Candice Buss

Psychology Major
College of St. Scholastica
SRTP Project: The Impact of Fatigue on Sexual Satisfaction and Sexual Disability in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Undergoing Treatment for Depression
SRTP Faculty Mentor: David Mohr, Ph.D.

How did you hear about the SRTP?
I was searching for graduate schools and stumbled on the SRTP webpage.

What were your expectations going in to the program? Did the program meet these expectations?
I applied hoping for research experience because I go to a small, private, liberal arts college and there aren't many research opportunities here. UCSF's SRTP definetly helped me get the experience I needed for graduate school.

What did you learn / what skills did you acquire? Did you learn anything unexpected?
I gained more experience in the process of research, using SPSS (statistical software), how to use other search methods for literature reviews, how to use equipment that measures autonomic nervous system responses, and I learned more about various psychological research tools (like the Trier Social Stress Test). What surprised me was learning that I was capable of coming up with a project that has a good chance of being published in a scientific journal as an undergrad. Just knowing that I can come up with research ideas that psychologists would find useful is amazing!

What did you think of the learning environment?
I had a very supportive lab that helped me develop my own tools to conduct research, even within my secondary analysis....they helped me relearn statistics and that alone is invaluable!

What are your future plans? Did the SRTP have any influence on these plans?
I will be applying to Ph.D. programs in psychology, with a specialization in health psychology. The SRTP helped reassure me that I'm on the right track in my career aspirations.

Would you recommend SRTP to other students in your field of study?
Even though UCSF doesn't have graduate programs in psychology, there are many wonderful faculty members conducting psychological research, especially in the areas of psychopathology and health psychology. This program is an awesome opportunity to do research at a top level research institution.

Do you have any additional comments about the SRTP that you'd like to share with students interested in applying?
My experience with UCSF's SRTP was fabulous! I can't thank everyone involved enough in giving me this opportunity to get my hands in great research.