Work with Me

What It’s Like to Work with Me

My mentoring approach balances support with increasing independence. I work closely with trainees early on and gradually shift responsibility as they develop confidence and skill. I view trainees as developing scholars and aim to help them take ownership of their research so it becomes something they actively pursue rather than simply complete. I emphasize scientific thinking — asking clear questions, revising ideas in response to evidence, and communicating findings responsibly.

While I expect trainees to work hard on meaningful research, I also encourage them to prioritize well-being and maintain a life outside of academia. I believe this balance is essential for both personal fulfillment and sustained, impactful work.

Graduate Students

I will be reviewing applications for Fall 2027 admission to the PhD Program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Applicants should have a strong interest in research and in academic or research-oriented careers. Please visit the program website for details about the training model and application process. The application deadline is December 1st, 2026.

While my primary research focuses on social class and social mobility, I am open to working with students whose interests broadly align with social determinants of mental and physical health, health behaviors, and class-based experiences (e.g., classism, class concealment). In general, the closer a student’s interests are to my current work, the more directly I can support their research and training.

Because of application volume, I'm generally unable to evaluate fit over email prior to formal applications.

Colleagues

I welcome collaborations on research projects and grant proposals. Please feel free to reach out.

Undergraduate Students

I regularly accept undergraduate research assistants who are interested in the lab’s research topics. Students typically assist with literature reviews, study preparation, and conference presentations, and the lab is especially well-suited for those considering graduate study in psychology or related fields. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA, one research methods or statistics course, and nine credits of 300-level psychology coursework. Reliability and willingness to engage with feedback are essential. To apply, email me a brief statement of interest, transcript, and CV/resume. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.