Research Experiences to Support Diversity and Inclusion (REDI)
Graduate programs in psychology often lack representation from BIPOC students and individuals belonging to other marginalized groups. Many students face barriers accessing the research experiences that would make them competitive for graduate programs. These include limited time to volunteer in labs (e.g., due to work/caregiver duties), lack of mentorship (e.g., first-generation students), and limited prior experience. Recognizing these barriers, the REDI program is designed to provide students with low barrier, time-limited opportunities to gain experience in a research lab. The program is structured as an experiential learning opportunity geared toward students with little to no prior lab experience, and thus involves observation/shadowing more experienced researchers, mentorship from lab members, and reflection. Priority is given to students from underrepresented groups that have historically faced the most significant barriers to accessing research opportunities. This program helps to prepare students for more involved research opportunities in their upper years.
To participate in the REDI program, students complete an application in the summer and are then matched with a research labin the Fall. The REDI program is currently in its pilot stage. The Psychology department's DEDI committee, along with the JEDI committee associated with the Clinical Areas, are working to scale up the REDI program for future cohorts. Information about the next iteration of the program will be provided here once available.
Applications for the 2026/2027 cycle are now being accepted here.
The deadline for applications is July 3, 2026. A list of participating labs can be found here.
- Who can apply? What are the eligibility criteria?
To be eligible for the REDI program, students must:
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate student in the Psychology program at York University during the upcoming academic year.
- Have little to no prior experience working in a research lab.
Priority will be given to:
- Students entering their 2nd or 3rd year of study.
- Students who identify as members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in Psychology (e.g., racialized persons, Indigenous persons, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, persons with disabilities, first-generation students, etc.).
- Is REDI only open to Psychology students?
Yes. The REDI program is currently only open to undergraduate students enrolled in the Psychology program at York University.
Students from other programs are encouraged to connect with their departments or academic advisors to learn about research opportunities available within their area of study.
- Do I need previous research experience or a high GPA to apply?
No. The REDI program is specifically designed as a low-barrier opportunity for students to gain their FIRST research experience.
We prioritize students with little or no prior research experience. While there is no strict GPA requirement, completing or planning to enroll in foundational courses such as Statistical Methods or Research Methods may be beneficial.
- What happens after I apply?
The REDI application typically opens in May each year, and the application deadline is typically in early July. Applications will be reviewed and students will be matched with research labs throughout July. Applicants can expect to hear back by the end of July or early August. Students selected for the program will be invited to attend an orientation session in late August.
- How are students selected and matched with research labs?
Applications will be anonymized before being reviewed independently by two reviewers. Based on the application reviews, the REDI coordinators will match selected students with participating research labs based on factors such as student interests, learning goals, and lab availability.
- Will there be interviews for the REDI positions?
No. Students interested in the REDI program are only required to complete and submit the online application form.
- If I am not selected, what are other ways to gain research experiences as an undergraduate?
Due to limited availability, we are unable to guarantee placements for all applicants. Students are encouraged to explore additional undergraduate research opportunities through the Department of Psychology website.
- What is the time commitment for the program?
The minimum expected commitment is approximately 2 hours per week. Additional activities may also be available and can often be scheduled flexibly depending on the lab. The REDI program runs during the Fall semester. However, some labs may offer students the opportunity to continue their involvement into the Winter semester.
- Is REDI a paid position?
No. REDI is a volunteer research experience, and students do not receive financial compensation for participating in the program.
- What is involved in this volunteer experience?
Depending on the research lab, REDI students may have opportunities to:
- Attend and contribute to lab meetings.
- Learn about research protocols and the research process.
- Observe and participate in research-related activities with other lab members.
- Connect with graduate students, faculty members, research assistants, and other undergraduate research assistants.
- Participate in additional tasks and activities specific to their assigned lab.
See here for more information about participating research labs participating in 2026 REDI program
Diversifying & Demystifying Graduate School in Psychology Workshop
This annual hybrid event provides an opportunity from students not normally represented in graduate school to hear directly from others with a similar background who are pursuing graduate studies, or have completed them. Concrete and actionable advice is provided to students during break out sessions, on topics including: (1) acquiring research experience, (2) finding reference letter writers, (3) preparing a personal statement, and (4) different graduate programs and career paths.
Diversity Digest
A monthly bulletin distributed among all psychology faculty that presents concise and concrete advice regarding DEDI issues. Issues related to teaching, research, graduate student recruitment and supervision, and service are all addressed in an easy to digest bullet-point format. For those seeking further elaboration on the key ideas, links to additional readings are provided. These Diversity Digests are all archived for future reference.
Lunch & Learn
These monthly in-person events provide an opportunity for faculty to sit down and discuss DEDI issues in an informal setting. Each event is devoted to either teaching and service, with faculty sharing their questions, concerns, initiatives, and challenges in incorporating DEDI principles into their work.