some weeks will be whole group lab meetings and some weeks will be “Boot Camp” (see “What We Do” for more information). All lab members will be assigned to a project team, and each team meets with Prof. Settle at some point in the 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. window on Fridays. Lab members should plan to keep their schedules clear on Wednesdays (3:30-5:00) and should be available for at least an hour during the Friday slot (2:00 -4:00).
In addition to the meeting times on Wednesdays and Fridays, joining the lab is a 5-10 hour/week commitment working on shared or independent research projects. At the end of each semester, lab members put together a presentation highlighting what they have accomplished individually and with their teams.
Resources
Find out more about what lab members will be doing on the active lab research page.
Find out more about the experience–Ideal Trajectory for SNaPP Lab Members—as well as recommended courses to complement your experience in the lab
You are encouraged to check out the Data Science department. The coursework in this sequence would be an excellent preparation alongside your experience in the lab.
What makes for a successful applicant?
Read up on what boot camp entails.
Application
Lab Application (TribeCareers)
To find the position – SNaPP Lab Research Assistant → ID#: 234531
Important Dates
Applications go live: November 5thApplications due: November 19thInterviews: Week of December 1stDecisions: Week of December 8thAccepted students must register for GOVT 394: Before schedule adjustment period endsFirst Meeting: January 2026