I might be reviewing grad applications for students to start Fall ‘25!
The ideal student has similar interests in understanding how students learn and identifying ways to support student learning while centering issues of equity and inclusion. I am especially interested in working with students who have experience or interest in educational technology. See below for more details and check out the lab website, Advancing Learning Lab
Are we a good fit?
My research is guided by one broad question - How can we equitably support students in learning? Working to answer that question, I take an interdisciplinary approach often collaborating with folks across different disciplines. My work spans across several fields: cognitive science, cognitive psychology, educational psychology, learning science, learning analytics. I’m particularly interested in recruiting students interested in metacognitive regulation and motivating students to use constructive cognitive learning strategies. Increasingly my work focuses on using educational technology as a platform and tool to evaluate these endeavors. Check out my research page and our lab website for more information on the type of ongoing research in the lab.
Here are some keywords that represent the type of work that I do:
Key constructs: Metacognitive knowledge and skills, motivational beliefs and regulatory strategies, cognitive learning strategies such as self-explanation, comparison, and retrieval practice
Age groups: Middle school through college
Contexts: Depends on the research question, ranges from classrooms to laboratory settings to digital learning platforms
Methods: Experiments/interventions, longitudinal (measuring studying over time, experience sample methods, daily diaries), structured interviews, think alouds and classroom discourse
I value working with students from diverse backgrounds and encourage all to apply. If you’d like to learn more about my experiences as a Latina in the field, you can read a recap of my interview with SPARK here and if you are curious about how I continue to advocate for more inclusivity in psychological science, you can see this blog post.
What would life be like as a grad student in the lab?
In the lab, grad students will have several opportunities to contribute to ongoing projects and be supported in developing their own area of expertise within the scope of the lab. They will learn new analytical techniques as they relate to research projects and be encouraged to advance their statistical skillset. Importantly, they will gain experience in writing manuscripts, presenting at conferences, and applying to grants. Grad students in the lab will meet weekly with me to discuss current projects, ideas, goals, and professional development. I highly value mentoring and expect grad students in the lab to contribute to creating a supportive lab environment by mentoring undergraduates and more junior graduate students in the lab (with guidance). We are a team. Will there be some challenging times? Of course. Learning comes with challenges, but I will be there through the growing pains and help you celebrate all the progress. Our goal is to focus on doing great work and enjoy those who work with us.
Why Vanderbilt?
Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Vanderbilt has lots to offer, including a bounty of resources and facilities and great faculty, staff, and students. To name a few things that I enjoy about Vanderbilt and our program:
We offer a minor in quantitive methods for graduate students
Our lab is part of the LIVE Initiative
We can learn and get advice from Data Science Institute
There are also certificates in Emerging Learning Technologies and AI and Learning Analytics
The Center for Teaching also offers a certificate in college teaching for graduate students and postdocs