Apply to Join the Psycho-Oncology Research Program
Building air purifiers for cancer patients (2024)
The mission of the Psycho-Oncology Research Program is to use psychology to improve the health and quality of life of people with cancer and their families. Please review recent publications to understand the content of our specific studies. Lab values include hard work, efficiency, courage, future-mindedness, and commitment. We are steadily expanding, so if you are interested in conducting psycho-oncology research, please apply to join our lab. Please note that students interested in pediatrics, neuroscience, or non-research careers should identify other departmental faculty.
- Applicants to the PhD Program (2025 start date):
This cycle, Dr. Hoerger plans to accept oneHealth Psychology PhD student. Applicants should have a firm understanding of continued importance of COVID mitigation (masking, vaccinations, air quality), given our work to reduce severe outcomes among cancer patients. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, who are immunocompromised, or who put their academic careers on hold because of the ongoing state of COVID and will create as supportive an environment as possible given institutional constraints. Applicants should have a background in psychology, with a Master's degree, undergrduate major, or minor in psychology or a closely-related field, and should plan to pursue a research-intensive career. Apply by November 30, 2025. The admissions system typically opens in late August. Learn More...
- PhD Applicant Portal - Choose Psychology, and then Health Psychology or Behavioral Health where prompted
(2019) - Current Tulane Students:
Current Tulane students interested in joining the lab should complete an application and email it to Dr. Hoerger. Note that the standard deadlines are August 1 for the fall, November 15 for the spring, and March 15 for the summer. Undergraduates are expected to devote at least 10 hours/week for course credit (e.g., 2 credits). Graduate and medical students should develop an individualized plan with Dr. Hoerger; the deadlines and obligations are negotiable, but a consistent commitment is expected. All lab members must attend weekly lab meetings (Fridays, 3:05-4:20pm via Zoom) during the fall and spring semesters. Paid opportunities become available with experience. Our research assistants gain mentorship and skills that enable them to present at research conferences, publish, earn competitive research funding, and advance to highly-competitive future opportunities, including fellowships, employment, and admission to PhD, MD, and other advanced degree programs. We only accept 10-20% of applicants, so applicants are encouraged to apply to multiple labs simultaneously.
Student Authored/Co-Authored Publications
Students in the lab have produced >50 publications as lead author or co-author under Dr. Hoerger's direct mentorship. Publications ensure that our research benefits society, support future research grant funding opportunities, and substantially enhance the training, career, and financial opportunities of those involved.
Recent Student-led Conference Posters and Presentations
Students have presented >25 conference presentations and posters, usually 4-5 per year. We train students in the knowledge and skills needed to present, encourage conference submissions after a semester involved in the lab, and help secure funding to attend. Conference presentations and posters push forward project activities and document students' accomplishments on CVs and resumes. We have lab-specific evidence showing that conference output predicts acceptance into PhD, MD, and other graduate degree programs.