Find a topic you're passionate about studying and develop the skills and knowledge to be the leading expert on that topic. Seek great mentors and take advantage of what they have to offer.
Questions & Answers
Why did you decide to pursue your field of research?
An interest in the applied assessment of individual differences in personality and psychopathology.
What would you tell a student at the beginning of their academic career?
Find a topic you're passionate about studying and develop the skills and knowledge to be the leading expert on that topic. Seek great mentors and take advantage of what they have to offer.
Tell us a little about your research:
My research involves applied assessment of personality and psychopathology with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the most widely used self-report measure of personality and psychopathology throughout the world.
What are you hoping to accomplish?
As the lead author of the newest version of this psychological test, the MMPI-3, I seek to publish empirical studies to guide and support its use in mental health, medical, forensic and public safety settings.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Collaborate with individuals who complement what you bring to the table.
Who is someone you admire, and why?
My mentor, Auke Tellegen, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, who has provided mentorship, guidance, friendship and support throughout my career.
Do you have any skills or talents most people don’t know about?
Yes, and I'd like to keep it that way!
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Read biographies.
What does it mean to you to be included in the top 2% in your field?
It's a tremendous honor, and a testament to the many talented research collaborators and students with whom I've had the good fortune to work over the course of my career.