Dr. Mike Koenigs – Information for Prospective Graduate Students
Website: https://koenigslab.psychiatry.wisc.edu/
Current research: The goal of our research is to improve mental healthcare and promote well-being for individuals who are currently or formerly incarcerated. We have a longstanding collaboration with the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections that allows us to work with people currently incarcerated in state prisons. We also work with formerly incarcerated people in our community. Our main current research approaches include community engagement, intervention development and adaptation, and clinical trials.
Communication Prior to Applying: I am happy answer questions about the lab or research via email if the questions are short/self-contained. If prospective students have questions that can’t be easily answered via email, I am willing to have video calls to answer those questions. I would note though that I don’t privilege or prioritize applications from prospective students who have contacted me prior to applying or who have had a video call with me. Instead, these calls are really for the prospective student to ask questions that impact whether they plan on applying. The way to schedule such a call is to email me. I’d note that if you have questions about completing/submitting the UW Madison Psychology Department application itself, the best person to contact is our graduate coordinator, kbelt@psych.wisc.edu
Areas I’m Willing to Advise Students in: Individualized Graduate Major (IGM)
How I Evaluate Applicants: Like all faculty members in the Psychology Department, I evaluate prospective graduate students in a holistic manner. I therefore consider all the possible ways in which students’ applications materials can demonstrate excellence and a strong likelihood to thrive in the graduate program and in my lab. In evaluating applicants, I consider applicants’ research experience, their academic record and potential, and their demonstrated interest in clinical research areas and populations that are the focus my laboratory. Some qualities that I look for in prospective graduate students include: kindness, empathy, collegiality, and positive attitude; motivation, grit, and perseverance; and commitment to supporting marginalized or underserved populations.