Ergorig
- Contact: Josh Teichman
- E-mail: joshwteichman@gmail.com
- Address: 1431 Truman St. Unit F, San Fernando, CA 91340
- Phone: (424) 901-3077
- Website: www.ergorig.com
Description of Organization and Population Served
Ergorig is a Los Angeles-based company that designs and manufactures ergonomic camera support and stabilization vests used by professional cinematographers, camera operators, and documentary filmmakers around the world. Our products are designed to reduce the physical pain and injury associated with handheld camera operation by redistributing camera weight to the operator’s hips from their shoulder and arms, allowing professionals to work longer hours safely and sustainably. Our equipment is also used on high-profile shows like The Pitt, Stranger Things, and The Last of Us.
The company operates at the intersection of ergonomics, human factors, biomechanics, and creative technology. Ergorig serves a global population of media professionals working in film, television, documentary, news, and digital media production. We embody a high-touch business model and have close interaction with our customer base.
Through product design, user research, and direct engagement with operators, Ergorig focuses on improving the long-term health and sustainability of professionals whose work requires extended periods of handheld camera operation.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern
The intern will assist with sales and marketing initiatives with a focus on understanding consumer perception, decision-making, and communication strategies related to a specialized professional product.
Responsibilities may include managing and organizing contacts within the company’s CRM system, assisting with social media and digital marketing efforts, and analyzing how different messaging strategies influence customer interest and engagement. Interns will explore new potential customer segments and markets, evaluate which marketing channels are most effective and cost-efficient, and examine how different audiences interpret and respond to product messaging.
The intern will also analyze how the product is perceived by potential users and help refine how the product is explained and presented. This may include studying user feedback, identifying common cognitive barriers to adoption, testing different ways of framing product benefits, and writing or improving product descriptions and marketing materials.
Special Qualifications
Students should have strong written and verbal communication skills and an interest in consumer psychology, marketing, or behavioral decision-making. Familiarity with social media platforms and digital marketing tools is recommended, as many projects will involve analyzing and improving online communication and outreach strategies.
Because the organization is small, interns won’t get buried in menial tasks, but will have an integral role in the success of the company. Interns should be comfortable contributing their own ideas and thinking critically about how to improve marketing and outreach efforts. Rather than only completing assigned tasks, interns should be willing to propose creative approaches, identify opportunities for improvement, and suggest practical next steps that could help move projects forward.
Students should be able to think analytically about how a specialized professional audience interprets marketing messages, how products are perceived, and which strategies are most effective in reaching and engaging potential users. Curiosity, initiative, and the ability to translate observations about audience behavior into actionable marketing ideas are strongly encouraged.
Hourly Commitment Per Week
12-20 hours per week, depending on student's schedule
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?
This internship relates to cognitive science through the study of perception, decision-making, communication, and user behavior in the context of marketing and product adoption in the real world. Interns will analyze how professional users interpret product information, how different messaging influences interest and purchasing decisions, and how complex technical products can be explained clearly and effectively.
Students will apply concepts from cognitive science such as attention, framing, mental models, and decision-making processes to understand how potential customers evaluate the Ergorig. By observing user feedback and testing different ways of presenting information, interns will gain insight into how people process information, form judgments about products, and also respond to different communication strategies.
The internship provides a practical setting for learning how cognitive principles influence perception, persuasion, and behavior in professional environments. And in how specialized audiences interpret and adopt new tools.
Twilight Adult School – Pasadena Unified School District
- Contact: Maria Jimenez
- E-mail: jimenez.maria.g@pusd.us
- Address: Twilight Adult School Wilson Campus. 300 Madre St, Pasadena, CA 91107 (The campus entrance is on the corner of Halstead Street and Del Mar Blvd).
- Phone: (626) 396-5640
- Website: https://twilight.pusd.us/
Description of Organization and Population Served
- Our vision is to engage and support adult students in a learning process through a Career Pathway that provides training and literacy with the support of community and industry partners.
