Can lessons learned in one context help you thrive in another? Freya Joëssel studies exactly that in her research on skill transfer–and she experiences it every day.
As a postdoctoral researcher in the Learning and Transfer Lab at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Joëssel works with her supervisor, C. Shawn Green, to study human learning. The lab’s research focuses specifically on the “perceptual, motor, and cognitive domains.” At the heart of their work is skill transfer, the ability to apply knowledge or strategies learned in one setting to a new one.
Joëssel saw these principles in action when she moved from Geneva, Switzerland, to Madison. She had to navigate a new city, a different academic culture, and everyday systems like insurance and accessing healthcare. The strategies she relied on–asking questions, problem-solving, and applying what she already knew–mirror the skill transfer she studies in the lab.
“It was impossible to get clear answers before I moved,” Joëssel said.
Applying those same strategies to her own challenges inspired her to help others navigate similar transitions. She became active with the UW Postdoctoral Association, helping incoming postdocs connect with peers and access resources. She also hopes to develop a directory so new postdocs, both international and domestic, can reach out to experienced peers before arriving.
Joëssel brings the same approach to mentoring students. Shortly after arriving, her PI invited her to supervise a student in the Psychology Research Experience Program (PREP), a 10-week summer program supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.
“That was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had,” Joëssel said. “I spent a lot of time with [my student] to make sure she was included and had a good experience. And I feel like that paid off.”
Working with students, Joëssel helps them take the skills they already have and apply them in new situations, building confidence and independence along the way. She balances guidance with space to grow, creating a supportive environment that recently earned her UW–Madison’s 2025 Postdoc Excellence Award in Mentoring.
Joëssel demonstrates how applying what we know in new situations can help people succeed–both professionally and personally. Through her lab research, life transitions, and mentorship, she shows that learning is most powerful when lessons can be applied across contexts.