From Scholar to Professor: Exploring a Career in Academia

What does a career in academia really look like? AFF alumnus and University of Notre Dame Associate Professor Dr. Oscar Gonzalez shares his journey from exploring different majors as an undergraduate to discovering a passion for research and quantitative psychology. Oscar offers an inside look at life as a professor, the decision to pursue graduate school, and the value of curiosity, persistence, and openness to feedback. He also shares practical advice on building relationships with professors, getting involved in research, finding mentors, and intentionally exploring whether graduate school or academia is the right path for you. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Oscar Gonzalez is an Annexstad Family Foundation alumnus and Associate Professor of Quantitative Psychology at the University of Notre Dame. A 2012 Notre Dame graduate, he earned his Ph.D. in quantitative psychology from Arizona State University in 2018. Before returning to Notre Dame, Oscar served on the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned tenure. His research examines how psychological measurement affects the conclusions drawn from causal models, including statistical mediation models, and prediction models, including machine learning. As a professor, researcher, and mentor, Oscar is passionate about helping students develop their curiosity, build their skills, and pursue the next stage of their careers.