NYU–West Nottingham Research Internship
Overview
West Nottingham Academy offers a selective two-year research internship in collaboration with the Mindful Education Lab at New York University (NYU). This program is led by Dr. Joshua Aronson, Professor and Director of the Mindful Education Lab (MEL) at New York University.
This is a research apprenticeship designed for serious students who want to experience working in an R-1 University Research Laboratory. Students complete college-level work in a year-long NYU seminar alongside college students and receive mentoring from advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and NYU faculty. Apprentices will learn to think and write scientifically, present research, and conduct original research in psychology, neuroscience, education, and related fields. Through seminars, research meetings, and professional conferences, apprentices interact and network with leading researchers.
A Rare Opportunity
The internship is selective, limited to no more than four students per calendar year. Apprentices are typically in their junior and senior years. Selected each May, the apprentices begin theircoursework and research meetings at the beginning of the school year… Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of intellectual curiosity and interest in the human sciences.
- Limited enrollment (approximately four students per cohort)
- Enrollment in a year-long college-level seminar in Authentic Intelligence, which includes Psychology, scientific thinking and methodology, public speaking, and professional writing.
- Students will attend class, participate in ongoing collaborative research and publishing,and attend professional conferences as a member of the research lab.
In exceptional cases, students in other grade levels may be considered.
What is Authentic Intelligence?
Authentic Intelligence™ refers to the set of human capacities that support effective thinking, learning, and interpersonal understanding. It includes skills such as self-awareness, social understanding, creativity, and the ability to navigate complex emotional and social environments.
These capacities are especially relevant in fields that involve working with people, including education, psychology, healthcare, and leadership. Students enrolled in the program will interact and learn alongside undergraduates at NYU and other top schools connected to Mindful Education Lab. The program emphasizes both intellectual development and the interpersonal skills necessary for meaningful leadership and collaboration
Learning Experience
Participants are introduced to elements of a university-style research environment, including:
- Work closely with NYU professors, doctoral fellows, and affiliated scholars from Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Texas
- Conduct research on human intelligence, empathy, creativity, and well-being
- Design prototypes for new technologies
- Write scientific papers and contribute to groundbreaking research
The emphasis is on learning how research works, rather than replicating advanced outcomes prematurely.
Photos from a recent research trip and mindfulness retreat in New York City with West Nottingham Academy students and members of the NYU Mindful Education Lab.
Skills Development
Students in the program develop foundational academic and professional skills, including:
- Scientific reasoning and critical thinking
- Interpreting and discussing research literature
- Communicating ideas clearly and effectively
- Collaborative problem-solving in structured environments
Where appropriate, students may also be introduced to how research connects to innovation, including early-stage concepts for educational tools or technologies.
About the Mindful Education Lab
The Mindful Education Lab at NYU, led by Professor Joshua Aronson, studies how psychological processes—such as attention, stress, and motivation—affect learning and performance.
Through this collaboration, students gain exposure to ideas shaped by ongoing research at a leading university
This program is well-suited for students with a strong interest in understanding human behavior and learning.
Interested students are encouraged to apply early, as openings are limited to four per year.
Questions about the program?
Email Dr. Joshua Aronson at joshua.aronson@nyu.edu