Majors: Psychology; Human Development and Family Studies
Minors: Sociology; Communication Studies
Year in school: Junior
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Why did you select your major(s) and minor(s)? Were there any events or people that convinced you to declare?
I selected the majors and minors that I did because I wanted a job in the future where I could help people. I am passionate about mental health, and psychology is a way to bring this passion into my academics. A person that helped me to choose psychology was my academic advisor who supported me in choosing the major that was right for me.
What is your favorite course you have taken from your program(s) and why?
My favorite course I have taken is PSYC 380 (Psychopathology and Mental Health). This is because I found the topics of the course interesting, as I had never taken a deep dive into the different mental disorders but was interested in learning more. Also, the professor (Dr. Esseks) was a phenomenal professor who kept the class engaging while still teaching us an immense amount of information.
Who have been some of your strongest mentors or role models here?
I would say some of my strongest mentors have been the graduate students that I am doing research with, specifically Elizabeth Malousek and Lucia Fetkenhour. They have helped me to learn more about what graduate school might look like, and what the research scene would hold for me in the future if I continue down this path.
Do you have research experience (UCARE or other)? If so, please describe your project.
I am a research assistant for the MAP (Motivations, Attitudes, Perceptions) lab. This study focuses on young adults opinions and actions in regards to alcohol use. The study hopes to promote healthy practices among young adults.
Have you had an internship or job? If so, please describe it and explain how your major(s) helped you with it.
An internship that I currently have is at home care for elderly people with Home Care Partners. Psychology has helped me because I have some clients with memory disorders, so I can use my knowledge about the disorders and how to approach people with these disorders that I learned about in class.
Did you/are you going to study abroad? If so, describe the experience.
I am hoping to study abroad in India in the spring of 2026.
What are you involved in on campus or in the community?
I am involved on campus in many ways, including being the Vice President of Intellectuals of the fraternity Phi Kappa Theta, Vice President of the Thomistic Institute RSO, on the board for the Newman Center, a camp counselor for the UNL chapter of camp Kesem, a camp counselor for big red summer camps, an on campus tour guide, a peer listener for Big Red Resilience and Well Being, a sexual assault peer educator for CARE, as well as previously on UNL's eSports team. I am involved in the community through AmeriCorps where I lead after school clubs for elementary schools around Lincoln, as well as previously volunteered as Catholic Social Services.
What are your plans after graduation?
I hope to enter into the Psychology graduate school program to eventually become a clinical therapist. The dream is to open up a therapy clinic that is fully covered by health insurance so those who struggle with money have the opportunity to get therapy.
