Dissertation Coach / PhD / Data Science Specialist / Published Scientific Author in Health and Social Sciences (Psychology / Psychometrics). Support for your thesis/dissertation or paper

Find out more about Franco

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  As a doctoral candidate specializing in psychometrics and health and educational psychology, my passion for this field started during my undergraduate studies. I found myself fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior and cognition. Psychometrics, with its focus on measurement and assessment, particularly captivated me as it provided a structured approach to studying complex psychological constructs.
  
  My interest in private tutoring emerged as I progressed through my academic journey. Initially, it started as a means to reinforce my own understanding of the material by teaching others. However, I witnessed the profound impact tutoring had on my peers' comprehension and confidence and realized the satisfaction that comes from guiding others on their educational paths. Since then, my passion for both my chosen field and tutoring has only continued to grow, fueling my commitment to both learning and teaching; it also moved beyond quantitative psychology and into other fields within social and health sciences, such as medicine, nutrition, economics, sociology, and more.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  In the realm of health and social sciences, I have the privilege of exploring a vast array of fascinating topics with my students. One area that particularly intrigues me is measurement theory and practice, which delves into the intricate processes involved in developing and validating assessment tools – I particularly enjoy how this can be further applied within research, since how we measure constructs influences the nuances within our findings and what we can conclude of our research work.
  
  Additionally, I am passionate about topics related to health psychology, particularly those examining the interplay between mental and physical well-being. From exploring the biopsychosocial model of health to investigating the role of stress and coping mechanisms in health outcomes, I find great fulfillment in unraveling the complexities of human health behavior.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Indeed, I've been fortunate to have inspiring mentors who have shaped my journey in academia. One such role model is Juliana, my first research mentor during my undergraduate studies. Juliana is not only a skilled researcher but also a dedicated educator who taught me the ropes of conducting empirical research. Her passion for inquiry and her unwavering support ignited my own enthusiasm for research and set me on the path to pursuing further studies in psychology, psychometrics, and health sciences.
  
  Moreover, my grandfather has been a significant influence on my academic and professional endeavors. As a seasoned researcher in the field of medicine and health sciences, he has always been a source of wisdom and guidance. His commitment to advancing knowledge and his embodiment of integrity and perseverance have been constant sources of inspiration for me throughout my academic journey.
  
  Both Juliana and my grandfather have instilled in me the importance of intellectual curiosity, diligence, and empathy in scholarly pursuits. Their mentorship has not only shaped my approach to research and teaching but has also imbued me with a deep sense of purpose and dedication to making meaningful research contributions.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I think that, to excel as a tutor, one must possess a blend of qualities that transcend mere academic proficiency. While expertise in the subject matter is essential, it is the following qualities that truly distinguish a good tutor: Patience: A good tutor understands that learning takes time and is willing to patiently guide students through challenging concepts without becoming frustrated. Empathy: Empathy allows tutors to connect with their students on a personal level, understanding their unique learning styles, challenges, and motivations. Clear Communication: The ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner is crucial for effective tutoring. A good tutor can break down concepts into digestible chunks and adapt their communication style to suit the needs of each student.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  When I was just starting to provide advisories, I had the privilege of working with a graduate student named Emily on her personality psychology thesis, which focused on exploring the intersection between Big-Five personality traits, mindfulness practices, and stress reduction among college students. Emily was passionate about her research topic but felt overwhelmed by the complexities of designing her study and undertaking and reporting quantitative data analyses.
  
  When Emily first approached me for advisory assistance, she expressed uncertainty about where to begin and doubts about her ability to undertake such a significant research endeavor. She struggled with formulating clear research questions, designing an appropriate methodology, and navigating the intricacies of data analysis.
  
  As our advisory sessions progressed, I witnessed a transformation in Emily. She grew more confident in her abilities as a researcher, gained clarity and focus on her approach to the study, and demonstrated a newfound passion for her research.
  By the time Emily completed her thesis, she had not only produced a high-quality research project that contributed valuable insights to the personality psychology but had also developed a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance in her abilities as a researcher.
  
  I truly cannot attribute Emily’s success to myself because she was the one who put in the hard work, and I merely provided guidance, support, and specific feedback when necessary. However, this anecdote serves to illustrate one of many experiences that have made me love the job and continually renew my enthusiasm to assist people with their research needs.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  In the realm of psychometrics and psychology, there are several ongoing challenges and complexities that researchers and practitioners encounter. Some of the difficulties I have faced, and continue to face, include:
  • Complexity of Constructs: Many psychological constructs, such as intelligence, personality, and mental health, are inherently complex and multifaceted. Developing valid and reliable measures to assess these constructs accurately remains a daunting task, requiring careful consideration of theoretical frameworks, measurement models, and psychometric properties.
  • Advancing Measurement Techniques: With advancements in technology and statistical methods, there is a constant need to refine and innovate measurement techniques.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Addressing complex phenomena often requires interdisciplinary collaboration across diverse fields, such as psychology, medicine, neuroscience, and statistics. Bridging disciplinary boundaries and fostering effective communication among experts with varying backgrounds and perspectives can be challenging but is key for advancing knowledge.
  
  Despite these challenges, I am inspired by the opportunities they present for growth, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the field. Besides, every challenge in research can always be viewed as a source of interesting and fun work to be done :)

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion lies at the intersection of teaching and research. While I find fulfillment in each of the domains individually, it is the synergy between them that drives my enthusiasm.
  Teaching holds a special place in my heart, as it provides a platform to inspire and empower the next generation of scholars and practitioners. Witnessing the spark of understanding in a student's eyes and nurturing their intellectual curiosity brings me immense joy and fulfillment. I am passionate about creating engaging learning environments where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
  
  In addition to teaching and research, I am deeply passionate about the practical application of psychology to address real-world problems and improve people's lives. Whether it involves developing evidence-based interventions to promote mental health and well-being or consulting with organizations to enhance performance and organizational effectiveness, I am driven by a desire to make a positive impact through the application of psychological principles.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  What sets me apart as a Superprof extends beyond my ability to respond to interview questions with a touch of humor (although I must say, it's a delightful aspect, ha!). Some additional qualities and characteristics that make me a Superprof:
  • Expertise and Qualifications: I possess extensive knowledge and expertise in my field, backed by rigorous academic training and professional experience. My doctoral degree in psychometrics and psychology, coupled with years of research and teaching experience, equips me with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality instruction and guidance to my students.
  • Passion for Teaching and Learning: Teaching is not just a job for me; it's a passion. I am deeply committed to fostering a love of learning in my students and empowering them to reach their full potential.
  • Personalized Approach: I recognize that every student is unique, with their own learning styles, strengths, and challenges. I tailor my teaching approach to meet the individual needs of each student, providing personalized guidance, support, and feedback to maximize their learning outcomes.
  • Effective Communication and Collaboration: Clear and effective communication is essential for successful tutoring. I make efforts to explain complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner, fostering open communication and collaboration with my students to ensure that they grasp the material or tasks at hand.
  • Continuous Improvement: As a lifelong learner myself, I am committed to continuous improvement and professional development. I stay updated on the latest developments in my field and actively seek feedback from students to enhance the quality of my instruction.