Expertise and focus:

Renáta Tichá, PhD, received her PhD in Special Education at the University of Minnesota in 2008. She has extensive experience in the development, implementation and conducting research on assessments and interventions for individuals with intellectual and developmental (IDD) and related disabilities. She has been an investigator on multiple grants, including a Project of National Significance focused on effective transition services for youth with IDD. Dr. Tichá is an adjunct faculty member in Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Her publications cover the topics of inclusion, transition to adulthood, employment and social inclusion of youth and adults with disabilities.

Form of mentoring meetings:

Either way, online or offline

Has an experience in:

Academic career, Career in the non-profit sector

Link to CV

Previous mentoring experience: 

I mentor post-doctoral fellows, PhD and Masters students in Minnesota and internationally in the field of special education and disability services.

Motivation: 

At this point in my career, I enjoy discussing my area of expertise with students and early career researchers to build their capacity for the future, but also to engage in a dialogue with others who may have different education and experiences in the field.

Career guidance topics you can discuss with the mentor: 

• Creating a career plan, strategy

• Identifying and utilizing one's skill set

• Differences between academic and non-academic careers

Research related experience the mentor is ready to share with the mentee: 

• Preparation of scientific publications - how to do it correctly, efficiently, and with quality

• Writing popular science articles

• Grant writing process, grant application consultation

• Management of science and research in an academic institution

• Consultation on preparation for a job interview

• Innovative teaching methods

• Networking - introducing people in the field

• Participating in events together with a mentee (conferences, symposia, fairs, etc.)

• Utilizing the potential of international internships, conferences, etc.

• Path to an academic position abroad

• Project management