Mentoring

As a mentee

Despite coming from an educationally privileged background and attending an academically rigorous college, I didn't feel confident in my potential as a researcher as a first- and second-year student. I refrained from applying to entry-level research assistantships, convinced I was underqualified. I didn't believe I had the intellectual ability to pursue a research career.

I am immeasurably grateful to my first research supervisor, Erin Standen, who took time during her dissertation research to discuss graduate school applications, academic career paths, and best research practices. Our conversations demystified the world of psychology research and working with her gave me the confidence to pursue other opportunities. Since then, I am fortunate to have benefited from the mentorship of numerous other professors and graduate students including (chronologically) Dr. Kathleen Galotti, Dr. Neil Lutsky, Dr. Ken Abrams, Dr. Jared Medina, Carli Fine, Dr. Mija Van Der Wege, and Dr. Hannah Hausman.

Navigating a career in academia is particularly challenging for individuals without personal connections to the research world or an understanding that seeking guidance is both acceptable and beneficial. Access to the "hidden curriculum" of academia is inequitable in our current system and thus a form of privilege. Here, I highlight my personal experiences with mentorship, which represent my gratitude to those who have guided me and my commitment to paying this support forward.

It's important to note that systemic change and active commitment to inclusion in teaching, mentorship, and research practice are needed to make research more accessible for groups historically (and presently) excluded or discouraged from pursuing academic careers.

As a mentor

Post-Baccalaureate Researcher, Memory and Metacognition Lab, University of California, Santa Cruz

• Collaborate with and mentor undergraduate research assistants in conducting literature reviews

• Present to lab group on broad themes and specific techniques of data analysis in cognitive psychology

• Discuss graduate school and academic careers in psychology with students

Student Departmental Advisor, Cognitive Science Program, Carleton College

• Advised undergraduate students in individual meetings and quarterly office hours on course selection, major/minor selection, exploring personal interests, and career opportunities in research and industry

• Planned events to facilitate community-building and represented department at academic fairs

Senior Research Assistant, Health Psychology Lab, Carleton College

• Trained junior research assistants in conducting medical and mental health screenings, running participants through the experimental protocol, scheduling participant sessions, and communicating with participants

• Worked with junior reseach assistants to research and outline manuscript sections