Assistant Professor Richard Lopez Attends Career Building Neuroscience Workshop

With a generous Career Enhancement Grant from the American Psychological Foundation, Richard Lopez, assistant professor neuroscience and psychology, recently attended the SEE-Diversity to Success Workshop for early career neuroscientists from August 25-29 at the Neuroscience Institute at the University of Chicago. 

Now in its fourth year, the SEE-Diversity (Scholarships to Enhance and Empower Diversity) program provides long-term mentoring and professional enrichment for early career neuroscientists from underrepresented backgrounds. The program's goal is to help these researchers transition into academic positions and increase their retention in those roles.

“I immediately felt a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie with fellow workshop participants and leaders, and that set a positive and encouraging tone for the rest of the week,” reflected Lopez.

Topics for the workshop sessions were wide ranging and included: demystifying the process of NIH grant writing; thoughts and stories about imposter syndrome; how to build resilience among diverse and underrepresented neuroscientists; and merging long term professional and personal growth. 

Other highlights included meeting with mentors and coaches to revise initial drafts of NIH grant proposals. 

“It was incredible and refreshing to have a supportive group where I could make more progress on my grant writing in 30-45 minutes than I typically would in a month or so,” said Lopez. “Overall, this program not only was incredibly useful and timely (especially with respect to tools and tricks to improve grant writing), but it provided me with an amazing support network and mentors going forward so I can continue to thrive and grow as a neuroscientist and a mentor to others.”