What years did you participate in UROP? 2010-2011

What made you choose UROP?

I knew I wanted to go into psychology, and part of my reason for choosing U-M was the rich opportunities available for undergrads to get involved in research. I was very excited at the prospect of helping in a psychology research lab.

What do you think you have learned from your UROP experience?

I learned a lot about the research process and how labs work. I also got hands-on experience with conducting experiments, managing data, forming and testing hypotheses, and presenting research!

What is the extent to which you have kept in contact with your Research Mentor? 

Not much, but I used my UROP experience as a stepping stone to a lab that better fit my developing research interests, and I've stayed in contact with lab members there.

How did your UROP experience shape or inform the next steps you took in your academic and professional journey?

UROP was hugely influential in helping me gain confidence in and enthusiasm for conducting research, as well as helping me find my research passions (the psychology of sexuality and relationships). After my experience in UROP in my first year of college, I stayed in research labs every year and completed an honors thesis. In turn, these experiences helped as I applied to doctoral programs after college. I now am nearing the end of my PhD in clinical psychology at Clark University.

What advice would you give to a current UROP student? 

Enjoy the experience! Read studies relevant to your lab, don't be afraid to ask questions, and appreciate the unique opportunities UROP gives you.

What are some recent publications or accomplishments that you are proud of? 

I was recently awarded the $10,000 Roy Scrivner grant from the American Psychological Foundation to support my dissertation project on the experiences of consensually non-monogamous parents. I also recently published my first book chapter, in the 2nd edition of LGBTQ-Parent Families.

Is there any other advice you would like to impart to current or future UROP students? 

You're doing a great thing by getting involved with research during your undergraduate years. Be aware of how helpful undergraduate research can be to your future endeavors, especially if you are interested in graduate school.