Cameron J. McCoy, Ph.D.’s Post

A helpful quick read for anyone in the higher ed world!

2023 brought more inspiration, clarity, and exhaustion than I've experienced in a long, long time... maybe ever. I gathered a few of my thoughts in our annual Founder's Note: "Ten years ago, my classmates and I decided to continue working on a class project after graduation. It was called 'Brain Busters' (a regrettable name that was naturally already taken by a wrestling duo). It was an interactive game to help people learn about neuroscience and society. It was also one of the earliest iterations of The Plenary, Co. model. We’ve embraced several evolutions since then. We’ve facilitated workshops, led free science communication trainings across campuses, developed undergraduate courses and multidisciplinary frameworks, curated artworks, designed curriculum, and even did a brief stint as social platform developers. Some of these experiments were successes and others were... not. But regardless of the outcome, each was an exploration of what could be. They were our attempts to answer the question: if we used what we collectively know about how people stay open, connected, and inspired around ideas, what kind of system would we build? In 2023, we used every learning and insight from the past decade to sculpt a series of experiences that challenge today’s norms for how communities explore ideas, who should be at the center of the conversation, and what it looks like to intricately braid curiosity and creativity together in pursuit of wellbeing for people and the planet. These were our biggest experiments yet. And after ten years of testing and iterating, we’re proud to finally have our answer to that question. Now it’s time to build it." I can't wait for this next phase, and I'm so immensely grateful for all of the stubbornly hopeful and imaginative people who have walked with us this far. Don't forget to rest, yall. We've got a lot of work to do.

Why Every Mompreneur Needs Arthur Brooks' Wisdom Have you ever felt like you were sprinting through life, juggling roles as #mom, #wife, #entrepreneur—all while your dreams of "having it all" slipped away? I've been there, pushing myself to the brink, thinking success meant relentless hustle at the #expense of my well-being. But there's another way—a path to #building a thriving business, being present for loved ones, and actually enjoying the journey. This transformative mindset comes from an unlikely source: happiness scholar, Arthur Brooks. Why did you really start this business in the first place? It's so easy for us mompreneurs to get bogged down in the daily hustle, #cashflow worries, endless tasks—and lose sight of that deeper #motivation that first ignited our entrepreneurial fire. But when we reconnect with our "why"—the impact we want to make, the #legacy we want to leave our children—we tap into a renewable source of #energy, #creativity, and #resilience. That sense of purpose becomes the fuel to overcome any obstacle. Another eye-opening #truth? We cannot pour from an #emptycup. Brooks drives home the undeniable link between our personal well-being and business #success. He shares so many research-backed #strategies for increasing life satisfaction despite the chaos. From #mindset shifts to daily habits, I learned real ways to experience more joy on this wild ride. Because at our best, us #mompreneurs are unstoppable forces. But if we're running on fumes, we'll quickly burn out. Prioritizing our own happiness isn't just a "nice to have"—it's a business imperative. Prioritize #leadership, #happiness, and #purpose—that's how we finally have it all, and build our own #MoneyStory. #KnowYourNumbers #KnowYourWorth #StrengthtoStrength Harvard's Leadership & Happiness Laboratory

I'm honored to be in the fifth issue of MIT's Science and Policy Review. Thank you to Siddhu Pachipala for interviewing me, and capturing my warm- to hot-takes of how we can think about what's next for innovation in cities: "The word ’innovation’ should be invoked less in attempts to stick widgets onto polls and more in steps to bring research into city halls to inform policy and improve services to people." https://lnkd.in/gf3_7MvS

Stanford University's Atmosphere for Students Stanford University, renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life, offers students a unique and stimulating atmosphere. Here are some key aspects that contribute to the university's distinctive environment: Academic Rigor and Innovation: * Intellectual Stimulation: Stanford's faculty are world-class experts in their fields, providing students with challenging coursework and thought-provoking discussions. * Research Opportunities: Students have ample opportunities to engage in research projects, both independently and with faculty mentors, fostering a culture of innovation and discovery. * Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Stanford encourages students to explore multiple fields of study, fostering a broad and interdisciplinary perspective. Vibrant Campus Life and Community: * Student Organizations: The university boasts a wide range of student organizations, catering to diverse interests and providing opportunities for leadership and involvement. * Social Events: Stanford hosts numerous social events, from concerts and lectures to athletic competitions, creating a vibrant and engaging campus community. * Outdoor Activities: The university's beautiful campus and proximity to nature offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and surfing. Supportive Community and Resources: * Mentorship: Stanford provides students with access to mentors, both faculty and peer advisors, who can offer guidance and support throughout their academic journey. * Counseling Services: The university offers comprehensive counseling services to help students navigate academic, personal, and social challenges. * Diversity and Inclusion: Stanford is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community, celebrating the unique experiences and perspectives of its students. Career Preparation and Opportunities: * Career Services: The university's career services office provides students with resources and support to explore career options, build professional networks, and secure internships and full-time jobs. * Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Stanford is a hub for entrepreneurship, offering students opportunities to develop their own businesses and connect with like-minded individuals. In summary, Stanford University offers students a stimulating and supportive environment that fosters academic growth, personal development, and lifelong connections. The university's commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement creates a truly unique and enriching experience for its students.

All Things Are Possible

Hear what the students at Capital University of Science & Technology have to say about our services!

Love this research on metacognition and especially the reflection worksheet by Tessa Forshaw and her colleagues. 🧠 💡 Some of my favorite sections of this paper are that... Good metacognitive reflection questions tend to: ● encourage self-awareness and self-monitoring. ● evaluate strengths and weaknesses in thinking. ● promote transfer of learning to new contexts. ● be specific and actionable. And the research summary notes that... ● People are able to learn metacognition ● High-performing design students tend to spend more time engaged in metacognitive thought processes...than low-performing students ● Metacognition plays an essential role in the process of learning transfer 🕹️ Great work and very applicable to games and learning as well!

A once-in-a-lifetime experience to renew your #purpose; build a new #community of friends across generations; recalibrate your physical, emotional, and spiritual #wellbeing. Enjoy the video: #lifelonglearning #longlifelearning

Such a useful resource for humanities careers.