Why FSU?

I chose FSU because I sought a graduate program to equip me with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to achieve my career aspirations. FSU's Department of Human Development and Family Sciences offers many opportunities to learn from and work with leading scholars in the field. In addition, the program allowed me to tailor my learning experiences to get the most out of my time at FSU. I can't ask for a better program to complete my Master's degree.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

My decision to pursue a graduate degree is motivated by my love for learning and my desire to refine my research skills. From the moment I started considering my career goals, I became aware that the training I received as an undergraduate student was not sufficient. As a result, I started looking for opportunities to hone my theoretical knowledge and data analysis skills. The rest is history.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research is centered on technology and families. As technology becomes an essential part of our lives, there is an urgency to understand the use of technologies (e.g., social media, smartphones) in the context of families. Even though this field of study has garnered a lot of attention in the past decade, many critical questions have yet to be unanswered. For example, just to name a few, when can technology benefit family relationships? When can it be harmful? A deeper understanding of technology and families will equip families to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven society.

Career aspirations

My ultimate goal is to become a researcher and professor. As a researcher, I aim to understand the mechanisms through which technology influences the well-being of families and translate these findings into effective interventions to promote healthy family relationships. As a professor, I hope to equip the next generation with the tools and insights needed to address contemporary challenges in family life.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Over the past two years, I learned the importance of self-discipline and self-care. It is very tempting to say "yes" to every opportunity that comes your way--e.g., collaboration projects, presentations, service opportunities--but remember, graduate school is not a sprint, it's a marathon. Don't run more than you have strength to.

Accomplishments during graduate career

So far, I've been involved in publishing three peer-reviewed articles and one book chapter. I am also in the process of preparing four research manuscripts. In addition, I had the opportunity to present my work at two national research conferences last year and will be presenting at another conference this summer. I am also a 2024 FSU Master's in Four finalist!

I am 2024 finalist for the FSU College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Robert M. Gagné Research Prize, and have received the FSU Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Research Mentor Materials Grant (2024), National Council on Family Relations Student Access Grant (2023), and the FSU Endowment for Excellence Fellowship & Scholarships Fund (2022).

Hobbies and interests outside of school

I enjoy spending time with loved ones, singing, reading, spending time in nature, and trying new things.