Our Superstars!

Did you know that Shawn has completed the Scholar Research Certificate? Or that Kai recently presented his research at PsychTalks? Each semester, our lab members build their research and professional skills. Join us in congratulating them on their progress!

How Connections Helps You Become a Better Writer
by Cassandra Hoffman, Jelsy Cadenas-Santos, and Kimberly A. Barchard

Writing an article for our lab’s newsletter, Connections: Word from the Interactive Measurement Group, is a great opportunity to receive one-on-one mentoring as you work to improve your writing skills. Cassandra, Jelsy, and Kim describe how the newsletter team provides that mentoring: who is involved and how they mentor. This article will help you understand the editorial process and interact smoothly with your editor so you get the most you can out of this experience.

A Problem Helps
by Kai Okagawa

Why would you welcome a problem? On the path to achieve your goals, a problem can distract you, stress you out, and set you back. Despite these difficulties, embracing a problem can teach you skills and lessons that allow you to get you closer to your goals. Find out how Kai solved and befriended a problem after applying a new learning technique from Cal Newport’s Deep Work.

My Ritual for Deep Work
by Rosalba Gomez

Do you find it difficult to stay focused on your work while your phone is constantly flashing and producing a cacophony of sounds? How do you overcome the urge to check your notifications? After reading Cal Newport’s Deep Work, Rosalba created a strategy that helps her minimize distractions, work more efficiently, and produce higher-quality work.

The Benefits of Working without Distractions
by Cassandra Hoffman

Have you ever tried to complete a writing task with a distraction nearby? Doing so can lead to interruptions that disrupt your focus, hindering you from creating your best work. After reading Cal Newport’s Deep Work and reflecting on the effects of distractions, Cassandra shares how choosing distraction-free work environments has helped optimize her academic writing.