Hometown: Carnation, Washingtion
Major(s): Psychology, Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
Campus Activities: Psi Chi president, Student Financial Services, student employment assistant, cross-cultural psychology study abroad in South Korea, and human anatomy and physiology lab/lecture TA.
What was your most impactful class or professor? There have been several professors that I have encountered at SPU who have made a substantial impact on me throughout my time as an undergraduate, and have allowed me to fully recognize my worth, not only as a student, but as an individual. However, the most impactful class and professor has to be, hands down, Dr. Baker’s psychopharmacology course. I had taken this class at a period in my academic career when I was unsure of what I wanted to do post-graduation, and seeing his passion for neuroscience research provided the much-needed clarity to recognize where my own true passions lie.
What do you enjoy most about your major? What I enjoy most about the psychology major is its diversity, ranging from neuroscience-focused individuals like me to those interested in adolescent development or cross-cultural perspectives. You are exposed to a wide range of psychological concepts and have the opportunity to join one of the many research labs on campus, where there is likely to be at least one that matches one of your core interests.
How have you grown during your time at SPU? I am a very different person from the one I was four years ago, and have developed myself as a far more whole, intellectual being. I’ve learned to become my own advocate, developing my confidence and gaining greater self-awareness of my place in the world.
What are you excited about in your future career? I will be furthering my academic career after graduation as a neuroscience PhD student at Washington State University, and I’m excited to engage with research investigating how some individuals are more neurobiologically primed for substance abuse disorders compared to others. As a preclinical researcher, I hope to uncover ways to combat these devastating disorders, bringing hope to the individuals affected by them and their loved ones.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Get involved in things sooner rather than later! Once I started exploring the many opportunities SPU has, whether it be a club, an on-campus job, or a research lab, I was able to open so many new doors for myself and make valuable connections with my professors and peers. Do not wait until your fourth or even third year; start early, and your future self will thank you.