It Takes Character
Krissy Kanu's ('21) Summer Internship
When Padua Senior Krissy Kanu was nominated to take part in Character Lab, she had never even heard of the organization. Less than a year later, Krissy found herself interviewing Dr. Sophia Choukas-Bradley, Assistant Professor from the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Delaware, as part of the keynote presentation at their annual Educator Summit in August.Dr. Bradley is just one of the many scientists in the Lab's research network of well-known and emerging experts in adolescent development, behavioral economics, neuroscience, sociology, and other disciplines from a wide range of universities around the country.
Character Lab, founded in 2013 and located in Philadelphia, PA, is a non-profit organization that connects researchers with educators to create greater knowledge about the conditions that lead to social, emotional, academic, and physical well-being for young people throughout the country.
Character Lab, founded in 2013 and located in Philadelphia, PA, is a non-profit organization that connects researchers with educators to create greater knowledge about the conditions that lead to social, emotional, academic, and physical well-being for young people throughout the country.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Krissy to learn more about her experience as a "CLIP-ster," one of only a few students selected nationally for the Character Lab Internship Program.
Q&A with Krissy
What type of research have you been engaged in or plan to engage in with the Character Lab?
A lot of the research I’ve helped with is based around experiences in and outside of the classroom. I do a lot of reviewing studies that researchers have made and edit them to make them “student friendly”. The research examines issues from mental health, to sleep, to class participation.
"The lab has strengthened my communication & leadership skills by teaching me how to interact and plan with other people efficiently."
Were you nervous about speaking to such a large group of people?
I was absolutely terrified. When they first asked me to interview Dr. Bradley, I genuinely could not figure out why they asked me and not anyone else.. Everyone had a lot of confidence in me though, and were completely understanding and answered any questions I had to help me prepare.
Does being part of the lab give you the opportunity to network for help with college and/or your profession eventually?
I have met a great deal of people that have become extremely helpful in the college process. The internship has helped prepare me for future experiences like this and develop my love for psychology.
Do you have an idea of where you'd like to go to college and do you have areas of interest yet for what you'd like to study?
My top choices are Boston College and American University. I hope to study either sociology, psychology or criminology.
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