Prof. Gabas: Fostering a Research-Practice Partnership with Local Early Childhood Center

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to: collecting, managing, and analyzing data alongside graduate student researchers; preparing posters for presentations; participating in family engagement events; attending bi-weekly lab meetings.

Students can be from any major; however, the learning experiences on this project may be of special interest to students who are considering a degree in education/early childhood education, educational psychology, social work, special education, and speech-language pathology.  

Reliable and responsible, detail-oriented, curious, able to be a self-starter/take initiative, able to work independently once trained but also willing to ask questions whenever you need anything, good time management skills; good interpersonal skills and teamworking skills.

Preferred but not required: Bilingual, particularly in Spanish or Arabic. This skill is sometimes helpful when communicating with families at events or translating written materials.

Student will be required to complete CITI training and will receive training on lab procedures and protocols.

As a mentor, I am generally supportive and encouraging. I tend to take a coaching approach to my mentorship where I focus on helping students to develop specific skills, achieve specific goals, and build confidence. I provide explicit guidance, constructive feedback and encourage reflection and creative thinking. In my mentees, I value consistent and open communication, taking responsibility/accountability, and taking initiative.

The project team comprises a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students and faculty. We are a very positive and welcoming group that emphasize teamwork and collaboration when completing project tasks/activities.