In his career so far, New Mexico State University psychology professor and department head Andrew Conway has taught graduate-level statistics to twenty-five cohorts of students at four different universities. Conway recently won the Outstanding Graduate Teaching of Psychology as a core STEM Discipline Award from the American Psychological Association’s Board of Educational Affairs (APA BEA).
“Graduate students come in fearing statistics the most. But to me, it’s the most important thing in our field. It helps you understand how to think, and how to make decisions about what’s true and what’s not,” Conway said.
This award recognizes a graduate professor whose teaching exemplifies psychology as a core scientific discipline in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through teaching and leadership, Conway’s support for students and dedication to the field embodies that mission.
“The thing that makes Dr. Conway stick out is that he meets students where they are,” said Andrew Villalobos, who took statistics as an undergraduate with special permission from Conway, and later worked in his lab. “Even though he’s a cognitive scientist, he takes the time to relate the lesson back to other areas that students might be studying so that they can have a better understanding. He makes you feel very safe to ask anything.”
In both the classroom and the lab, Conway prioritizes meeting the unique needs of his students. “What I’ve learned with my graduate students is the extent of individual differences,” he said. “You have to assess each person and look at their strengths and weaknesses.”
In addition to supporting them through their studies and development as researchers, he strives to make sure that his graduate students are integrating into the academic community. From his established position in the field, he knows the work it takes to earn a seat at the table.
“You don’t get that automatically, but if you work hard, you will,” Conway said. “That’s exciting, knowing you’re contributing to the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge.”
As a professor, Conway sets his students up with the skills they need to think critically and independently. As a mentor, he ensures his students are conducting quality research on well-developed ideas. As a leader, he trains the next generations of scientists to be credible voices for science and academia. His students carry that influence with them throughout their careers.
“I never thought I would go for a Ph.D., but here I am preparing to move across the country to pursue a Ph.D. in developmental psychology. For me, that’s life changing,” Villalobos said. “I’m the first person in my family to want to go to college, but going to grad school seemed unattainable. Andrew made it seem feasible. He really gave me a chance for stability. I truly couldn’t have done it without him.”
“That’s what I see higher education as,” Conway said. “This is community, this is academia.”
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CUTLINE: New Mexico State University psychology professor and academic department head Andrew Conway receives the Outstanding Graduate Teaching of Psychology as a core STEM Discipline Award from the American Psychological Association’s Board of Educational Affairs. (Courtesy photo).
