ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Degree and Year

BA In Women’s Studies, BS in Biology; 2009

Professional Title

Psychology Intern at Emory University School of Medicine Internship in Health Service Psychology

Employer

Emory University

Professional Background

I am currently a clinical and community psychology doctoral candidate at Georgia State University, and I am completing my clinical internship at Emory in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. My professional interests include developing and evaluating mental health treatment and prevention programs, as well as working with clients experiencing a range of mental health challenges. Before starting graduate school, I worked as a sixth-grade science teacher through the Teach For America program.

How has being a WGSS graduate from Emory shaped your life and career?

Emory’s WGSS program has had a profound impact on my career and personal life. In the field of psychology, my perspective is often influenced by what I learned through Emory’s WGSS program (e.g., the social construction of identity, the systemic and personal nuances of oppression). I often tell people that my WGSS courses taught me how to think critically about the multitude of factors that impact human relations. These insights informed my decision to study both clinical psychology (which often focuses on individuals) and community psychology (which emphasizes the influence of broader contexts). When conducting psychotherapy, I draw on my training in WGSS to develop a more holistic understanding of clients and their environments. My WGSS courses also helped me see how systemic oppression continues to marginalize certain groups of people, and this contributed to my lifelong passion for advocacy with the aim of creating a more equitable society.