Join the A² Lab​

Be Part of Our Research Community

The Affect & Adaptation Lab (A² Lab) welcomes motivated Fielding Graduate University students interested in emotion, cognition, and wellbeing.
Lab members engage in ongoing international research projects examining topics such as self-compassion, cognitive reserve, emotion regulation, and applied health psychology.
Working in the lab offers an opportunity to develop research skills, collaborate with peers and international teams, and contribute to projects that connect science and wellbeing.

Who Can Join?

We welcome:
  • Fielding Ph.D. students seeking additional research experience beyond coursework
  • Students interested in emotion, health psychology, and behavioral neuroscience
  • Those wishing to gain experience in quantitative methods, data analysis, experimental design, or applied health interventions
  • Students curious about current A² Lab projects — details are available on our Active Projects page
No prior lab experience is required; enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to collaborative research are most important.

Course Enrollment for Credits

Students who wish to receive course credit for their work in the A² Lab may enroll in PSY-764: Applied Psychological Research.
If you are interested in this option or have questions about enrollment, please contact Dr. Barbara Colombo directly 

How to Get Involved​

Students can participate in the A² Lab at different levels depending on their time, goals, and experience.
  • Exploratory level: Ideal for students beginning to engage in research. Activities may include reading and summarizing journal articles, assisting with literature reviews, or helping organize existing data.
  • Applied level: Best suited for students with some prior research training. Participants may contribute to data collection, help with quantitative analyses, or prepare materials for presentations and conferences.
  • Advanced level: Designed for students with stronger methodological or analytic backgrounds who wish to take a more active role. Responsibilities may include helping design new studies, running analyses, or contributing to manuscripts and reports.
Participation is flexible and meant to support both learning and professional growth. Students are encouraged to start at the level that best fits their experience and to progress as their skills and confidence develop.

How to Apply​

If you’re interested in joining, please email Dr. Barbara Colombo with:
  1. A brief paragraph describing your interests in the lab’s themes or ongoing projects
  2. The project(s) or area(s) you’d like to be involved with (see Active Projects)
  3. Any relevant research experience, skills, or coursework

Curiosity. Collaboration. Growth.
Join us in exploring how the mind adapts, connects, and thrives.
See active projects