E.A.R.N Lab Training
“Talent sets the floor, character sets the ceiling.”
–Bill Bellichek
Our training philosophy is centered on developing team members’ skills and fostering a team culture that values gratitude, humility, accountability, and joy. We provide opportunities for team members to develop valuable skills in research writing, data analysis, knowledge translation, and professional networking. Our approach emphasizes the importance of teamwork and teaches team members to develop team goals, understand each teammate’s strengths and contributions, and hold themselves accountable for the team’s success. We also focus on providing experiences for team members to receive and provide constructive feedback, developing strong communication skills that are beneficial in all areas of life. By embracing these principles, team members can excel in their professional careers and make a positive impact on the lives of young adults.
E.A.R.N Lab Training Pillars
Pillar 1
Skills Development
Team members will develop valuable skills in research writing, data analysis, knowledge translation, and professional networking.
Pillar 2
Teamwork Competence
Team members will gain valuable experience working in a team setting. These skills include but are not limited to developing team goals, understanding each teammate’s strengths/contributions to the team, and holding oneself accountable for the team’s success.
Pillar 3
Communication Proficiency
Team members will gain experience receiving and providing constructive feedback. These include but are not limited to feedback on work efficiency, deadlines, research writing, conference presentations, and data analysis.
Scholastic Experiences
“I have grown a lot as a researcher in the EARN lab. Taking the lead on first-author papers pushed me to learn how to be detail-oriented when reading research on alcohol use, and how to create outlines for the full paper. We also spent time thinking through what findings might mean if the result was (in)consistent with the hypotheses before even seeing the outcome. Co-authoring papers also helps you become more familiar with how others approach writing and how to create multi-site collaborations with others. All of these things, and more, helped me feel more confident in my ability to see a project through from start to finish.”
“During my time as a researcher in the EARN lab, I have undergone extensive training in research reading and writing. I have learned methodologies to translate my ideas into research questions worthy of investigation. Specifically, engaging in extensive literature reviews has enabled me to develop a strong command over the subjects I aim to explore, even before starting the writing process. I am convinced that this emphasis on developing a solid comprehension of the subject matter and sturdy rationale for each project has significantly improved my skills as a researcher. Moreover, this process has allowed me to build confidence in myself as a researcher.”
“I transferred to Smith College during the Spring of 2019 and was enrolled in Byron’s Alcohol & Other Substance Use colloquium course . On the first day of class, he asked me about my post-graduation plans, and I shared that I wanted to pursue my PhD in Clinical Psychology. From that moment, he took me under his wing and provided numerous opportunities to help me achieve my goals. Presently, as a 4th-year Clinical Psychology PhD Student at the University of Wyoming, I continue to work closely with Byron and benefit from his unwavering support and guidance. Byron is genuinely dedicated to his students’ growth and success. He does an excellent job of appreciating my research strengths while patiently encouraging me to improve in my weaker areas. Byron is an outstanding professor and mentor, but his character and generosity truly sets him apart from other mentors that I have worked with over the years. My experiences working with Byron have been profoundly positive, and I firmly believe that any student would be fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from and work with him.”
“The training I have received as a member of the EARN lab has been invaluable. Byron begins with the basics of how to read scientific articles and has continued guiding me all the way through leading my own research investigations and collaborations with others in my research area. These collaborations have resulted in several projects and access to experienced insight from other researchers at all stages of their careers. The focus on conducting research in a systematic manner allows for one to not only become competent at the process of writing, but the thought process behind it. From providing a rationale for your hypotheses to potential explanations for your results and how they fit with current literature. Training in the EARN lab has allowed me to be thoroughly confident in my abilities as a researcher. If you are willing to do the work, the rewards will be immeasurable.”
By becoming a contributing member of our research team, you will have an opportunity to develop skills that can transfer to any professional work setting. It is also our hope that you will embrace a team culture that centers on independent writing competency, gratitude, humility, accountability, and joy. We love and enjoy what we do and we hope that you can be a part of our team.