What suggestions do you have for finding and choosing a mentor?
Ideally there is a good match in interests. But even if not, make sure you can learn about experimentation and statistical tests. Then you can apply your skills to your interests later. Also, pick someone you admire so that you want to please them by working hard. Ideally, you make the mentor your friend, so select someone you feel good about and that feel you can work with happily.
What is the best advice that you received as a graduate student?
The best advice I received was from Dr. Robert Bjork, who was on my dissertation committee. When I insecurely said I was too shy to be a professional, he responded that psychology has all kinds of people in it, shy, not shy, and not to let that get in my way. Psychology is for everyone, he said. I am still so grateful to him for his encouragement!
What is the best advice that you often give to your students/mentees?
You should love the work you are doing and make it fun. Also, make sure you have a great vita by the time you get your PhD! Being a Professor of Psychology is competitive, so you need to make sure you are devoted to it.
What are the most rewarding and most difficult aspects of being a mentor?
Graduate students are crucial, and it helps a lot if they are collaborative, hard working, and smart. I prefer students who try to "raise the boat" for all in my lab and who are fun and intellectual in their approach to research. The most difficult part is someone who is so competitive or so negatively projective that they can't work well with you or others.
What advice would you give to graduate students who want to have careers in academia?
Find what really interests you and then work extremely hard at making sure you have the skills to pursue it. Don't let the field define your interests. Push it ahead!
What advice would you give to early career scholars?
Aside from working extremely long hours, find your right audience. Also, find more senior mentors to guide you, which in retrospect was crucial.
What lessons have you learned as a mentor?
I am still learning! As a mentor, you need to "go with the flow" to a great extent. Each doctoral student has different needs and strengths; I try to learn about each person, what they need and what they are good at, but I still hold high expectations for them.
How has being a mentor/teacher influenced your research?
It's best when it is a collaborative process. I have profited so much from my doctoral students. They have expanded my thinking and my research.