Week 7: Reaching Out

Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog!

In the field of psychology, understanding the complexities of the human mind and behavior is a continuous journey. As researchers, students, or individuals with a passion for psychology, it is crucial to tap into the wealth of knowledge and expertise that experts in the field possess. One of the most effective ways to gain insights and broaden our understanding is by reaching out to these knowledgeable individuals. Therefore, for this week, I’ve mainly been working on reaching out to 14 psychologists. I look forward to the interviews, discussions, and collaborations that lie ahead, knowing that each interaction brings me closer to a more profound understanding of the human mind and behavior.

I took the first step by reaching out to a local clinic called Small Brooklyn Psychology. Through their guidance, I was introduced to Dr. White-Ajmani, who recognized the value of my research efforts and recommended me to a specialist in mood disorders in adolescents, Dr. Sinclair. I was really excited to learn from the experts in our upcoming meeting. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we are currently in the process of rescheduling our meeting to ensure we have ample time for a meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences.

Understanding the importance of diverse perspectives, I decided to expand my network by connecting with other professionals who could offer unique insights into my research. One of them is our school counselor, Ms. Reilly. She has a deep understanding of adolescent psychology and firsthand experience in an educational environment, making her a valuable resource for gaining insights into the topic I’m studying. I also had the privilege of knowing Dr. Hartley, a professor from NYU, when they visited our school to engage with our sixth-grade students. I was really impressed by their expertise and their ability to connect with young minds, so I took the chance to reach out and see if she’d be interested in an interview. Now, I’m eagerly waiting for their response, knowing that their input will greatly enrich my research.

In addition to connecting with professionals within my local network, I took a proactive approach to expand my reach by reaching out to renowned authors whose research has greatly influenced my understanding of the subject. Among the ten authors I contacted, two notable figures stand out: Dr. Moncrieff from University College London and Dr. Auerbach from Columbia University. Dr. Moncrieff’s groundbreaking meta-analysis review challenged the widely accepted serotonin theory of depression, providing compelling evidence that contradicted the prevailing beliefs. Her expertise and critical analysis have shed light on alternative perspectives, encouraging a more comprehensive understanding of depression beyond the conventional paradigms. On the other hand, Dr. Auerbach’s research at Columbia University has focused on investigating brain abnormalities in youth who are at high risk for depression. His work not only deepens our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of depression but also highlights the importance of early intervention and targeted approaches in supporting at-risk individuals.

The Marlin Lab at Columbia University is dedicated to studying transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, which is the passing down of traits and characteristics from parents to offspring through both genes and epigenetic mechanisms. It’s a whole new dimension of understanding inheritance! Their studies on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance offer incredible insights into how experiences and environmental factors shape not only our lives but also future generations. It has vast implications for our understanding of human development and health. With all this in mind, I’m eager to reach out to the researchers at the Marlin Lab. Connecting with them presents a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts exploring the intricacies of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. By actively seeking current research and engaging with passionate researchers like those at the Marlin Lab, I’m sure I’ll gain invaluable insights and expand my understanding of this fascinating field.

Throughout this process of reaching out and scheduling interviews, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of being patient and persistent. Dealing with the busy schedules of these respected professionals requires flexibility and understanding. Although the meeting with Dr. Sinclair had to be rescheduled, I’m confident that the new time will lead to an even more focused and productive discussion.

See you next week!