Students Interested in Working with Me

Graduate Students (MA in Psychological Science or MS/PhD in Prevention Science)

If you are interested in working with me as a master’s or doctoral student, please contact me before applying to our program so we can discuss whether you would be a good fit for my lab. This conversation will help ensure your research interests align with my ongoing projects and mentorship style.

I can best serve as a mentor when overseeing a project that aligns with my areas of expertise, as this allows me to provide more effective guidance and feedback.For MA students and early-stage PhD students, our program follows an apprenticeship model, meaning you will primarily work on ongoing projects under my supervision. For PhD students, this is especially important before transitioning to your own independent research.

You will need to actively engage in my research lab beyond your own master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. Contributing to lab projects, collaborating with peers, mentoring undergraduate students, and assisting with manuscript preparation or grant writing are key components of a positive mentoring relationship.

You will be required to attend weekly lab meetings during the free period (daytime) on weekdays. Consistent attendance is essential for staying updated on lab activities and contributing to lab discussions.

More details about graduate student expectations are here.

Undergraduate Students (Psychology or Health Sciences)

If you are interested in working in my research lab for independent study credit, please email me expressing your interest and complete an application here.

Please note: I give preference to students who apply prior to registration for the next semester. I will inform you of my decision prior to registration. If I accept you to work in my lab, I will provide you with a special permission number (SPN) to register.

Students whom I am more likely to consider accepting into my research lab include those who:

• Have taken a class with me previously or come recommended by another faculty member
• Have a strong academic record (e.g., high GPA)
• Have completed research methods and/or statistics coursework and have performed well in these classes
• Are committed to working with me for at least two semesters
• Have a flexible schedule and can assist with ongoing lab tasks that may include duties beyond on-campus or home-based work (e.g., data collection)

What does involvement in my lab look like?
You will be trained to complete a variety of tasks. These tasks include (but are not limited to):

• Reading and discussing relevant journal articles
• Conducting literature searches and writing article summaries
• Helping with grant proposals
• Assisting with study design, including the assembly of measures
• Participating in study recruitment and data collection
• Data entry and learning about data analysis
• Proofreading manuscripts and presentations
• You may have the opportunity to work on a conference presentation depending on your time in the lab and level of commitment.

We will meet weekly during the free period to discuss the tasks you completed in the prior week and the upcoming tasks for the next week. The exact meeting day will be determined at least one month prior to the start of the semester.

In addition to the 1-hour weekly lab meeting, you are expected to commit 8 additional hours of work per week for 3 credits (I usually do not offer 1 or 2 credits). However, 8 hours of work may not be assigned every week.

 

Students Interested in Having Me Serve on Their Committee for a Master’s Thesis, Qualifying Exam, or Dissertation

If you are interested in having me serve on your committee for your master’s thesis, qualifying exam, or dissertation, please review the following guidelines to ensure a smooth and productive collaboration.

• Please approach me as early as possible when considering me for your committee (e.g., at least 1 month before your proposal or defense – even earlier for doctoral milestones).

• Please reach out to me via email rather than in person when asking me to serve on your committee. This approach allows me to consider your request thoughtfully without being put on the spot. If we need to discuss further details, I will request a meeting with you.

• If I am already serving on several committees or have other obligations, I may not be able to commit to additional committee service. I encourage you to ask early so we can discuss my availability and how I can best support your project.

• Once I’ve agreed to serve on your committee (thesis or dissertation proposal/defense), please schedule your meeting as soon as possible, as my calendar fills up quickly.

• Ensure that your project aligns with my areas of expertise. My feedback will be more helpful when your project overlaps with my content, methodological, or statistical expertise.

• If I agree to serve on your committee, please be mindful that I need sufficient time to review your drafts. Refer to the relevant graduate handbook for specific deadlines, and ensure you submit your work to me within this timeframe, unless I specify otherwise. 

 

Requesting Letters of Recommendation/Asking Me to Serve as an Employment Reference

I am happy to write letters of recommendation/serve as an employment reference for students who meet (any of) the following criteria:

• You have been in at least two of my classes (exceptions made for smaller or graduate-level classes) and earned a B or better

• I have served as your primary thesis or dissertation advisor
• I have served on your thesis or dissertation committee
• You have worked with me in my research lab
• I have known you for at least one full semester—preferably longer

 Please note that meeting any one of the above criteria does not guarantee a letter/reference. The better I know you and the more you demonstrate your preparedness for graduate study or a professional position, the more likely I am to agree to write a letter/serve as a reference. Additionally, the stronger our connection and your qualifications, the more detailed and personalized your letter will be!

 If you would like me to write you a letter or serve as an employment reference, please follow these steps:

• Request the letter/reference at least 2 weeks in advance (earlier is better; I will not submit letters/references on short notice)
• Please reach out to me via email rather than in person when asking me to write you a letter/serve as a reference. This approach allows me to consider your request thoughtfully without being put on the spot. If we need to discuss further details, I will request a meeting with you.
• Send me the following information (at least 2 weeks in advance):
  • How and how long I have known you (e.g., what classes you took with me and in what semester)
  • A list of schools or jobs you are applying to, with due dates
  • Your transcripts
  • Your resume or CV
  • [For graduate school] Your personal statement (a draft is fine)
  • Any other relevant information that would help me write your letter/serve as reference (e.g., specific instructions, details about why you think you are qualified)

 Important Notes

• Please do not submit my name as a reference until I have officially agreed to serve as one.
• I will be upfront about whether I can write you a strong letter. If I cannot, I will suggest you find someone else to serve as a reference.
• I require that you waive your right to see your recommendation letter. Schools tend to take letters of recommendation more seriously if they know that the student has not seen them.
• Do not request that I submit your letter early. I will ensure it is submitted on time, but I always have multiple deadlines and cannot accommodate early submissions.