Last Updated 9/25/26
Thank you for your interest in joining the Family Development Lab and working with me as your doctoral research mentor. Because I receive a large number of inquiries each admissions cycle and strive to provide all applicants with an equitable admissions process, I generally do not respond to individual emails regarding admissions. I hope the information below answers many of the most common questions people have when deciding whether to apply to work with me. I also encourage you to explore the lab website and the CPTP program to determine whether our research and training opportunities align with your goals. If you have an unanswered question after reviewing this information, feel free to email me.
Thank you again for considering UNL and the Family Development Lab.
Sincerely,
Becca Brock, Ph.D., Susan J. Rosowski Professor
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you accepting a graduate student this admissions cycle?
I expect to recruit a graduate student for Fall 2027, although final admissions decisions depend on multiple factors and are made through the program's formal review process.
Do you admit students in programs other than clinical Ph.D?
I only admit clinical Ph.D. students; however, I have provided secondary mentorship to students in other programs (e.g., developmental, social and cognitive), and I often work with students from other programs to help implement quantitative methods into their research.
What kinds of research interests fit best with your lab?
Students are typically a strong fit if they are interested in couple relationships and emotional health. Our research spans couple and family processes (e.g., coparenting and parenting), emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, pregnancy and postpartum, and developmental psychopathology. Please review the lab website for more information about active areas of research and ongoing projects. Examples of current research aims include (a) identifying risk factors for intimate partner violence (e.g., minority stress experienced by LGBTQ+ couples, alcohol use, dehumanization and objectification) and (b) investigating how couple conflict and related relational processes (e.g., intimacy, respect for individuality) shape early child development of healthy emotion regulation. We also have several scale development projects in progress (e.g., questionnaires assessing reproductive objectification by partners) and are working to validate a new smartphone-based technology for tracking and assessing family interactions in real time in the home.
What research methods are commonly used in your lab?
Our work often involves longitudinal designs, dyadic and family data, intensive multimethod assessments of family processes (e.g., behavioral observations, interviews, questionnaires), and advanced quantitative methods.
Do I need prior research experience in family or relationship science?
No. Strong research experience is important, but it does not need to be directly within family or relationship science.
Do you prefer applicants with quantitative skills?
Prior quantitative experience can be helpful but is not required. Students should be enthusiastic about developing strong research and methodological skills during training.
Are there other UNL faculty you routinely collaborate with?
We have several ongoing collaborations with other UNL faculty. For example, Dr. Brock routinely collaborates with Dr. Sarah Gervais, Dr. David DiLillo, and Dr. Tim Nelson.
What makes an applicant competitive for your lab?
Successful applicants generally demonstrate strong research experience, a clear match to the lab's research focus, evidence of research productivity or potential, and a strong commitment to clinical science.
Questions about the Application Process
Should I email you before submitting my application?
No. Prospective students are not expected to contact me before applying and emailing me will not affect admissions decisions. You should prepare and submit your application consistent with the instructions on the graduate college website: Graduate Admissions and Application | Graduate Studies | Nebraska. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview.
Can you review my CV, personal statement, or application materials before I apply?
Unfortunately, I am unable to provide individualized feedback on application materials. I encourage applicants to carefully review my research program before applying and to be able to clearly articulate what aspects of the work being conducted in the Family Development Lab are of greatest interest to them. Given the collaborative nature of our team, it can be helpful to identify at least one other faculty member in the department whose research and mentorship could contribute to your training goals and mention them in your personal statement.
Can we schedule a meeting before I apply?
Because of the large number of inquiries I receive, I do not schedule individual meetings with prospective applicants before applications are reviewed. After applications are reviewed, you will be notified if you are selected for an interview. During the interview, you will have a chance to ask more in-depth questions about the training program and my lab.
Where can I learn more?
Please visit:
- Family Development Lab | Nebraska
- Admissions | Clinical Psychology Training Program | Nebraska
- Rebecca Brock | Department of Psychology | Nebraska
- Rebecca L Brock – ResearchGate Publications
These resources provide the most complete and up-to-date information about our research and training opportunities.