Prospective Students

The core mission of any great institution of higher learning, including the University of Notre Dame, is to educate the next generation of young citizens and scientists. The Suicide Prevention Initiative is continually recruiting talented undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in conducting research on risk for and prevention of self-injury, suicide attempts, and suicide among children, adolescents, and adults.

Our research is aimed at understanding how neurobiological vulnerabilities (e.g., genes, brain function) interact with adversity (e.g., abuse, neighborhood violence, minority stress) to affect peoples' wellbeing (e.g., depression, criminality, substance use, suicide). Current and past work has also examined developmental trajectories of adverse outcomes among marginalized populations, including sexual minorities.

Drs. Ammerman and Beauchaine regularly supervise undergraduate research volunteers, honors students, and graduate students, many of whom go on to productive careers in research and education themselves.

Graduate students in Clinical Psychology at Notre Dame receive excellent training in psychopathology research among children, adolescents, and adults. They also have a wide range of clinical opportunities in our Psychological Services Center, and at local practicum sites in South Bend and surrounding communities. The Notre Dame Suicide Prevention Initiative values unique perspectives of those from traditionally underrepresented groups, broadly defined, and we encourage applications from students of all backgrounds and identities. If you are interested in SPIRIT and in applying for graduate school at Notre Dame, contact Dr. Brooke Ammerman (bammerm1@nd.edu) or Dr. Ted Beauchaine (tbeaucha@nd.edu).