FAQs

• What are you looking for in a prospective student?

  • • Strong applicants to the SEA Lab are passionate about one or more research areas in the lab, have a strong academic record, typically have completed prior coursework in Psychology, and have usually gained at least one year of research experience in psychology or a related field, ideally including post-baccalaureate experience and/or independent research experience (for example, through a senior thesis, poster presentations, publication experience). 

    • I am particularly interested in recruiting students focused on the following research areas: social and other digital media, gender socialization and gendered ideologies, positive youth development (e.g., mental well-being), social connection and peer relationships, sexual behavior, marginalized adolescent populations, advanced quantitative analyses, and both longitudinal and experimental methods. Students who are broadly interested in all these research areas, with one or more specific interests, may be the best fit for the SEA Lab at this time, given the dynamic nature of our relatively young lab. Admitted students will (if interested) be affiliated with the Winston National Center on Technology Use, Brain, and Psychological Development. 

    • Applicants applying to the lab must have a core interest in adolescent development; I intend to accept a student interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology. Those interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology, or Quantitative Psychology, or a joint degree across Developmental Psychology and another program, may be considered if adolescent developmental processes and digital media use are a core focus of their interests and they intend to seek formal joint mentorship with an advisor in one of these other disciplines.  

    • My holistic review process will include reviewing personal statements, letters of recommendation, CVs, transcripts, and other submitted materials. You may decide to discuss in your personal statement and/or ask your letter-writers to discuss on your behalf any structural barriers or unique circumstances you have experienced on your academic and career journey (e.g., first-generation status, structural and interpersonal stigma related to marginalized identities). 

    • Although I am the primary person reviewing the applications that list me as a potential mentor, the ultimate decision about whom to invite for official interview visits (and final admissions decisions) is made collectively by UNC faculty.

• What is it like to work in the SEA Lab? What is your mentorship style?

  • The foremost value of the SEA Lab is that we prioritize people's holistic well-being and fostering a community of supportive relationships. I am excited to bring in students who are committed to a culture of compassion, support, inclusivity, honesty, mutual respect, and generosity. SEA Lab meetings often include snacks, discussion of our general well-being or personal experiences related to our research, and laughter, in addition to stimulating talks, conversations, and critical analysis of research. Our lab is also new (established in 2023) and growing--we are excited about conducting rigorous research and pursuing novel ideas, and we are always busy working hard on the next project. Graduate students joining the SEA Lab at this stage have a rare opportunity to contribute to developing new projects and to the foundation of our community.

  • My mentorship style is flexible and responsive to mentees' needs; mentees have previously described me as warm, calm, supportive, and willing to go the extra mile to support others. I also have high standards for the research conducted in the SEA Lab and expect all SEA Lab members to work hard, attend to details, share their time and expertise for the benefit of others, and prioritize ethical and transparent research. My goal as a mentor is to create a "nurturing environment that aims to maximize the potential of students as scientists and as human beings" (see Alon, 2009). Students who are passionate about doing research, excited about learning, and looking for a warm and supportive relationship with their mentor will thrive in the SEA Lab.

  • Working with an early-career faculty provides incredible opportunities to be involved in the early stages of developing a lab (e.g., often more opportunities to contribute to projects, earn authorship, get more hands-on mentorship, etc.). I was my advisor's first graduate student and working with her was one of the best decisions I have ever made! When deciding whether or not to accept an offer of admission to the SEA lab, you will have the opportunity to talk to others whom I have mentored closely. 

• Do you have tips on how to apply?

  • • I highly recommend the professional resources of my colleague, Dr. Mitch Prinstein, as well as the incredible resources provided by the Next Gen Psych Scholars Program while preparing your application. 

    • Note that you do not HAVE to email me in advance of submitting your application--I will review all applications holistically. However, you are welcome to email to indicate your interest/say hello or to ask questions that you cannot find the answer to online. To ensure that the review process is equitable, I will not meet with prospective applicants before the application deadline.

    • I am a new professor at Carolina, so I'm learning about the process as we go! Any questions you have about the technical aspects of the admission process can likely best be answered by the incredible administrative team at UNC (see here).