After completing his first year in the Educational Psychology doctoral program at the University of Kentucky, Utku Caybas, a graduate lab member of P20 Motivation and Learning Lab, will continue his doctoral journey in the Educational Psychology and Educational Technology doctoral program at Michigan State University working with Dr. Lisa Linnenbrink-Garcia.
During his one year at the P20 Motivation and Learning Lab, Utku mainly worked with Dr. Jennifer Osterhage on the motivation and achievement of the undergraduate students in the introductory biology course. In particular, Utku examined the roles of social and contextual factors in students’ motivation in introductory biology courses. First of all, Utku took a role in the team that examined the role of instructor support in the motivation of students in introductory biology and chemistry courses. Second, Utku led a study of examining the role of peers in the motivation of students in an introductory biology course. Finally, Utku took part in a study examining the motivational differences between first year and upper-level students in an introductory biology course.
According to Utku, “My short-term experience at P20 Lab has been great for me. I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Ellen Usher and the lab’s outstanding grad and undergrad members. P20 Motivation and Learning Lab facilitated my transition to my PhD life in the U.S. and enabled me to learn from the members and be productive in this limited time.”
