Career Development
I can offer students career guidance in preparing for college regardless of their intended major, and in particular for careers in life sciences and biomedical science. Today, college and graduate/professional school is extremely competitive and demanding. Students' chances for success are increased when they understand what the expectations in college will be and when they have solid study skills,critical reading ability, confidence in test taking, note taking, mastering their textbook, time management, research skills, organizational skills, essential computer skills and the ability to write clear, concise and compelling essays and reports. My experience has taught me many things about succeeding in undergraduate school, graduate school, postdoctoral study and a successful career in biomedical sciences as a researcher, teacher, administrator and author. My educational experience included both a small liberal arts university for my B.A. and a Ivy League school for my Ph.D. I have worked in laboratory research, biomedical clinical trials, and large scale public health projects. My goal is to share my experience to assist students to be successful as they begin their higher education and/or careers.
Religion
Religion has always been an important part of my life. I look at religion as a guidepost for moral and ethical decision-making, and as a source of inspiration for dealing with the difficult parts of life. My view is inclusive in that I do not consider any one religion superior to another. They each address the Higher Power in life, just in a different manner, much as different languages all are communication tools but with different sounds and conventions.
My education was in Catholic schools through college. Although I had 16 years of formal training in the Catholic religion, my independent studies encompassed studies of Jewish traditions as taught by contemporary Jewish scholars, as well as mainstream Protestant beliefs, especially the Episcopal denomination. I also have studied various 12 Step Approaches and believe that they have much to offer beyond their traditional uses.
I studied both the Old and New Testaments and have read the Bible almost in its entirety.
In addition to formal and informal study of religion, I have taken 8 semesters of philosophy, including the history of philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, logic and moral philosophy. These studies deepened my inquiry into the meaning of life and the ethical questions we all grapple with.
Although not formally trained in the Eastern religions, I have great respect for these teachings and admire their holistic views and the values of respect, contemplation, oneness with nature and non materialism they represent.
I would love to be of assistance to you as you reflect upon the writings of the great religious and philosophical teachers throughout history. I can assist you with sorting out the particulars of various religions, and with researching their tenets through reliable information sources for term papers, thesis preparation and other assignments.
Religion takes as many forms as there are individuals and I would be honored to be a part of your exploration.
Study Skills
Regardless of the subject or the age of the student, acquisition of good study skills is essential for success. Not only will these skills be of use while in school, but many jobs require the same kind of discipline and organization involved in good study skills.
There are many aspects of study skills, including: (1) Focus and attention—the ability to shut out distractions and concentrate on the task at hand, (2) Listening, effective note-taking, and obtaining clarification as needed during class, (3) Study and retention of material after class by review of notes, study of the text, and consulting other references, (4) test preparation for the variety of test types—multiple choice, essay, etc. Students need to understand that studying is not just reading over the materials, (5) Ability to perform research and write papers of differing purposes and lengths. When doing research it is especially important for students to understand the strengths and limitations of the variety of print, media and internet resources, (6) organization of learning materials and supplies, and (7) time management.
These skills often do not come naturally and may not be internalized even if taught in school. My approach is to first understand the student’s current study habits by means of discussion, review of notebooks, term and research papers, and graded tests and homework. I emphasize understanding the student’s point of view, what they find difficult, what they enjoy. Problems with study skills may be different for different subjects, or due to the teacher’s style. I believe in illustrating principles in a very concrete way, e.g. sitting with the student and helping them organize their papers, notes, assignment diary, supplies, desk, etc while explaining how the changes will make it easier for them to complete their assignments.
After assessment, my next step is to work with the student in the particular subject(s) they are having difficulty with, and show them techniques to help them be more effective.I want them to understand that I am there as their coach to make study easier and more pleasant, and not to impose more work.
An essential component of my approach is to show the student how to break projects down into smaller pieces of work and systematically work through them. I use a combination of standard techniques, as well as my own methods derived from college, graduate school for my Ph.D., postdoctoral studies, and my professional activities. I clarify when “memorization” is appropriate and when it may be counterproductive.
My success with study skills is something I am proud of. During 4 years of college, four years of graduate school, and several more years of post doctoral courses, I received mostly A’s and never a grade below a B. These skills were acquired over a period of time, during which I assisted colleagues and other students to polish their own abilities. I was called upon in cases where complex material needed to be mastered because of my reputation for tailoring the learning approach to the audience. For this I was recognized by my University's Center for the improvement f Undergraduate Education. I continue to apply many of the study skills I have learned over the years to my professional activities with success.
My greatest satisfaction comes from making it possible for others to succeed and to enjoy learning more when they are equipped with the necessary skills.