Michelle Rivers
Michelle Rivers, a doctoral student in psychology, was one of two advanced doctoral students awarded the David B. Smith Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year. Read further to learn more about her research, future goals and Kent State experience.
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- Please give a short overview of your research.
My research applies theories of learning and memory to enhance educational practice. I investigate how learners understand and manage their own learning.
- What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?
I decided to pursue graduate studies at Kent State primarily because my advisor, Dr. John Dunlosky, is an expert in my area of interest (metacognition) and a wonderful mentor!
- What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school?
I really enjoy interacting with the faculty in the Psychology Department at Kent State who challenge me to think more deeply about my research. I also appreciate the amount of support there is for graduate students, such as events for graduate students to share their research and socialize.
- What are your future goals?
Given my passion for research, learning and teaching, I plan to complete my Ph.D. and continue building a program of research that informs theories of cognition. Long term, I would like to work as a professor of psychology and manage my own laboratory investigating student learning and metacognition.
- What does this award mean to you and how will it aid you?
I am extremely grateful to receive this scholarship, which will support me in achieving my goals and provide additional opportunities for professional development (e.g., by helping to fund conference registration and attendance).