Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?
I chose IUPUI’s clinical psychology program because of its unique research focus on severe mental illness, and because the program gives me the opportunity to work in many different clinical settings throughout hospitals in Indianapolis. I was also very excited to do research with my mentor, Dr. Michelle Salyers.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
I was able to complete my master’s thesis in the spring of 2019, and I am currently in the process of publishing two research papers from that project. It’s exciting to see work through from start to finish.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis really does have a vibrant city life. Coming from the east coast, I love that the low cost of living here allows me to go to concerts, go out to eat- things that I wouldn’t be able to do on a graduate student stipend in many other places. I live in Irvington on the east side, so I also love Halloween and the annual Halloween festival!
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
My research is focused on examining the effects of mental illness and substance use disorder stigma on patients’ ability to access and fully engage in behavioral health treatment. Along with Dr. Michelle Salyers in IUPUI’s Psychology Department, I work with Dr. Matthew Aalsma at IU School of Medicine, where I am examining substance use disorder stigma among adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system.