- Twilight Adult Education empowers adults with industry-relevant learning opportunities by offering programs and services that help diverse communities achieve their educational and workforce goals.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern
Responsibilities include assist students completing enrollment forms, assisting staff with daily tasks, doing research and gathering information, organizing files and documents, entering data or updating spreadsheets, preparing basic reports or presentations, helping schedule meetings and take notes, supporting events or projects, communicating with staff or students as needed, and completing assigned tasks while learning workplace rules, tools, and professional standards.
Special Qualifications
Special qualifications include strong computer skills (Word/Excel/email), accurate typing and data entry, professional communication (phones and emails), good organization and time management, ability to use office equipment (printers/copiers/scanners), and knowing how to handle confidential information.
Hourly Commitment Per Week
7-12
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?
Twilight Adult School relates to Cognitive Science because its programs are all about how people learn and build skills, especially as adults. They emphasize helping learners reach educational and workforce goals through programs like High School/GED (self-paced, online/blended learning with tutoring) and ESL (building listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and pronunciation in real-world contexts), which connects directly to cognitive science topics like memory and practice, metacognition, self-regulated learning, language acquisition, and transfer of learning from the classroom to work and daily life.
UCLA Academic Advancement Program (AAP), Research, Assessment, and Evaluation (RAE) Lab
- Contact: Alice Ho
- E-mail: AHo@college.ucla.edu
- Address: 1202 Campbell Hall
- Phone: (310) 794-4186
- Website: https://www.aap.ucla.edu/units/communication-and-evaluation/
Description of Organization and Population Served
The UCLA's Academic Advancement Program's Research, Assessment, and Evaluation (RAE) Lab conducts internal research on UCLA's largest undergraduate degree program, encompassing 6,000 students. RAE supports a culture of research-informed decision-making by collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data related to AAP’s students and services. Our team of researchers provides data and data analysis support to all the AAP units, campus partners, and stakeholders to inform AAP initiatives and offerings.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern
- Meet weekly with a supervisor
- Utilize R programming to analyze datasets
- Consolidate findings into research briefs and reports
- Develop data-driven recommendations
- Analyze and present UCLA campus climate data to AAP administration
Special Qualifications
Application is currently open to transfer students participating in TSP. Applicants must be AAP Members. No previous research experience is necessary. The AAP Research Assistant position requires about 10 hours a week of commitment for the entire 2025-26 academic year. The hours include weekly meetings and projects (in-person and remote hybrid).
Hourly Commitment Per Week
10
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?
Being a research assistant for RAE relates to cognitive science by examining how AAP students perceive and evaluate their own academic abilities, preparedness, and future goals. The study draws on social cognition, as students interpret their academic standing relative to classmates and navigate feelings of belonging within the university environment. By analyzing perceptions, the project explores how cognitive processes, such as motivation and decision making, shape students' academic behaviors and outcomes.
UniShack (formerly BruinShack)
- Contact: Danny Tang
- E-mail: opportunities@unishack.com
- Address: Remote
- Phone: (909) 522-7742
- Website: https://www.unishack.org/
Description of Organization and Population Served
UniShack is a rapidly growing student housing marketplace started at UCLA, that connects students with off-campus housing while helping property managers fill vacancies efficiently. Our platform simplifies the housing search process, making it easier for property managers to manage listings, generate leads, and market their properties.
We’re looking for motivated students to join our Marketing Internship Program. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience in marketing, outreach, and business development, with flexible part-time and full-time opportunities.
Why Join UniShack?
• Gain real-world marketing experience in the fast-growing proptech industry.
• Work directly with property managers and students to improve off-campus housing accessibility.
• Develop skills in digital marketing and outreach
• Expand your professional network in real estate and marketing.
This internship is fully remote, but there are opportunities to attend in-person events, meetings, and collaborations.UniShack is a rapidly growing student housing marketplace started at UCLA, that connects students with off-campus housing while helping property managers fill vacancies efficiently. Our platform simplifies the housing search process, making it easier for property managers to manage listings, generate leads, and market their properties.
We’re looking for motivated students to join our Marketing Internship Program. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience in marketing, outreach, and business development, with flexible part-time and full-time opportunities.
Why Join UniShack?
• Gain real-world marketing experience in the fast-growing proptech industry.
