Teaching and Mentoring

Preparing students to translate evidence into action.

My teaching helps students connect psychological and behavioral science with the complex contexts in which health and well-being are shaped. Whether I am teaching foundational psychology, advanced clinical material, or community-engaged research methods, I emphasize active learning, critical evaluation of evidence, and the application of knowledge to consequential real-world problems.

I seek to prepare thoughtful, methodologically rigorous, and community-accountable scholars and practitioners who can use behavioral science to improve health and well-being.

Teaching Approach

I design courses around three principles:

  1. Students should develop a strong command of core concepts and the ability to evaluate evidence critically.

  2. Students should be able to apply what they learn to clinical, research, community, and public health settings.

  3. Students should understand that strong behavioral science requires attention to social context, culture, power, and the perspectives of the people whom research and practice are intended to serve.

My teaching uses case examples, structured discussion, collaborative problem-solving, reflection, demonstrations, and opportunities to practice skills.

I aim to make expectations transparent and to create multiple pathways for students to demonstrate learning and connect course content to their professional goals.

I have taught courses in the following areas:

  • Introductory and developmental psychology

  • Multicultural clinical psychology/psychiatry

  • Evidence-based psychotherapy

  • Clinical practicum

  • Independent research and field placements

Teaching Approach

I design courses around three principles:

  1. Students should develop a strong command of core concepts and the ability to evaluate evidence critically.

  2. Students should be able to apply what they learn to clinical, research, community, and public health settings.

  3. Students should understand that strong behavioral science requires attention to social context, culture, power, and the perspectives of the people whom research and practice are intended to serve.

My teaching uses case examples, structured discussion, collaborative problem-solving, reflection, demonstrations, and opportunities to practice skills.

I aim to make expectations transparent and to create multiple pathways for students to demonstrate learning and connect course content to their professional goals.

I have taught courses in the following areas:

  • Introductory and developmental psychology

  • Multicultural clinical psychology/psychiatry

  • Evidence-based psychotherapy

  • Clinical practicum

  • Independent research and field placements

Mentoring Approach

I have mentored more than 50 trainees across undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels.

Trainees in my research group gain hands-on experience with:

  • Community-engaged research

  • Intervention development

  • Quantitative and qualitative analysis

  • Mixed methods research

  • Implementation science

  • Scientific writing

  • Conference presentations

  • Grant development.

My mentoring combines structure with increasing independence. I provide clear expectations, regular feedback, and practical guidance while helping trainees develop their own questions, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their work.

Because access to informal knowledge and professional networks is not evenly distributed, I also view mentorship as sponsorship. I help students identify opportunities, build professional relationships, communicate their contributions, and envision a range of possible careers.