Join the Lab
Prospective Graduate Students
Dr. Thomas will be reviewing applications for graduate students through KU's Clinical Psychology PhD program for Fall 2026 admission. More information about the application process can be found on the Psychology Department website.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for applicants
Who is a good fit for the lab?
I am most well-suited to mentor students who are interested in research or integrative clinical research careers, including but not limited to tenure-track faculty/professor, research psychologist at an academic medical center or VA, or research scientist in industry or other professional settings. I identify as a clinical scientist and believe strongly in the synergy between research and practice; toward my way of thinking, the best research questions are grounded in the clinical phenomena we seek to understand. Students who are primarily interested in clinical careers are likely not the best fit for the lab.
What are the lab's current research foci and its future directions?
The lab studies multiple dimensions of women's health across the reproductive lifecycle, ranging from menarche to menopause. We are currently most focused on the perinatal period: the time inclusive of pregnancy up through one year postpartum. The perinatal period is an important clinical window for those who become pregnant, as women often sustain frequent contact with the healthcare system during this time. Our work aims to leverage this reproductive life stage as a time during which to implement trauma-related screening and intervention. I anticipate future studies will continue to focus on this research line, including clinical trials with trauma-exposed perinatal women.
What projects will graduate students work on in the lab?
The lab is currently preparing to begin active data collection for a project on mental health following adverse perinatal events. As a graduate student, you may be involved with conducting qualitative interviews with affected women and, pending results, implementing a small pilot trial to intervene on these concerns. The lab also has access to some secondary datasets with mental and physical health data from pregnant and postpartum women. I will work with graduate students to identify which lab projects are best-suited for their interests.
Can I email you ahead of time?
While you are welcome to email (thomasjl@ku.edu) specific questions that are relevant to your interest in joining the lab, doing so will have no impact on your admission, and it is possible I will not respond. Please note that I do review every application that indicates me as a prospective mentor.
Prospective Undergraduate Research Assistants
The lab is anticipates accepting applications for undergraduate research assistants to begin work in Fall 2026! Joining a research lab can be a great way to get more exposure to the research process and to learn about your interests in psychology. Note that research assistants must commit to 2 or more semesters of at least 3 hours per week.
To apply for a position with the lab, please complete the following application form:
Please also mail Dr. Thomas (thomasjl@ku.edu) letting her know that you have completed the application.