• Work directly with property managers and students to improve off-campus housing accessibility.
• Develop skills in digital marketing and outreach
• Expand your professional network in real estate and marketing.
This internship is fully remote, but there are opportunities to attend in-person events, meetings, and collaborations.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern
Internship Responsibilities:
• Student Outreach – Engage with students through social media, events, and marketing campaigns to help them find housing.
• Social Media Management – Create and manage content for UniShack’s social media channels, including Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Special Qualifications
Examples of prior experience with social media
Hourly Commitment Per Week
7-10
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?
This internship applies cognitive science principles to marketing, outreach, and user experience by leveraging insights into human decision-making, attention, and social influence. Interns will engage with property managers and students, optimize digital content for engagement, and analyze marketing data to improve outreach strategies. This is a great opportunity to apply behavioral science, communication, and UX principles in a real-world setting.
GardenParty
- Contact: Oscar McCauley
- E-mail: oscar@gardenpartyshrubs.com
- Address: 3316 Lloyd Street, San Diego CA 92117
- Phone: (707) 978-8355
- Website: https://drinkpetalume.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served
GardenParty is a beverage company based in San Diego that handcrafts "shrubs"— fresh, simple mixers made with just apple cider vinegar, fresh fruit, a touch of cane sugar, and homegrown herbs. The organization believes in supporting a health-conscious lifestyle, offering a "better-for-you" option that avoids the artificial sweeteners, chemical preservatives, and empty calories found in most cocktail mixers and non-alcoholic drinks. GardenParty serves its consumers through a hybrid model, reaching local communities in Southern California farmers' markets and a national audience through its digital e-commerce platform.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern
The internship will focus on analyzing consumer behavior and brand growth, conducting research, heading outreach, and compiling data on product performance. Responsibilities may include:
User Research - Conduct user interviews and customer surveys to discover why consumers prefer shrubs over standard mixers.
Subscription & Retention Strategy - Lead the development of a subscription-based retention funnel by designing and managing weekly newsletters that feature seasonal recipes and market updates to foster long-term customer habits.
Marketing - Use key principles of cognitive science to create digital campaigns that build brand recognition and strengthen customer loyalty.
Operational Data Strategy - Develop a KPI tracker to identify top-performing products by season and compare in-person against online sales.
Systems & Automation - Build a master inventory tool to enable real-time data capture at farmers' markets and synchronize records with backend sales.
Special Qualifications
- Background in conducting consumer/user research
- Ability to synthesize feedback into product insights
- Proficiency in data analytics with the ability to interpret performance metrics
- Interest in applying psychological principles to marketing
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Hourly Commitment Per Week
7-10
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?
Interns at GardenParty will apply cognitive science principles, using insights into consumer behavior and decision-making across all tasks. By researching how users perceive complex flavors in vinegar-based shrubs, interns will apply sensory perception and mental models of health to understand consumer responses and improve survey design. Leading subscription and marketing initiatives will require knowledge of human behavior to investigate how message framing shifts people from high-sugar habits to healthier routines. Interns will also use technical skills to design automated inventory systems that reduce cognitive load and optimize system interactions.
Hangry Moons
- Contact: Matthew Moon
- E-mail: hangrymoons.westwood@gmail.com
- Address: 970 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
- Phone: (310) 824-1122
- Website: https://www.hangrymoons.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served
Hangry Moon’s is a family-owned restaurant located in Westwood, known for its late-night comfort food that caters primarily to college students, young professionals, and local residents. The restaurant is open until 2 AM, making it a go-to spot for late-night cravings. As the business expands, we aim to reach a wider audience, enhance our brand presence, and better understand customer engagement trends through data-driven social media strategies.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern
The Social Media Marketing and Analytics Intern will enhance Hangry Moon’s digital presence and leverage data-driven insights to optimize marketing efforts. This hands-on opportunity allows interns to apply marketing, analytics, and content creation skills in a real-world setting within the restaurant industry.
Special Qualifications
Marketing & Analytics Skills: Basic knowledge of social media marketing, digital analytics, and content strategy. Familiarity with Meta Business Suite, TikTok Business, Google Analytics, or other tracking tools is a plus.
