Will you be accepting a new PhD Student to begin Fall of 2025?

Yes, I will be reviewing applications for the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program. Details on the training program are listed on the UConn Department of Psychological Sciences Website

How do I know if I am a “good fit” for the BADCO Lab?

I prize intellectual curiosity and strong research interests. I tend to prioritize applicants who express amongst their training and career goals a clear and authentic interest in research. Those with a track record in research on disruptive behavior disorders typically make it easiest for me to envision working together during their training in a synergistic fashion. Otherwise, having a good sense of humor and eschewing credulity, especially in the realm of psychology, are traits that serve BADCO students well.

Should I email you to express my interest in applying to your lab? Can I meet with you to discuss my fit to the lab team?

You do not need to email me in advance of the application deadline. If you have done so, it will not hurt you, but it will also not offer you an advantage. I have a very strong preference to review every application on an equal footing, so I avoid having much in the way of discussion with applicants prior to the submission deadline. Also, please understand that I receive a fairly large number of applications; I just would not be able to engage in discussion with everyone.

I do appreciate that applicants might feel it helpful to them and their own decision-making if they could gather more information about the program, the lab, the university and so forth. To navigate these competing preferences, I do encourage potential applicants to reach out to current graduate students. If they have time, they are typically more than happy to answer such questions and talk about their experiences here.

What is your mentorship style/what expectations do you have for PhD students?

Research, especially psychological research, is something I value dearly. I am proud to see my students have success in their own research endeavors. I find joy in helping students to develop research skills and statistical expertise. With that said, I recognize that one of the key benefits of receiving doctoral training in clinical psychology is the variety of types of career activities that it facilitates. I work with students to find the right level of motivation, encouragement and support that they need to keep on track with research obligations. I hope that beyond the obligations I provide them with enough of a sense of what I find fulfilling and valuable about research as part of a clinical psychology career.