Student & Alumni Spotlight

Grace Salloum
Psychological Science
WKU Senior

The best part of my experience in Psychological Sciences so far would be my time working in [professors’ research labs], specifically during the WKU Student Scholar Showcase. Preparing my research for the showcase and practicing with my lab mates allowed me to feel confident for my first presentation and learn about the plethora of research that my undergraduate and graduate friends had been working on all semester. Attending the Showcase with all of them, and other supportive faculty, was a staple moment in my academic journey. I plan to hopefully attend graduate school in the future to complete my master's and Ph.D. in Psychology, or Criminology, with an interdisciplinary element of Violence Studies.

Dalton Bailey
B.S. in Psychological Science
Class of 2022

My time in the WKU Psych Sciences was fantastic, and I truly believe it was the best program for my career interests. The small classes and one-on-one interaction with instructors was invaluable. My faculty mentor supported my interests and made sure that I had all the resources I needed to conduct interesting research projects. I felt very prepared for any career after school, and have since started applying what I have learned to meaningful community research. I would recommend WKU Psych Sciences to anybody who was thinking about attending!

Alyssa Swift
B.S. in Psychological Science
Class of 2023

The opportunities I have had to get hands-on experience working with data and completing independent research projects have been my favorite part of this program. My mentor has given me great flexibility and responsibility throughout my 4 years in the lab. Seeing all the hard work and collaboration that goes into research as well as seeing my own ideas come to life has been the highlight of my academic career.

The Psychological Sciences program has equipped me with a toolbox full of diversely applicable skills and knowledge, but one that stands out is the ability to write scientifically. During my time at WKU, I have written essays, classroom presentations, research proposals, grant applications, abstracts for posters, a Mahurin Honors College thesis, and more. My professors have helped me develop my writing skills in such a way that I can confidently articulate my ideas and advocate for the work I want to do.

I hope to become a research scientist in the field of developmental psychology. I plan to pursue projects that capture the cross-section between psychology and medicine by using both behavioral and physiological techniques to study the development of young children.

Mequeil Howard
B.S. in Psychological Science
Class of 2020

The best part of my experience as a Psychological Sciences student was being able to work in the Children and Families Lab. Through working in the lab, I discovered and developed a passion for research that has carried through my pursuit of a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Philosophy. 

The research knowledge and skills I gained allowed me to pursue working in additional research labs and provided me with increased knowledge to effectively manage individual research tasks. In addition, the skills I learned about time management, working on team, and participant relationships have increased my ability to contribute on additional projects. 

I recently graduated with my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy; however, I am continuing my education to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy from The Ohio State University.