Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (Summer 2018)

"During the summer of 2018, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program under the mentorship of Dr. Tracy Waasdorp and Dr. Stephen Leff. As part of the Behavioral Science discipline's PRAISE team, I took part in examining bullying and violence prevention in urban elementary schools. I helped collect survey data from students, performed a literature review, executed statistical analyses using SPSS with the Hayes macro, and edited grants and intervention materials to examine the impact of teacher-student relationships on student-reported levels of bullying victimization. I also was given the opportunity to shadow therapy sessions and to build an incredibly useful number of skills and connections. I have submitted a poster abstract on the results of my work. 

Coming from Luther College in Decorah, IA, this experience was crucial to the expansion of my research skills. As a Psychology and Environmental Policy double major, I am passionate about the application of research in regards to individual and public well-being. I hope to obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology. This opportunity bolstered my research skills and professional network, while solidifying my career path. Not only was I fortunate enough to obtain excellent mentorship, I was given a level of autonomy that encouraged me to seek out and utilize the limitless resources of CHOP and the surrounding Philadelphia area. This summer provided the springboard for a future academic career, and I am incredibly thankful to have been part of such a supportive environment."