Student Ambassadors | Applied Psychological Science
Our Ambassadors offer insight about Pacific University School of Professional Psychology's Masters in Applied Psychological Science program to prospective students and any other party requesting information about student life or the area. In addition to this, the Ambassadors help assist with open house, interview days, and other events. They also work very closely with the Admissions office in providing an invaluable resource for prospective students.
If you would like to speak with a current student about their experience applying to or choosing Pacific University, you are invited to contact one of our student ambassadors. They will be happy to help you.
Class of 2022
More First Year Student Ambassador Information Coming Soon!
Ali Alghurayri
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Oregon State University
Hometown | Saudi Arabia
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University because their program covers two criteria that I want to learn and develop, which are clinical practice and research skills. The coursework will help me to be a competitive candidate to apply for PsyD/Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology. Also, the faculty members at Pacific University are welcoming, and they support their students for their future careers.
Hobbies | Reading, playing basketball, socccer, hiking, and playing videogames.
Hollie Crandell
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | University of California, Davis
Hometown | Redding, California
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University because this program fits my academic and professional areas of interest the most. The APS program gives me the tools I need to perfect my clinical skills, while also allowing me to work and conduct research at a lab. Besides all of the incredible opportunities offered, I felt instantly connected to students and faculty members. This is a program where everyone is supportive and wants you to succeed, and it is apparent in the way we treat each other here.
Hobbies | I enjoy drinking coffee, buying plants, going on hikes, and spending time with my family and friends.
Ravneet Dhaliwal
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | University of British Columbia
Hometown | Surrey, BC, Canada
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific for its unique program that aligned with my academic and professional goals. I felt this program will allow me to focus on my clinical and research skills, while also preparing me to be a competitive PsyD applicant. I also really liked how this program is in a college of health professions, creating an opportunity for interprofessional growth. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and supported by the faculty. The APS program is home to a diverse and inclusive community that made me feel right at home.
Hobbies | I enjoy swimming, baking, road trips, and spending time with my family and friends.
Marina Garcia
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Portland State University
Hometown | Salem, Oregon
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific becasue of its dual-focused program. The ability to learn clinical and research skills in one program is super helpful in planning your future career. I also felt that the faculty were genuinely invested in my success and professional growth. I was approached as a person rather than a prospective student that needed to prove themselves. The combination of a solid program and personable interactions really fosters a positive learning experience.
Hobbies | I enjoy painting, live concerts, eating, and watching a good show.
Nadine Wander
First year | President Elect for the APS Class 2022 | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | University of Central Oklahoma
Hometown | Los Angeles, California
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University because it is one of the few accredited programs with a concentration in Latino/a/e behavioral and mental health training. This is especially important to me as it allows me to develop the foundation for pursuing a career path for working with children and families and in behavioral/health-based research. The APS program combines creative, collaborative, and culturally sensitive research, small class sizes for cohort-bonding, and a surplus of opportunities to gain leadership experience.
Hobbies | Calligraphy, astronomy, salsa dancing, reading 1920 literature, and playing with my two cats Fitz and Gerald.
Class of 2021
Makenna Armijo
Second year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | The University of California, Irvine
Hometown | Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University because their program most closely aligned with my academic and professional career goals. I felt that the faculty, coursework, and hands-on training would help make me the most competitive candidate that I can be for PsyD programs in the future. I also love how small Pacific's graduate campus is because it provides a great opportunity to really bond with your cohort and connect with faculty.
Hobbies | I enjoy hiking, exploring with my dog, traveling, reading, and cooking.
Sydney Bell
Second year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | St. Cloud State University
Hometown | St. Paul, Minnesota
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because I like how all the health professions programs are integrated in the same campus. Knowing that in the future, I will work with other health professionals, it is comforting to know they view us as a community and not just the psych students in their own bubble. Now that I am a student here, I like how determined the faculty is on helping us succeed. I also like how small the cohorts are. It's very comfortable here.
Hobbies | I enjoy sports like hockey and baseball (Go Wild & Twins!). I also love playing video games in my spare time and exploring the outdoors.
Siena Benson
Second year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Washington State University (Pullman)
Hometown | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University because our faculty consistently works to ensure its students are performing efficiently and successfully. Pacific is more than a university-we are a family.
Hobbies | I enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, painting, and singing out of tune. (:
Sunny Brown
Second year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Pacific University
Hometown | Sandpoint, Idaho
Why I chose Pacific | From my very first interaction with the staff and faculty in undergrad, I was met with open arms and a family atmosphere. Everyone is supportive, welcoming, and encouraging in academia and in juggling our personal lives. I would not have wanted to go anywhere else for graduate school after attending Pacific prior.
Hobbies | Music, running, walking dogs!
Saba Fazeli Attar
Second year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Portland State University
Hometown | Vancouver, BC, Canada
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University because of their friendly and encouraging professors who truly want to see you succeed. I knew the coursework and practicing would prepare me well to be a great candidate for the PhD program as well.
Hobbies | I enjoy drawing on my spare time as well as exploring the outdoors by going on hikes!
Grace Koontz
Second year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | The University of Texas at Dallas
Hometown | Snohomish, Washington
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific for its collaborative environment and focus on diversity. I like how the cohort model encourages students to support one another and provides a sense of community.
Hobbies | Drawing, reading, playing D&D, and practicing Krav Maga.
Andrea McChristian
Second year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Purdue University
Hometown | Valparaiso, Indiana
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because it had a very welcoming and encouraging environment. The program allows you to challenge yourself and continue to grow as a person while furthering your education. The program will also prepare you to be a competitive candidate for PhD and PsyD programs.
Hobbies | I love hanging out with my dog, Einstein, hiking, binge-watching crime tv shows, and exploring for new places to eat!
Elizabeth Richardson
Second year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Oregon State University
Hometown | Corvallis, Oregon
Why I chose Pacific |
Hobbies |
Rachel Schaefer
Second year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Portland State University, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Hometown | North Bend, Oregon
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because it was clear that it valued diversity, and there are several opportunities to engage with the surrounding communities as a student. There is also a sense of community within the students and faculty, which was the supportive environment I was looking for in deciding which university was right for me.
Hobbies | I like to spend time going on trail runs, cooking, going to pow wows and canoeing. I love trying new places to eat in Portland and exploring different farmer’s markets.
Preston Turner
Second year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Linfield College
Hometown | Tigard, Oregon
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because of its supportive faculty and passionate students. Pacific's programs offered exactly what I was looking for to boost my knowledge and experience.
Hobbies | Coffee roasting, classical guitar, dungeons and dragons, reading/writing poetry, and obsessing over my cat.