Candidates for the BeChildlLab need to have solid empathic skills and a desire to better the community they plan to serve. To assess a good fit, the lab looks for 1) your interests, past experiences, and where you want to go as a student and a psychologist in the field; 2) how well your interests, expertise, and contributions can help in the lab, and 3) how your mentor can assist you to excel in your goals.

Students need to have a strong interest in ASD research, community involvement, and a desire for increased knowledge, which has multiple times, come through their own pursuits.

For experience, we are looking for students who:

• Are bilingual
• Have a deep understanding of ASD (e.g., symptoms, family dynamic with a diagnosis)
• Have worked with autistic individuals
• Have research experience (e.g., worked at a lab, manuscript writing)

While it is important for students to show they care about their academic growth, no applicant is just a grade. We look at the whole picture. We want students who advocate for themselves and others and know their value and what they can bring to the table. If you feel your overall GPA does not reflect your academic experience, please ensure to address this in your cover letter and request those writing your reference letters to explain how you are a strong candidate despite a possible lower GPA.

No, there are no other screening criteria other than the ones requested in the application. If you are interested in the lab, you can email us beforehand to introduce yourself and ask to understand the workings of the lab better, but this will not impact your odds of receiving an interview invitation. For the interviewing process, it is good for you to be prepared and to understand the work we do in the lab. Please review our website, particularly the section "Research Goals."

While Dr. Montiel-Nava has had training in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, our lab currently focuses on ASD. If your research connects in some way with the goals of the lab, this is welcome, but it needs to have a connection to ASD.

Yes! If you have not studied ASD before, please note your interest in pursuing this research path in your cover letter.

Personal statements are helpful to better understand you as a person and a student, your career goals, and how Dr. Montiel-Nava can help you as a mentor. Please include:

• A statement about you (your expertise, your goals, how you are a good fit for our lab)
• A statement about your interest in our lab (why our lab?)
• A statement about your goals and how being in our lab will help you achieve them
• Your previous experience working with the ASD community or research and what was learned

No, but you must indicate someplace in the application how you will overcome any limitations and incorporate both areas in your future as a lab member.

Organization

Dr. Montiel-Nava is highly organized. It is important to convey this in your application and when you present yourself.

Empathy and advocacy

Dr. Montiel-Nava is interested in students who see clients and research participants as individuals first and foremost. It is not about gaining recognition but about bettering the lives of others. It is important for students in the lab to share this vision.

Research writing

It is essential for students to be willing to participate in research, be independent thinkers, and do not wait for their mentor to encourage them to write manuscripts. 

Sure, you can email the following students with any questions you might have:

Maria Montenegro
Ana Ramirez
Erin Garza
Geohanna Noel
Ana Lucia Garrido

An excellent resource:

Prinstein, M. J. (Ed.). (2013). The portable mentor: Expert guide to a successful career in psychology (2nd edition). New York, NY: Springer.

BEST OF LUCK!