For prospective graduate students: Comments by lab members on research
From Paul Tullis
Problem solving is accomplished in a collaborative, egalitarian manner, and members frequently get together outside our scheduled weekly meeting to discuss whatever topics they are passionate about. Dr Nash strongly encourages all lab members to freely explore their own unique interests, and creativity is highly valued. Dr Nash also provides generous mentorship and support when it is asked of him, and he frequently offers and/or notifies us of unique educative and training opportunities related to both clinical practice and research.
From Erin Gray (egray17@utk.edu)
Dr. Nash’s lab is definitely a free environment to explore your interests and “passions.” We encourage and help each other to get involved in research projects that fit our goals and interests. We have many opportunities through UT and through Dr. Nash to get involved unique and rewarding research projects
From Al Wong (awong5@utk.edu)
This is a vibrant and vital research group. It is broadly psychodynamic in its orientation, though not dogmatically so. Above all else, it is fueled by the passion and the individual interests of graduate students within the lab. The environment is one of great intellectual freedom, good humor, and play. It is a “think tank” atmosphere where students grab hold of ideas, bounce them off of each other, and run with them. Mike Nash is extremely sharp, passionate about ideas, and devoted to his students both as researchers and as people. He is a remarkable and gifted advisor.
From Mike Finn (mikefinn@utk.edu)
Research in the Nash lab is unique compared with the vast majority of laboratories in Psychology across the United States. We have an array of different projects -- all collaborative. We also have a lab-wide time series project which tracks progress of patients in the UT Psych Clinc. The lab is formally called "Lab for the Empirical Study of Psychodynamic Processes and Psychotherapy" -- a name that I like very much. It captures both the applied and basic clinical research that Dr. Nash facilitates. Know that, as a Nash lab student, you are expected to cultivate your own passion. Starting a line of research is very much an independent process that's not for the faint of heart. Dr. Nash will open many doors for you, but deciding the direction of your work lies squarely on your shoulders -- as it should! We are an innovative and motivated bunch who love to think, discuss, and do.
From Shabad Khalsa
As stated by many other lab members, one of the great advantages of being a graduate student of Dr. Nash is the freedom to explore your research interests, whatever they may be. Such freedom can be a bit daunting at first, but I feel it is an ultimately rewarding experience.