Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Psychology & Education Studies.
1. How long have you been at your institution?
I am currently in my first semester at UMKC, with a May 2025 expected graduation. I transferred to UMKC from Washington University in St. Louis.
2. Who is your favorite STEM character in a book, movie or TV show?
My favorite STEM character in a TV show is probably Marianna Adams-Foster, from the Freeform series The Fosters. I really enjoyed watching her determination and activism for women in STEM.
3. What inspired you to get involved in S-STEM work?
I got inspired to get involved in S-STEM work through my exploration of current research projects on campus. As I looked more into this specific research, I found the work fascinating as it strongly aligns with my passion for supporting the needs of students. When I reached out to Dr. Jacob Marszalek, I was completely thrilled that he gave me the opportunity to help! As a psychology major and an education studies minor, this research merges my areas of study.
4. What skills or knowledge are you learning throughout the program that you find most useful in your career?
My work with S-STEM has been my very first research opportunity. Through this, I am learning more about the research process and its many components. So far, I found the opportunity to act as a sponge, to be the most beneficial. I’ve been learning so much from Dr. Marszalek and my fellow research assistants, making this opportunity increasingly more engaging and intriguing.
5. What advice would you give to students who transfer from 2YC to 4YC?
I, too, am a transfer student. Though I transferred from one 4YC to another 4YC, I am very familiar with the transfer experience and just how daunting it all can be. My number one piece of advice would be to explore all that you can and accept any help that’s offered. Take the time to seek out your available resources and put them to good use. Doing so will make your experience smoother and worthwhile.
6. Is your involvement in S-STEM work worthwhile to your graduate school journey? If so, please elaborate.
As I near the end of my undergraduate school program and consider pursuing a graduate school education, my involvement in S-STEM work is significantly preparing me for success in my academic pursuits. Through my involvement, I am gaining valuable experience in research while also strengthening my transferable skills. I strongly believe that the skills I’ll acquire through this research, will apply and aid in as I pursue a career in student voice advocacy.
7. What skill do you think is most valuable for students considering a STEM career?
I think the skill of curiosity is the most valuable for students considering a STEM career. As such an investigative field, curiosity plays a significant role as students engage with new concepts, ideas, and theories. Having the courage to be curious, the courage to ask daring questions and tackle new problems, is both vital and essential to success in STEM.
8. Tell us about the most rewarding experience that you have had during your STEM career.
My most rewarding experience during my STEM career within psychology has been the opportunity I’ve had to apply research to my day-to-day life as a childcare teacher and assistant director. As a psychology major and an education studies minor, I’m always eager to see the ways my studies have real-world impact. As I learn about successful interventions, culturally relevant teaching, and social-emotional learning research, I take the knowledge back and examine the ways we can adopt these innovative approaches within our facility. Interacting with our students, daily, I am able to observe their growth as they learn and thrive. That is the most rewarding experience I could ever ask for.