On March 8th, 2025, we celebrated International Women’s Day by recognizing the incredible faculty and staff of the Roanoke College Psychology Department. We asked them to share their experiences, achievements, and words of wisdom for other women in the field. Their responses highlight the passion, dedication, and resilience that make them inspiring role models.
What is your favorite thing about being a professor?
Mandy Garcia, MS: “I enjoy seeing students’ learning and understanding grow throughout the term. I love when students share questions and ideas that illustrate their learning and thought regarding the topics discussed. It also doesn’t hurt to have great colleagues!”
Dr. Danielle Findley-Van Nostrand: “The day-to-day is largely very rewarding. We get to be flexible and autonomously drive a lot of where we focus our efforts while working with great colleagues who share the mission of developing students’ knowledge, skills, and future. We wear a lot of hats, but it is truly never boring!”
Dr. Angela Allen: “Unquestionably, it’s being around young people all the time and looking forward to their successes.”
Dr. KM: “I love being able to introduce folks to new ideas and see where their minds take them. Watching students develop their own research projects teaches me along the way, too.”
What is your favorite memory or proudest achievement in your professional and/or academic career?
Dr. Findley-Van Nostrand: “A fun story—I defended my dissertation when my first-born son was four months old, balancing writing with nursing. Six years later, I had my daughter and received my tenure and promotion letter on the same day, in the recovery room. Balance is possible, whatever that looks like for you and your values.”
Dr. Allen: “I’ve had several advisees who struggled with progress toward graduation, and I think I helped get them over the finish line. I’m proud of those moments, as well as when I see an ‘aha’ moment on a student’s face in class.”
Dr. KM: “I’ve had the honor of sharing my research at professional meetings and through a podcast (Heart Rate Variability). Additionally, I’ve loved co-hosting the Nutshell Games, helping students build their communication skills to confidently present their work.”
What is one thing you would like to let other women in the field of psychology and/or neuroscience know?
Dr. Findley-Van Nostrand: “Shake off imposter syndrome. You deserve that position, accolade, etc.! You might experience gender inequity, but that is not because of your ability—it’s because of history and society. Advocate for yourself, set boundaries, and pursue fulfillment beyond work.”
Dr. Allen: “While no profession is free of all bias, I have found that being a woman has not been an issue for the most part.”
Dr. KM: “Mentorship has been the single most influential aspect of my academic journey. Seek out mentors who can facilitate, nurture, and support your goals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, put yourself out there, and take advantage of available resources.”
Dr. Bu: “As a woman of color who teaches statistics, don’t let anyone—including yourself—tell you that you can’t do the math, because you can. Also, don’t let anyone dictate your career path. Follow your passion, and the career will follow.”
Honoring Our Dedicated Staff
Beyond our faculty, we also celebrate the invaluable contributions of Mrs. Hairston, our Administrative Assistant for both the Biology and Psychology Departments. She holds a BS in Business Administration and Healthcare Management from Liberty University and plays a vital role in keeping our department running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
The women of the RC Psychology Department exemplify excellence, perseverance, and leadership. Their stories remind us of the importance of mentorship, self-advocacy, and balance. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate them, our esteemed faculty and staff, for their dedication to education and research.
Happy International Women’s Day!
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