WKU News

Peyton Dover, a double major in Forensic Psychology and Criminology at WKU (Class of 2025), hails from Hebron, Kentucky, located just 10 minutes from Cincinnati. Her decision to attend WKU was influenced by a friend's recommendation to explore the psychology department, but what truly drew Peyton in was the unique Criminology major, which is the only one offered in Kentucky. Her passion for the field grew when she discovered that WKU also provided a concentration in forensic psychology, something that aligned perfectly with her career aspirations.

Peyton’s interest in forensic psychology began in her childhood. “It all started with playing mystery-solving games on my grandma's computer,” she recalled. As she grew older, her passion for true crime and psychological analysis deepened. “I was assigned a project about the case of Adnan Syed, who many believe was wrongfully convicted. From there, I was interested in wrongful convictions and became fascinated with the case,” she explained.

This interest in high-profile criminal cases sparked her desire to understand the intersection of psychology and law, particularly how the criminal justice system could lead to injustices. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a therapist, but I was fascinated by the intersection of psychology and law,” she said. This realization led her to pursue forensic psychology, where she could apply her psychological knowledge to legal and criminal contexts.

At WKU, Peyton quickly immersed herself in the world of research, working on three major projects: one focusing on the insanity defense, another on redemption scripts, and the third, her undergraduate thesis, which examines the fairness of police lineups. “My thesis is focused on the effectiveness of a multiple independent lineup technique, where witnesses are shown various features of a suspect before seeing their face. It’s designed to improve eyewitness memory recall and reduce false convictions, which is a huge issue in the criminal justice system,” Peyton explained. This research reflects her commitment to making a difference in the criminal justice system, especially when it comes to preventing wrongful convictions.

Peyton’s academic journey is complemented by her involvement in extracurricular activities, including working at the Student Accessibility Resource Center (SARC)  conducting research for her thesis. Her internship at the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center has provided invaluable hands-on experience in forensic psychology, assisting with forensic interviews and supporting victim advocacy. Peyton’s determination to make an impact extends beyond the classroom, as she continuously seeks opportunities to build on her academic experiences.

One of the highlights of Peyton’s time at WKU has been her recent achievement: receiving the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Her chosen course, Psychology of Crime, perfectly aligns with her academic interests and career goals. “It’s such an honor to have received the Gilman Scholarship, as I know I wouldn’t be able to have this experience without it,” she said, reflecting on the significance of the award. In Florence, she will be able to expand her understanding of criminology in a global context, further preparing her for her future career in forensic psychology.

Beyond the academic realm, Peyton has also embraced the opportunities WKU offers for personal growth and development. She is already planning her future after graduation, with aspirations of applying to doctoral programs in clinical psychology. “My goal is to work in forensic psychology, doing things like expert witness testimony and criminal assessments,” Peyton shared. She believes that her study abroad experience will be instrumental in preparing her for the independence required in graduate school, allowing her to acclimate to new environments and gain the life skills necessary for success.

With a clear career trajectory and a wealth of experiences under her belt, Peyton Dover is a standout student at WKU. She’s driven by a deep passion for forensic psychology, and her research and extracurricular involvement make her a model of determination and excellence. As she looks toward the future, Peyton’s work both in the classroom and in the community will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the criminal justice field.