The Division 15 Annual Doctoral Student Research Seminar occurs before and during the annual meeting of APA. The purposes of the seminar are to allow informal exchange of ideas about research and to demystify the process of becoming a researcher.

Selected students attend conference presentations, participate in social events, and meet with distinguished researchers. Students also work with faculty to discuss their dissertation research. The seminar is to be limited to a select number of students with no more than three from the same institution. Applicants must be enrolled as full-time doctoral students and, ideally, be in the preliminary stages of their dissertation.

Selections are based on: (a) the quality of the submitted work and (b) the student’s fit with Division 15, the interests of the other applicants, and the expertise of participating faculty. The seminar is free and Division 15 provides some meals and refreshments. Students also receive a stipend intended to assist with the cost of travel, registration, and Division 15 membership. Selected students are expected to attend all seminar events and selected Division 15 events throughout the conference.

• A completed online application consisting of: 1) a 100 word abstract of dissertation study, 2) dissertation timeline, 3) 100 word statement of research interests, 4) statement of research interest in/connection to Division 15, 5) indication of career goals and job search timeline, and 6) explanation of how the student can benefit from and contribute to the seminar.
• A 3-5 page double-spaced research proposal in APA style that describes the student’s dissertation study. The proposal should include a working title, introduction, a brief theoretical framework, statement of the problem, methodology, and proposed analyses.
• A vita that includes the student's name, address, telephone and e-mail, education, professional experience, publications, and conference presentations.
• A letter of recommendation from the student's advisor describing the student's qualifications.

The online application is made available during the winter prior to the Annual Meeting of APA. Announcements will be made via the Division 15 listserv.

Stephen M. Tonks, Ph.D. (2008-2011)
Northern Illinois University
E-mail: stonks@niu.edu

Mei-Lin Chang, Ph.D. (2009-2012)
Post Doc. Educational Psychology
Emory University
E-mail: m.chang@emory.edu