Mentoring Profile: Crystal Glover, PhD, Rush Medical College

The Rush Women Mentoring Program fosters professional development and a sense of community and collaboration among women faculty at Rush University. In this series, we highlight program mentors and mentees and learn more about how mentoring has impacted them.

Crystal Glover, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush Medical College, joined Rush in 2013.

Tell us about your background.

Crystal Glover: I am a health disparities researcher and mixed-methodologist with the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center and an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. I received my doctorate in social psychology (major) and neuropsychology (minor) from Howard University and my bachelor of science degree in psychology from Louisiana State University. I completed my postdoctoral research fellowship at the Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center. I joined Rush University in 2013 as a BMO Harris Bank Health Disparities Fellow then the RADC as faculty in 2016. My areas of interest include health disparities; healthy aging and chronic diseases of aging, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias; intersectionality as a conceptual framework and methodology; social cognitive processes such as attitudes, beliefs and related behaviors; and mixed-methods research. I have published both quantitative and qualitative research, and I have presented my research findings at international and national scientific meetings. I also belong to various professional groups working to address health disparities both nationally and locally.

What inspired you to get into your field?

CG: I simply aspired to help others, especially regarding health, through research.

What excites you about your work at Rush?

CG: I thoroughly enjoy the interdisciplinary approach to research and health at Rush.

What is your opinion of mentoring and sponsorship?

CG: As many have assisted me, I must look back and assist others going forward.

Do you have tips or advice you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?

CG: Be passionate about your work, have a plan, and seek mentorship and sponsorship. Also, be prepared to constantly improve, be continuously curious and accept constructive criticism.

What are your hobbies? How do you like to spend your free time?

CG: I enjoy reading, traveling, visiting museums and spending time with my husband.