Supritha Sekar
2nd Year | PhD Program | Dublin, OH
Email | s105052y@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Theresa Lafavor
Research Focus | Still deciding! But broadly focusing in pediatric neuropsychology and/or kids with chronic health conditions and trauma
Undergraduate Institution | University of Cincinnati
Graduate Institution | Ohio University
Why I chose Pacific | A friend first told me about the school and after looking into it I really liked the work that was happening here which encouraged me to apply! After connecting with students and faculty and hearing their experiences it solidified my decision to come to Pacific!
Favorite thing about the program | The whole aspect of being back in school again is my favorite thing! The combination of being able to connect with my classmates and meet new people as well as learning and exploring new and old concepts has been so fun!
Favorite PhD course | Advanced Statistics and Clinical Assessment!
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | Network as much as you can! Find different people to connect to and don’t be afraid to send email introductions. You never know who you'll meet!
Career Goal | My goal is to be a pediatric neuropsychologist working with kids with chronic health and neurological conditions.
Hobbies | I love to read, travel, do yoga, crafts, and spend time with my friends and family! I also love to watch ice hockey and watch the Savannah Bananas when I can!
Jamesie Kaiʻaokamālie Spencer
1st year | PhD Program | Kealakekua, Hawaiʻi
Undergraduate Institution | University of Colorado Boulder
Why I chose Pacific | Pacific University’s research emphasis on trauma, adversity, and resilience through a community-based participatory model aligns with my commitment to supporting BIPOC communities through collaborative, culturally responsive care.
Tips when applying | Focus on finding an advisor that truly matches your research interests, and clearly communicate that alignment in your application. Tailor your application to reflect the direction of the lab and program, making sure your statements are relevant and detailed to clearly demonstrate your genuine fit.
Tips when deciding where to apply | When deciding where to apply, consider your research and clinical interests as well as the availability of funding and financial support.
What are you most excited for? | I'm eager to begin clinical practica, working within communities, administering assessments, refining diagnoses, and applying therapeutic interventions.
What are some insights on how you made your final decision? I made my final decision by reflecting on my career goals, as well as the length and location of the program, to choose the place where I felt I could thrive personally and professionally throughout graduate school.
Overall advice/thoughts | Before applying for graduate school, say yes to every opportunity—even if it turns out not to be for you, you’re one step closer to discovering your passion!
Katharine Weisbrodt
3rd Year | Lafavor Lab | Waukesha, WI
Email | katharinew@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | Amherst College
Research Focus | Risk/resilience among LGBTQ+ youth, autistic youth
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific since my current lab was a close fit to my research interests and my future goals. I also loved how welcoming and laid back the other students and faculty were during interview day!
Favorite thing about the program | Opportunities for peds neuropsych assessment experience!
Favorite PhD course | Clinical Assessment
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology (before applying) | Volunteer at a local nonprofit or shadow someone already in the field.
Career Aspirations | Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Hobbies | Plant-collecting, cooking, baking, trying new restaurants, hiking
Isabella Wood
3rd Year | Lafavor Lab | Paragould, AR
Email | h091557m@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | Ouachita Baptist University
Research Focus | My research focus is broadly within risk and resilience. Specifically, I focus on problematic behaviors in children who have experienced adversity and how these behaviors function to meet the needs of these children.
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because Dr. Lafavor's interest in assessments and children in the foster system aligned heavily with my current interests. In my interview with her, I felt that she was trying to get to know me instead of checking off a box. I also wanted to be at an institution that could effectively communicate. Staff and students at the university gave detailed responses to my questions and were able to direct me to someone else if they did not know the answer.
Favorite thing about the program | The structure of the program allows me to have free time to explore my own areas of research interests. There is a healthy balance between class work and research focus without one dominating the other.
Favorite Course | Clinical Assessment Lab – I am more assessment-focused than therapy-focused, so being able to learn and practice assessments has been really exciting.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology (before applying) | Volunteer in settings that align with your interests, even if it's not the exact position you want. This can give insight into how that environment operates while giving you some exposure to different positions inside that setting.
Career Aspirations | Forensic psychologist doing neurological assessments for juveniles in the legal system
Hobbies | Most of my free time is spent reading in random coffee shops and cafes. I have also taken up line dancing with friends.