The Education Collaboratory at Yale launched in July 2023. To learn more about our work, we are spotlighting all the dedicated team members of our lab, highlighting their work and what brings them to our team's mission to advance the science and practice of SEL.
What is your role at the Education Collaboratory?
I am the Lab Coordinator for Education Collaboratory, which means I assist Dr. Chris Cipriano and Linda Torv with all things administrative! I work to support our research staff with what they need, which can mean anything from equipment inventory, purchasing, creation and updating of project documents, travel coordination for conferences, updating both our YSM website and project websites, and more.
What brought you to the Education Collaboratory?
My first job was at the Yale Center for British Art in the Museum Shop as a Sales Associate. I had been familiar with Yale University from a young age as my mother was the Program Manager for Women’s Health Research at Yale since its inception in 1998 and my father was an architect in New Haven who regularly worked on Yale projects. However, I think because of this familiarity, I balked at starting a full-time position at Yale. Instead, I spent several years after graduating college alternating positions working at horse barns (low pay and high physical risk but fulfilling) and part-time office jobs (higher pay but uninspiring).
When I was ready to plan for purchasing my first home, I sought more financial stability and fulfillment in a full-time position at Yale. I worked for nearly three years at the Yale Law School in the Career Development Office, where I learned how to plan events, organize around a cyclical academic calendar, and work with a dynamic team. When I was ready for something different, I saw an opening at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (YCEI) for an Executive Assistant, and I was curious to learn more about emotional intelligence and explore a new path at Yale.
As Chris, Linda, and the team built out the division of research at the YCEI, I started lending time and supporting the team’s growth. In July of 2021, I formally transitioned to a newly formed position as the Operations Coordinator for Research and have since supported Chris and the team in building out the Education Collaboratory at Yale. I was excited to make the move with her and the rest of our staff. It has been so rewarding to work with a team who inspires and encourages everyone to bring their best to the table.
What line of research do you find the most interesting/intriguing in the field right now?
I have a bachelor’s in English Literature with a minor in Psychology and a certificate in Accounting, so supporting our ambitious research team continues to provide opportunities for my personal and professional growth. When the opportunity arose for me to participate in the meetings for Project Flourish, I welcomed the chance to learn how to launch and grow a community-based research to practice partnership.
Working closely with our partner organizations Trajectory of Hope and Urban Assembly has truly opened my eyes to the importance and the need of social and emotional learning (SEL) in our schools. Hearing the stories of how the SEL Specialists are enacting positive change for the students in their schools has been uplifting in a world where so many other things seem uncertain.
What energizes you outside of work?
Spending time with my husband, dog and chickens is always something I always look forward to. Trying out new recipes, finding new books to read, new shows to watch, and continuing to work on projects to make our new house feel more like home are all things that keep me going.