Heather’s Time in the BESTEST Lab

I remember meeting Dr. Walker for the first time and having no idea what to expect. I had never worked in a research lab before and was uncertain about what it was going to be like. Going into this, I wanted to find an environment that made me feel comfortable, but at the same time pushed me out of my comfort zone. Without hesitation, she greeted me with such warmth and graciousness. In that moment, I knew I had found more than just a mentor; I had found a someone who was genuinely invested in my own growth and development. What really drew me to the BESTEST lab was its focus on empowerment and diversity. Being knowledgeable about social issues and advocating against injustice and prejudice is a core part of who I am. The BESTEST Lab (and the city of Chattanooga as well) really gave me the opportunity to connect and vibe with open-minded people whom I could learn and grow from.  

Life as a Lab Assistant: Beyond Research

As a lab, we had weekly group meetings to discuss our ongoing projects. As an undergraduate student who did 3 credit hours per semester, you dedicate 8 hours a week in the lab. Unlike the average course, there are no grades or exams. It’s a refreshing change from the usual academic routine, allowing me to focus solely on my research projects during dedicated lab time. Being a part of the lab extends beyond conducting research. During our meetings, Dr. Walker also made sure to focus on professional development. She provided guidance on how to properly format resumes, CVs, and personal statements by highlighting our relevant research experiences, skills, and accomplishments. These lessons were extremely helpful in preparing me for my journey of applying to graduate school.

Inside the Grooming Media Analysis Study

My time in the lab was dedicated to working on the Grooming Media Analysis Study, which looked at perpetrator and victim behaviors in the popular television show, Pretty Little Liars. When I first met with Dr. Walker, she mentioned this upcoming project and I was immediately intrigued. When many of us think about psychological research, pop culture and television media are not often topics of interest. (Side note: I was also intrigued because Lucy Hale, one of the main characters, actually used to live down the street from me when I was very young. In fact, Lucy and her older sister would often babysit my older sister and I). 

Team Dynamics and Personal Growth

When we first started this project, it was just the four of us: Al, Mads, Sarah, and I. We all made sure to coordinate our lab hours at the same time. This allowed us to connect with each other and bond as a team. We were able to share our own thoughts and perspectives about what we watched. And, to me this is the beauty of working in the BESTEST lab– the opportunity to bring together diverse personalities and perspectives to create a something truly remarkable. It's an aspect of lab work that is often overlooked but has had a lasting impact on me. 

We were able to share our own thoughts and perspectives about what we watched. And, to me this is the beauty of working in the BESTEST lab– the opportunity to bring together diverse personalities and perspectives to create a something truly remarkable.

Research Impact and Professional Development

This study required countless hours of watching and rewatching episodes and then coding instances of grooming behaviors. As the project coordinator, I led our team through organizing a shared codebook, calculating results, having weekly meetings, as well as analyzing and writing up results for presentation and publication. One of my favorite aspects was diving deeper into the show’s lore by scouring hundreds of reddit threads and twitter posts regarding the show’s romanization of inappropriate relationships. This study not only educated me about grooming behaviors, but it also enhanced my research method abilities. This experience has also given me a newfound love and appreciation for conducting psychological research. Being one of the first and longest members on this project, I've been there every step of the way. In many ways, it feels like study is my child. I couldn't be prouder of the work we've accomplished together, and I'm immensely grateful to have collaborated with such a talented group of researchers.