Creativity & Content Development: Ability to create visually appealing and engaging content using tools like Canva, Adobe, or CapCut.
Strong Communication Skills: Ability to write compelling captions, engage with customers online, and effectively convey the brand’s voice.
Data-Driven Approach: Comfortable analyzing metrics and insights to adjust strategies and improve performance.
Collaboration & Initiative: Ability to work independently while also contributing creative ideas to the team.
Passion for Food & Community: Interest in food culture, restaurants, and engaging local audiences.
Hourly Commitment Per Week
10-15 hours per week (Flexible schedule, remote work available, occasional in-person content shoots at Hangry Moon’s)
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?
This internship applies cognitive science principles to consumer behavior, decision-making, and digital engagement. Interns will:
Use behavioral insights to craft marketing messages that capture attention and drive action.
Apply data analysis and pattern recognition to understand how customers interact with content.
Test different engagement strategies (colors, phrasing, timing) based on psychological principles of attention and memory.
Enhance user experience (UX) by optimizing content formats, call-to-actions, and emotional appeal in marketing materials.
Utilize social proof and influence techniques to drive brand loyalty and customer engagement.
Center for Scholars & Storytellers
- Contact: Claudi Lumbi
- E-mail: claudia@scholarsandstorytellers.com
- Address: Franz Hall
- Phone: 3102101244
- Website: https://www.scholarsandstorytellers.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served
We work to share psychological research with practitioners in the entertainment industry who create content for youth.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern
The project will include summarizing research papers, helping with events, reviewing content (scripts, shows) and writing up reports.
Special Qualifications
English language. Please fill out the application here (https://uclapsych.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HVZgqwNpqj9BVr) and email your resume and a cover letter briefly explaining your interest in the Center for Scholars & Storytellers to info@scholarsandstorytellers.com. Please include your first and last name in the subject of the email. We recommend that you submit your application, resume, and cover letter at least three weeks prior to the quarter in which you are interested in doing the internship, so there is ample time to review your application.
Hourly Commitment Per Week
7-10
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?
One important component of reviewing scripts and designing entertainment for a specific audience is the knowledge of how that audience thinks. Cognitive Science students have the unique advantage of understanding both artificial and real systems, and this knowledge will serve within a sector associated in creating digital content for an audience. Additionally, the ability to read and summarize research reports is an important component within the cognitive science curriculum.
Modern Times, Inc.
- Contact: Steve Davidson
- E-mail: steve@moderntimesinc.com
- Address: 680 E Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101
- Phone: (858) 283-9100
- Website: moderntimesinc.com
Description of Organization and Population Served
Modern Times, Inc. (MTI) provides consulting services in support of public and private infrastructure projects nationwide, including major transportation, aviation and construction projects across the nation. Our services include the design, development, customization, implementation and coordination of community programs. These include disadvantaged and small business programs, local/targeted hiring programs subject to Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), labor compliance, community outreach and construction relations. We also provide event coordination and planning services. MTI is a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE).
MTI believes in harnessing the strengths of diversity and technology to deliver better business results. We provide innovative solutions and dynamic approaches that result in program success nationwide. MTI develops and implements scalable systems and tools, tailored to meet our clients’ goals. Our cloud-based solutions drive efficiencies by integrating processes and teams, no matter where they are, transforming how our clients do business.
MTI has a proven track record of compliance, outreach and engagement in the communities where we live, work and play. Our staff is diverse and brings a deep level of understanding to the businesses, communities, stakeholders, and agencies that we work with and represent.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern
Fieldwork project(s) include:
- Working with systems and other teams within the company to develop technologically driven solutions to complex and time-consuming processes to improve efficiency and usability of company applications, improve data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Conducting research on current and upcoming AI tools and applications.
- Collaborating with teams to define and document processes and user guides for various tools.
Special Qualifications
- Knowledge and experience with AI
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in data-driven decision-making
- Positive attitude and be willing to work in a team setting
- Self-motivated and proactive
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Hourly Commitment Per Week
20 hours per week
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?
