Nicole Weber
Nicole WeberLuther College, psychology and anthropology
GSEF Fellow, Cohort 1
Research Placement: University of Michigan
“Due to the many seminars I was able to attend while at the University of Michigan, I was able to learn different skills revolving around professional development—how to network, how to apply successfully to graduate schools, and what to expect throughout the process of attaining a Ph.D.”
How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?
My name is Nicole Weber and I am a rising senior at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. I am pursuing a double major in psychology and anthropology, as well as a minor in biology, with an emphasis on neuroscience. I love getting involved in different communities and organizations on campus – I am a member of Cantorei Choir, the Vice President of Psi Chi, a member of Lambda Alpha, and the Performing Arts Committee. I also really enjoy being a part of various research teams in the psychology department. I have worked on projects involving mood disorders, animal cognition, work-school balance and personality, memory, and social responsibility.
What kind of research are you working on this summer? Who are you working with?
What kind of research are you working on this summer? Who are you working with?This summer I have been conducting research at the University of Michigan under the direction of Christina Cross, a fifth year Ph.D. candidate in the sociology and public policy departments. Our research investigated the association between extended family coresidence and childhood psychosocial and behavioral outcomes, particularly internalizing behaviors, externalizing behaviors, and global self-concept. Within this analysis, we also investigated the differences in childhood outcomes based on racial/ethnic identity.
What part(s) of this experience will benefit you most? How so?
I think that the part about this summer research opportunity that will benefit me the most would be the various skills I have been able to learn along the way. Although the research that I have been doing this summer is not directly connected to my own research interests, the methodology and associated skills will be incredibly useful to me in any project I pursue in the future. Additionally, due to the many seminars I was able to attend while at the University of Michigan, I was able to learn different skills unrelated to research, but instead revolving around professional development—how to network, how to apply successfully to graduate schools, and what to expect throughout the process of attaining a Ph.D. Everything I have done this summer has been of benefit to me; from casual conversations in the office with faculty to building relationships with mentors, this placement has been of invaluable help.
