Dr. Horst is interested in potential Master's Students and Research Students. Current undergraduate students and students studying abroad at Sussex are also welcome to learn more about becoming part of the WORD Lab, for example by volunteeering over the summer. Volunteering is an excellent way to learn more about research (volunteering in the WORD Lab does not mean you must complete your final year project in the lab).

There are useful links for students on the useful links page.

Students who have completed a master's degree or are applying for the DPhil programme should contact Dr Horst. Students interested in asking questions about underlying process and how small changes at one moment in time lead to large changes in behavior at another moment in time are particularly encouraged to consider joining the WORD Lab. Although the WORD Lab is interested in child development, research opportunities exist in child development, adult language acquisition and computational modeling.

If you are considering completing a master's in psychology please read the following information for students who have a bachelors in psychology and students who have a degree in something other than psychology. Master's Students are required to complete a single study as part of their dissertations. Typically, Dr. Horst has ideas that she will discuss with students, although suggests for studies are welcome.

1+3 students working with other faculty in the department are particularly welcome to contact Dr. Horst about completing their master’s projects in the WORD Lab.

project students

others

What students are saying about the WORD Lab:

"I feel extremely privileged to be one of Jessica's third year project students as I have recieved a great deal of help, support and guidance with my work in the lab. Jessica invests a lot of time and effort in all of her project students and it is both inspiring and reassuring that she clearly believes that we can achieve great things." Project Student, Class of 2009.

"I have worked with Jessica for coming up to two years now, it has been a lot of fun. I believe I have learnt so much, her passion for learning more about how children learn language is infectious- as well as her impressive organisational skills! She puts 100% into every project whether it be her own research or that of a dissertation paper." Project Student, Class of 2008 & RA.

"Jessica was incredibly supportive throughout my time as her student, not only for my study but for all aspects of my life." Project Student, Class of 2008.

"I couldn't have hoped for a more enthusiastic and supportive tutor." Project Student, Class of 2008.

"My time in the Word Lab working on my dissertation has been absolutely amazing. I have learnt far more about lab work than I expected, including research method techniques. Better yet, there have been a number of chances to be creative and show initiative and idependence but also be so supported by Jessica. Jessica is very patient and understanding and encourages alot of passion and enjoyment for research. Not only have I learnt so much, but have found it enjoyable and fun. My time in the lab has given me a more in-depth understanding of how children learn." Project Student, Class of 2008

"My time in your lab has been rewarding, and I feel lucky to have been paired with a mentor who is as involved and caring as you. Thank you for believing in your undergraduates, for challenging us but always being there when we need you. [...] I will never forget this experience." US foreign exchange student at Sussex, Spring-Summer 2008.

"Working in the lab has not only taught me a great deal about developmental research, but it has been a really enjoyable experience working among a small, close-knit group of people who have now become close friends." Project Student, Class of 2009.

"Jessica is friendly and approachable as well as very helpful dissertation supervisor. Doing my 3rd year project in the word lab was so much fun, actually working hands on with children was so much better than just coding videos or handing out questionnaires. It gave me a good picture of childrens little idiosyncysies, as well as their differing language abilities." Project Student, Class of 2008.