"Take your time when you’re trying to figure what you want to be when you grow up."
Where are you from?
I am from Louisville, KY.
What are you doing now?
I am the Research Coordinator for the Christine M Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery. Every year we have 14-16 fellows from all over the world looking to gain a subspecialty in hand and microsurgery. They complete a 1-year fellowship with us, and during that time they need to complete at least one research project. I assist in all areas of the process (initial lit review, IRB application, data collection, analysis, manuscript writing, journal submission) and am the go-to between the fellow and the IRB.
I am also the resident statistician (I use RStudio) and analyze their data if they need it. Currently, we have 20 projects going on with 15 fellows. We just published a paper in the Journal of Hand Surgery of which I am an co-author. I am also studying to become a certified clinical research coordinator (CCRC).
How did your experience in the psychology department at Lindenwood help you in your postgraduate studies/career path?
Most of the fellows have done research before in their residency but not a lot of them really know a lot about research. The work I did in the basic/advanced research class really helped me break down the process to someone whose primary goal is not research.
When it comes to the IRB, learning to write an application was extremely helpful, as I do that on the regular now! Coming from a psych background also lets me bring in new perspectives to research in the hand/microsurgery field. I love research that explores the relationship between mental and physical health, so this is the perfect situation for me.
What advice do you have for current and prospective students?
Take your time when you’re trying to figure “what you want to be when you grow up”. I’m almost 30 now and just realizing it. Don’t focus so heavily on finding a passion; go with a field that’s interesting and what has a ton of potential/variety, like psychology!
If you would like to contact Julianne, please send your request to Dr. Michiko Nohara-LeClair.
