M.S.
Ph.D. Student
Department of Psychological Sciences, Clinical Division University of Connecticut Weight Management Research Group & CT Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences

"Goucher’s Psychology faculty are eager to help and mentor motivated students, which made it possible to meaningfully participate in every stage of the research process and find a passion for research."

What has been your career path since graduating from Goucher?

After graduating from Goucher in 2014 with a major in psychology, I worked for two years as a research coordinator for an NIH-funded trial studying a novel weight loss treatment incorporating principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at Drexel University. I am now in my second year of a Clinical Psychology PhD program at the University of Connecticut with Amy Gorin PhD. My master’s thesis (defended Dec. 2017) examined the effect of the home environment and dietary disinhibition on success in behavioral weight loss treatment. In summer 2018 I am working as a behavioral weight loss therapist for clinical trials at both UConn and Yale University, and I am developing a research project/grant application with the CT Institute for Brain and Cognitive Science to apply for an NIH National Research Service Award.

What were your most influential and valuable experiences at Goucher?

At Goucher, I developed my scientific thought process through course work (e.g., Research Methods), working with Katherine Choe PhD in the Child Development Lab, and conducting an honors thesis with Dara Friedman-Wheeler PhD. Goucher’s Psychology faculty are eager to help and mentor motivated students, which made it possible to meaningfully participate in every stage of the research process and find a passion for research. The higher-level, more specialized courses and my honors thesis refined my interests and provided experience with vital academic research skills such as critically examining the literature to identify areas for further study.

What advice do you have for current students interested in preparing for a path similar to yours?

For current students interested in career path similar to mine, I would suggest getting as much research experience (and publications/conference presentations) as possible both at Goucher and after graduation. Fully-funded Clinical Psychology PhD programs are a good fit for those who enjoy research and envision a career involving research and/or academia, not solely clinical work. Finally, I would suggest applying for every award, fellowship/scholarship, and grant that you can. Even if