NACE Competencies 

My time conducting research at Miami has helped me foster/develop the following skills:

1. Career & Self-Development: I have always known I want to make new treatments for individuals with mental health conditions, and the Jones Lab has provided me this opportunity. When I first joined the lab, I anticipated only pursuing an MD following Miami, but now I will be completing an MD/PhD. My time in the lab has helped me learn valuable lab skills, and has also honed my ability to explain difficult concepts and be resilient, as not all research outcomes align with desired expectations.

2. Leadership: I’ve had the opportunity to rigorously mentor five students during my three and a half years in the lab. While working with the new research associates, I not only helped teach them to think like scientists, but also showed them how to embrace a creative approach to research challenges. When teaching, I try to have lots of humility, understanding that I do not know everything. This has helped me more effectively convey information to my mentees and listen to their thoughts and ideas. 

3. Teamwork: I’ve found that the most effective research is conducted when working and collaborating with others. Everyone approaches challenges differently, and this is beneficial as more viewpoints tend to lead to the most swift and effective solution. To foster a strong team environment, it’s essential to have inclusivity and diversity. This helps everyone feel comfortable, provides heterogeneous thinking, and ensures there is variety in skills and insights.