Halle Bakir
3rd Year | Shanley Lab | Birmingham, AL
Email | hebakir@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate/Graduate Institution | Emory University, University of St. Andrews MRes
Research Focus | I am interested in studying and mitigating chronic illness and mental health disparities in rural communities.
Why did you choose Pacific University? For me the stellar faculty, program model, high internship match rates, and beautiful location were the ultimate deciding factors for me to attend this program. Specifically, though, my mentor’s research interests match my own and we had a great conversation on interview day that excited me so much about future work. Moreover, the students I talked to were all incredibly honest and encouraging which helped me feel like I would fit in well at Pacific.
Favorite thing about the program | The collaborative and supportive atmosphere between students and faculty.
Favorite Course | So far, my favorite course has definitely been Psychological Science II with Dr. Bower. The class focused on the cognitive, biological, social, and affective aspects of developmental psychology in mid to late life. I really enjoyed how Dr. Bower facilitated great class discussions, taught us a wide variety of topics, and made difficult information clear and concise.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology (before applying) | I would recommend seeking out a wide variety of different experiences and not being afraid to just reach out to clinical professionals in your community. I would also recommend getting some research experience to learn more about your own interests and any topics or questions you might want to study in grad school.
Career Aspirations | Clinical psychologist in a hospital setting
Hobbies | I love reading, running, hiking, traveling, and anything to do with theatre!
Alli Colberg
2nd Year (Advanced Standing) | Shanley Lab | St. Paul, MN
Email | alli.colberg@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of Minnesota Duluth
Research Interest | Strengths based interventions and preventative care for children, teens, and families, socioemotional learning, community based participatory research
Why did you choose Pacific University? I was impressed with the clinical training opportunities and their commitment to the scientist practitioner model. I also appreciated the ability to “skip” a year through the advanced standing track! The final factor that really confirmed my choice was that I felt a great connection with my advisor and felt like my research interests were a great match for her lab and current projects.
Favorite thing about the program | The people in and around the program have been absolutely amazing! My classmates have become amazing friends and bring so many unique experiences and perspectives to every class. My professors and mentors have empowered me to make some great professional connections and are very encouraging of me to grow as a researcher and clinician.
Favorite PhD course | Integrated Seminar in Psychological Research. We are learning so much about how to be a good researcher, from how to develop a good research question to how to get published!
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology (before applying) | Start to figure out what your research and clinical interests are. Take time to talk with professors, graduate students, and practicing psychologists. If you are able, take on an internship or a research assistant position to gain hands-on experience!
Career Aspirations | I hope to work as an inpatient pediatric psychologist in a hospital setting.
Hobbies | When I need something relaxing to unwind, I love to read literary fiction novels and bake. When I am looking for something more active or adventurous, I enjoy hiking and playing rugby!
Taylor Josefowicz
2nd Year | PhD Program | Wilkes-Barre, PA
Email | tjosefowicz@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Janelle Shanley
Undergraduate Institution | Susquehanna University
Research Focus | Resilience in youth and adolescents, Impact of familial structure on mental health diagnosis and support in youth
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because everyone made me feel so welcomed and at home from the beginning. I connected immediately with Dr. Shanley and knew I wanted to work with her in the collaborative environment that Pacific offers. All of the students I met made such great connections with me and went the extra mile to ensure I felt comfortable, confident, and sure that Pacific was the place for me.
Favorite thing about the program | The collaborative spirit and opportunity to further develop my research and clinical skills.
Favorite PhD Course | Psychological Science 1 - I loved being able to dive more deeply into developmental psychology and being able to apply it to my clinical work.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | Get involved from the beginning and don't be afraid to make connections! Building relationships through your mentor, lab mates, or members of other cohorts always helps to open doors in the future!
Career goal | Clinical Psychologist with a focus in child and adolescent care / Professor
Hobbies | I love cooking and baking ever since I started as a child with my grandma! I also love to read and find new places to eat with friends!
Riley Tingman
3rd Year | PhD Program | Seattle, WA
Email | rileytingman@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Jenelle Shanley
Undergraduate Institution | University of Washington, Seattle
Research Focus | Community intervention and prevention for at-risk youth, intergenerational substance use, and parenting techniques for vulnerable populations.
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because they foster the Boulder Model, allowing for the importance of integrating both clinical and research into practice. This has been consistently featured in our coursework and in training thus far.
Favorite thing about the program | There are so many opportunities to grow outside the classroom including extra clinic hours and projects, and collaborations between labs and programs.
Favorite PhD Course | Applied Clinical Psychology I/II - In this course, we learn how to apply concepts in a real world setting, learn about nuances in diagnosis and treatment, and challenge our ideas of psychopathology.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | There are research projects, and additional clinic hours that are sent via email by faculty constantly. There are many ways Pacific fosters your experience outside of coursework.
Career goal | Outside of academia and private practice, I want to develop a non-profit for at-risk youth that acts on negative risk aversion, and offers mental and physical health care.
Hobbies | I am a huge adrenaline junky with interests in motorcycles, dirt biking, and tinkering with cars. Alternatively, I enjoy painting, traveling, plants, and yoga.