Simran Mahabaleshwarkar
4th Year | Neuropsychology Emphasis | Overland Park, KS
Email | maha4022@pacificu.edu
Hometown | Overland Park, Kansas
Why I chose Pacific | A combination of factors drew me to Pacific University. The fact that the neuropsychology concentration was close-knit, specific, and met future licensing guidelines was important to me. I also loved that I would be surrounded by nature with lots of opportunities to explore my environment and provide balance while I was earning my degree.
Favorite thing about the program | The professors at Pacific are some of the best professors I have ever met! They are dedicated to their students' success and well-being, going beyond just academics. They truly care about how we are doing on a day-to-day basis. They are also passionate about their practice and love sharing their experiences and knowledge with students. I also appreciate how they treat us as colleagues, valuing our novel ideas and meeting us where we're at.
Favorite PsyD Course | Psychopharmacology. Psychopharmacology with Dr. Schwartz was a well-balanced course of learning content, and then engaging in discussion. Not only did I learn the information needed for my future career, but I also engaged with the information in various formats, such as group work, individual essays, and presentations on specialized topics. From this course, I took away vital knowledge and new ways to conceptualize my own learning.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology (before applying) | Use your network as best you can! Most people love to assist in getting you to where you want to be in your career. So, even if you may not know someone super well, but they are in a career you are interested in, ask them if they have any availability for you to chat with/observe them. I'm sure most would be happy to oblige or connect you with someone else.
Career Aspirations | My primary career goal is to become a well-rounded, board-certified clinical neuropsychologist. Additionally, I hope to weave mentorship, community outreach, research, and authorship into my career as well. I proudly come from an Asian-Indian background and hope to contribute back to my community!
Hobbies | Coming from Kansas (it's just flat land), I have started enjoying the nature around me! Oregon is absolutely beautiful, and I have hopped onto the hiking bandwagon. I also love finding hot springs and watering holes that are nearby, and going paddleboarding! My other hobbies are reading, dancing, and learning new things like ASL and henna.
Molly Mouchawar
3rd Year | Neuropsychology Emphasis | Lafayette, Colorado
Email | mollymouchawar@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of Colorado, Boulder
Why I chose Pacific | The emphasis areas, especially in neuropsychology, made this university and its PsyD program stand out from others. I also felt a genuine sense of care, support, and warmth from the moment I attended the open house, throughout the interview process, and even after accepting my offer. It was a truly positive experience every step of the way
Favorite thing about the program | My favorite part of this program has been my cohort! Moving here from out of state and not knowing anyone in the area was a big transition, but I was quickly met with kindness and a strong sense of community.
Favorite PsyD course | I have loved the biological and neuropsychology courses this program offers. If I had to choose one, I would say Neuropsychological Assessment!
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology (before applying) | Look up clinics or practices in your current area and send them an email or give them a call to see if they have any opportunities that could lead to hours or learning experiences. Entry level positions feel few and far between these days so sometimes you have to reach out and create them yourself (you never know)! A learning opportunity I enjoy engaging with even while in school is being subscribed to the National Academies for up to date research and continuing education webinars on psychology topics.
Career Aspirations | My career goal is to work in clinical neuropsychology.
Hobbies | skiing, hiking, and watching documentaries!