FAQ

Is the DEXTER Laboratory reviewing applications this cycle?

Yes! The DEXTER (Dynamics of Externalizing) Laboratory is currently accepting applications for students interested in beginning their graduate studies in Fall 2025. Applicants can apply to the doctoral program (Clinical Psychology concentration) (https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/departments/psychology/graduate/phd-psychology.aspx)

What is the focus of the DEXTER Lab?

Our lab uses quantitative methods to study the structural, longitudinal, mechanistic, and dynamic processes underlying pathological personality traits (e.g., borderline personality disorder features), disinhibited behaviors (e.g., substance use, non-suicidal self-injury, sexual risk behaviors), and their comorbidity. We are also interested in the broader taxonomy and comorbidity of psychopathology across time and development. Our research employs a range of methodological approaches, including genetically informed designs, intensive longitudinal data collection, experimental methods, and computational modeling.

What qualifications make an application competitive?

Applicants with the most competitive applications will typically have:

A clear and compelling explanation of why our lab is the perfect fit for their PhD goals
Prior research experience(s) that resulted in tangible products (e.g., posters, publications, senior theses), ideally showcasing involvement in project administration, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
A strong quantitative background, which can be demonstrated through GRE scores, relevant coursework (e.g., computer science, statistics, mathematics), or research applying quantitative methods
Some programming experience (e.g., R, Python)
Initiative, independence, and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment

Our lab is particularly well-suited for applicants interested in quantitative research approaches, and less so for those who are primarily focused on full-time clinical practice.

What is your mentorship approach and style?

My mentorship approach follows a junior scientist/apprenticeship model. I emphasize learning by doing, with students taking on guided projects from their first year. As students progress, they become increasingly independent, taking ownership of their research. The goal is to have the graduate student function as an independent scientist, and the complexity of the projects builds throughout the training. I aim to provide hands-on support when needed and to foster autonomy as students develop advanced skills.

Regular communication is key: I meet with students regularly during the academic year for project check-ins, and we hold formal annual reviews focused on professional development. We also have weekly lab meetings, which include a journal club and peer feedback sessions on ongoing projects.

What skills can I gain while training in the DEXTER Lab?

Students in the DEXTER Lab will have the opportunity to develop a variety of skills, including:

Developing a professional trajectory that supports both short-term goals and long-term career success
Applying longitudinal models to developmental and intensive longitudinal datasets to answer key clinical questions
Using computational and dynamic models to understand and predict clinical phenomena
Implementing quantitative approaches in clinical settings to improve treatment outcomes for individuals
Designing innovative, carefully controlled experiments
Writing grants and securing research funding

Can I apply if I am an international student and will require a student visa?

The USF clinical psychology program welcomes students with different educational, cultural, and language backgrounds to apply, and we provide closely-mentored training so that all students with prerequisite skills can succeed in the program. According to the accreditation standards established by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) and the American Psychological Association (APA), applicants should show early on in the program essential capabilities needed for working with participants and clients, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, self-reflection, openness to feedback, systems thinking, interpersonal skills, effective communication (including written and oral proficiency in English), and diligence (including timely completion of responsibilities and clinical documentation). These capabilities are essential to master the profession-wide competencies required for graduation, certification by relevant professional bodies, and state and national credentialing. All graduate student clinicians are expected to meet these standards, and our program is committed to supporting all students in reaching these standards. Students who require accommodations are encouraged to contact Student Accessibility Services.

Individuals who are not US citizens will be required to complete a foreign influence process (https://www.usf.edu/hr/employment-resources/hiring/foreigh-influence-screening.aspx) and individuals applying from “Foreign Countries of Concern” (https://www.usf.edu/compliance-ethics/foreign-influence/resources/definitions.aspx) who are not currently in the US will not be able to interview or receive an offer of admission prior to completing this screening and receiving approval to proceed with being considered for admission to the PhD program. We cannot provide estimates of how long this screening process may take or the likelihood of an individual being approved if they are from a country listed as a “Foreign Country of Concern.”