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Featured Student: May 2009

Chris Slaten

Chris Slaten advises prospective doctoral students to “be aware of the amount of time and effort that must be put in, in order to succeed.” The time he’s put in since arriving in at UWM in Fall 2006 is impressive, including five internships and three years as a teaching assistant in the Department of Educational Psychology, and many research projects.

As an intern, Chris has counseled a wide variety of clients, from eight-year-olds with behavior disorders, to middle schoolers with anger issues, to adults with domestic violence convictions.

His research on adolescents includes the effects of mental health counseling on academic performance, development of a belongingness scale, and the effects of parenting style and family structure on rural academic achievement.

Chris is now working on three manuscripts with his advisor, as well as some independent research projects, and has been a presenter at both the American Psychological Association National Conference and the International Counseling Psychology Conference.

His academic performance has earned him a two-year Chancellor's Graduate Student Award, and he serves as the vice president of the UWM Counseling Psychology Student Association.

1) How would you describe your field of study/research to a friend who is not in your graduate program?

Counseling psychology seeks to understand the strengths of individuals in regards to their mental health. Counseling psychologists hope to help individuals with their concerns by using the strengths that they already possess to increase their psychological well-being. The academic field of counseling psychology focuses on understanding how to improve the well-being of individuals and understanding how they function in their everyday lives.

2) What brought you to UWM for your graduate studies?

I was fortunate enough to be accepted at UWM in the Counseling Psychology Program and immediately jumped at the chance to come to Milwaukee. The urban and multicultural influence that is infused in the curriculum is unique compared to other programs across the country. In addition, UWM was able to offer me a teaching assistantship.

3) What's been your best experience so far?

I think the best experience that I've had as a graduate student is the opportunity to teach. Coming into graduate school, I thought the last thing I would ever be is a teacher. I was a little concerned when I was appointed a teaching assistantship, but I soon realized how much I enjoy teaching. I have since sought out as many opportunities as possible to continue to instruct and have changed the direction of my future career so that I might have an opportunity to instruct at a university in the future.

4) If you were able to merge another discipline with yours, what would that be and why?

Education. I think that education and counseling psychology can benefit each other with the expertise that both fields possess in order to continue to help children become better students and citizens.

5) What is your favorite stress-reduction activity?

I run or go to the gym. I really enjoy exercise and find that's the best way for me to relieve stress. I can leave all my stress and worry out on the road when I run or at the gym when I work out.

6) What do you most enjoy about Milwaukee?

I enjoy the mild summers, where the weather provides a perfect opportunity to be outside for most of the day. I also enjoy having the opportunity to run near Lake Michigan and take in the scenic views.

7) Is there anything that you've had to "give up" as a graduate student?

Absolutely. My family and my wife's family are located in Missouri, where we are both originally from. It's been difficult to be far away from them over the last three years. My wife and I have also put off having a family of our own until after I'm finished with graduate school.

8) What are your plans for after graduate school?

I hope to have the opportunity to work as a faculty member at a research-focused university and continue to advocate for the importance of mental health professionals in school districts and the importance of the psychological well-being of children and adolescents.

9) What trait do you find most necessary to succeed in graduate school?

Resilience. In order to succeed in graduate school I believe you have to exhibit some resilience. There will always be times where you will have to overcome obstacles, in and out of school. If you want to succeed, you will push through these times and maintain an attitude and performance that exhibits success.

10) Do you have any advice that you would give to a new graduate student in your program?

I think anyone that enters a Ph.D. program in a particular field must be aware of the amount of time and effort that must be put in, in order to succeed. There will be sacrifices that every graduate student must make in order to get the most out of his or her program of study. But perhaps the most important part about being a graduate student is having a passion for what you are studying. When you are passionate and really enjoy learning about your field, the amount of time, energy, and sacrifice doesn't seem as daunting.