Q & A with:

Nancy Segal

Why do you teach?
I’m very excited about my own topic. I want to convey an excitement to my students. I think you love certain topicswithin your field and you want to share that excitement. I want my students to think really hard about what excites them. It’s usually something personal, something that has touched them personally.

Who motivates you?
I motivate myself. I’ve always been a hard driver. On other hand, I’ve had people who have influenced me and whom I’ve greatly admired over the years. Daniel Freedman, my thesis adviser at the University of Chicago, and Thomas J. Bouchard, Jr. at the University of Minnesota, are two of my mentors.

How would you describe your teaching style?
I use lots of different techniques and formats. I incorporate multimedia into my lectures. I like Powerpoint, overheads, slides, lecturing — the more sides people see, the more real things are. The more people get a feel for it. One of the more innovative things in my seminars is that students read books and then present and discuss them with each other. At the end of the semester, with the seminars, four of my students have had their work published in professional newsletters.

When did you decide to teach?
I always knew I wanted a career combining teaching and research. Once in graduate school, I knew I wanted both. I learn a lot from students. We have a diverse student body here.

Why do you continue to work in the classroom?
I like making people feel excited about topic; it gives me a feeling of satisfaction.

What makes you remain at Cal State Fullerton?
All the opportunities are right here. It’s a heavily populated area, with a diverse population, an excellent setting for what I want to do. I have close contact with deans and administrators, the staff are willing to help. I’m not sure you find that everywhere.

Nancy Segal
Professor of Psychology

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