Mentoring & Teaching Philosophy

My commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is tangible in the both the focus of my research (as subjects or topics), and approaches to mentorship and pedagogy.

As a mentor and educator, I strive to work with students from all backgrounds and experiences, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized communities (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, and so on). Our differences do not breed division - rather, they make us stronger and help our science serve a broad range of communities. I work collaboratively with my students and research assistants to strategize, problem-solve, and develop a knowledge base. It is not necessary to have formal research training. A keen interest and passion for learning is essential for conducting critical and conscientious research.

Inclusive Teaching Instruction

I recognize that higher-education and the field of psychology were developed from, and sustained by, systems of inequality that disenfranchised marginalized groups. I am committed to learning and growing with my students, colleagues, and community, as we investigate sensitive topics and experiences. I use evidence-based practices to transform research and classroom settings to accommodate the diverse learning needs of my students. As I research methods to promote meaningful diversity and inclusion, I seek to embody these principles throughout my mentorship and instruction.

Active Learning

Both in the classroom and in the lab, I engage students in interactive learning. This helps me to best meet the needs of my students, while also identifying roadblocks that I can address with different modes of instruction. I tailor lab tasks and course assignments to accommodate students with oral and visual skills (e.g., poster and group presentations, stimuli generation) and traditional written assignments (e.g., literature reviews, proposals, reflective reading assignments).

Current Research Assistants

Ivan Mui (2025-) Terrell Thompson (2025-) Lucy Whiteley (2026-)

Past University at Buffalo Research Assistants

Kelsey Solomon (2025-2026) Tanner Lesniowski (2025-2026) Mackenzie Mesi (2025-2026)

Erin Donovan (2026) Alexis Dimitroff (2025)

Past UConn & WashU Research Assistants (2021-2024)

Morgan Keating Michael Rotondo Tara Salani-Bathija Mia Thompson Denisa Bylyshi

Avery Calhoun Tong (Utopia) Su Maddie Hammer Melissa Li Yash Erukulla