By working with teams and understanding how they interact with, collect, analyze, and present data, interns will work with the systems team to design digital content, interfaces and technological tools that will assist teams in producing more effective reporting and communications with clients and the community, and more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces and experiences for external stakeholders, clients, and the community.
Hemut Co.
- Contact: Andrew Zhang
- E-mail: andrew@hemut.com
- Address: 13440 Poplar Grove Rd.
- Phone: (949) 529-8128
- Website: https://www.hemut.com/
Description of Organization and Population Served
Hemut Co. is a technology-focused logistics solutions company that builds AI-enhanced tools to streamline operations for small to mid-sized trucking and transportation businesses. The company serves dispatchers, fleet managers, owners, and administrative teams seeking modern software to improve workflow efficiency and communication.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern
The intern will work as a UI/UX intern contributing directly to the design and refinement of Hemut’s user-facing web platform. This includes assisting with interface design, user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes. They will work side by side with the software engineering team, ensuring designs are implemented accurately and cohesively. Responsibilities may also include updating existing UI components, improving visual consistency across the site, and participating in product development discussions.
Special Qualifications
- Interest in UI/UX design, cognitive psychology, or human-centered design
- Basic familiarity with tools such as Figma or similar design platforms
- Strong communication skills and the ability to think from the user’s perspective
- Curiosity about how users process information and interact with digital interfaces
- No advanced technical background needed, but enthusiasm for collaborating with
engineers is helpful
Hourly Commitment Per Week
10-20 hours per week
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?
UI/UX design is fundamentally rooted in cognitive science. The intern will apply concepts such as perception, attention, memory limits, decision-making, usability principles, and cognitive load management. Their work ensures that the interface aligns with human cognitive processes, making interactions more intuitive and efficient. The internship offers hands-on experience in bridging cognitive science with digital product design and real-world user behavior.
UniShack (formerly BruinShack)
- Contact: Danny Tang
- E-mail: danny@unishack.org
- Address: Remote
- Phone: (909) 522-7742
- Website: https://www.unishack.org/
Description of Organization and Population Served
UniShack is a rapidly growing student housing marketplace started at UCLA, that connects students with off-campus housing while helping property managers fill vacancies efficiently. Our platform simplifies the housing search process, making it easier for property managers to manage listings, generate leads, and market their properties.
We’re looking for motivated students to join our Marketing Internship Program. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience in marketing, outreach, and business development, with flexible part-time and full-time opportunities.
Why Join UniShack?
• Gain real-world marketing experience in the fast-growing proptech industry.
• Work directly with property managers and students to improve off-campus housing accessibility.
• Develop skills in digital marketing and outreach
• Expand your professional network in real estate and marketing.
This internship is fully remote, but there are opportunities to attend in-person events, meetings, and collaborations.UniShack is a rapidly growing student housing marketplace started at UCLA, that connects students with off-campus housing while helping property managers fill vacancies efficiently. Our platform simplifies the housing search process, making it easier for property managers to manage listings, generate leads, and market their properties.
We’re looking for motivated students to join our Marketing Internship Program. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience in marketing, outreach, and business development, with flexible part-time and full-time opportunities.
Why Join UniShack?
• Gain real-world marketing experience in the fast-growing proptech industry.
• Work directly with property managers and students to improve off-campus housing accessibility.
• Develop skills in digital marketing and outreach
• Expand your professional network in real estate and marketing.
This internship is fully remote, but there are opportunities to attend in-person events, meetings, and collaborations.
Description of Fieldwork Project and Responsibilities of Intern
Internship Responsibilities:
• Student Outreach – Engage with students through social media, events, and marketing campaigns to help them find housing.
• Social Media Management – Create and manage content for UniShack’s social media channels, including Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Special Qualifications
Examples of prior experience with social media
Hourly Commitment Per Week
7-10
How does this relate to Cognitive Science?
This internship applies cognitive science principles to marketing, outreach, and user experience by leveraging insights into human decision-making, attention, and social influence. Interns will engage with property managers and students, optimize digital content for engagement, and analyze marketing data to improve outreach strategies. This is a great opportunity to apply behavioral science, communication, and UX principles in a real-world setting.