Wow, it has been a long time since I have written. I have been so busy with my Ph.D. program at the University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC). I was reading some of my old posts and am truly amazed how much things have fallen into place. Let me give you an update...
I was admitted to UMKC to begin in Fall 2014 with a lab focused on serious mental illness. Since then, I have been involved with a project collaborating with a local community hospital and their treatment program Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET). CET helps people diagnosed with serious mental illness (primarily schizophrenia and autism) learn neurocognitive and social cognitive skills. Reading my last post reminded me how long I've been wanting to be involved with treatment research. I couldn't ask for a better project to be involved with. I absolutely love it. Our collaborators are awesome and really care about the people they work with. Our Co-Primary Investigator is one of the most skilled clinicians I have ever met (especially working with individuals with schizophrenia). I am so grateful for my mentor who pushed this project along and has been very supportive along the way. We have been very lucky to have this project funded since it has begun. I love observing and participating in groups, spending time with each participant (especially learning each person's unique perspectives), and sharing our project with the world. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the project.
I have also very much enjoyed formal practicum experiences. I began clinical practicum in my second year in the program (last year). I started at a local free clinic conducting individual therapy. This was my first time doing therapy. It was admittedly challenging and frustrating, but I truly enjoyed working with diverse people and having the opportunity to be invited into each person's world. This year, I have begun working at a local state psychiatric hospital. This practicum is on its way to becoming one of my most favorite experiences ever. I am facilitating individual therapy and group therapy. My unit is a long-term psychiatric unit with individuals with serious mental illness. My therapy clients primarily are diagnosed with schizophrenia. Before working here, I decided that individual therapy was "not for me". However, I am enjoying it so much now that I am reconsidering this. The people I work with are extremely open, gracious, and just enjoyable to be around. People on the unit amaze me with their resiliency and determination to reach their goals, despite being stuck somewhere largely against their will.
I have enjoyed my academic life at UMKC as well. The classes here have been challenging and very applicable to my future career. I am ending my semester and have one more class next semester. I have always been eager to learn, but am admittedly looking forward to being finished with coursework.
I have had a lot of different Teaching Assistantships since starting here at UMKC. Many of it has been positive, but other aspects have discouraged me from pursuing academia. I will keep the option open, but lately have been thinking about non-academic research and/or clinical careers. I have a bit of time to decide, but that's where I am now!
I can't neglect to mention the awesome friends I have met here. I wouldn't have been able to get through the tough times I've had here without my KC friends. I moved here to pursue my education and career, but was pleasantly surprised by the awesome people I have met along the way. My wonderful boyfriend moved here with me in 2015 after a hard year of a long-distance relationship. Life is always better with his support, and that is no different here in KC.
I will try to write more and continue to document my pursuit of a career focused on serious mental illnesses! Thanks for reading!
Showing posts with label academia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label academia. Show all posts
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Thursday, May 16, 2013
First Year Complete
Wow, it's been even longer than I thought since I last wrote. My last entry was after the first semester and before the second even started. That seems to foreshadow how bustling this semester was!!!
I am currently enrolled full-time at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington in the Psychology Master's degree program. My concentration, General, is mostly meant to prepare students for research careers and/or to enroll in Ph.D. programs. I resisted this option (e.g. first earning a Master's degree then going to Ph.D., rather than straight to Ph.D.), but I can say now that I am really glad I ended up on this path. I was very stubborn about NOT doing a Master's first, but as it appears to be the best (and sometimes only) option for Ph.D. preparation, I am definitely starting to feel more ready.
This semester I joined another lab to gain more cognitive research experience. I am broadly interested in the rehabilitation and recovery of schizophrenia. I would love to become involved in a treatment-based research lab (such as development of a targeted social skills training program). I am also interested in involvement with a cognitive lab that either investigates cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, or develops cognitive remediation programs.
I am currently in what is called the Mental Illness & Recovery Lab. My project is working with the local Mental Health Court program. My thesis (pending prospectus approval) will be looking at the contributing factors of re-offending in these participants (namely criminal thinking and empathy). Mental health courts are diversion programs for individuals with mental illness involved in the justice system. Our research will help inform targeted treatments to reduce re-offense (for example, CBT programs targeted to reduce criminal thinking, which are available and have been tested mostly with incarcerated offenders).
The other lab I joined, the ACT (the Aging & Cognitive Training) Lab. This semester, I worked with the lab coordinators to develop a project that will evaluate the relationship between source memory and empathy. These two cognitive processes are impaired in schizophrenia. Although we will not be testing individuals with schizophrenia, establishing a relationship in psychiatrically healthy individuals may be useful to guide future research with individuals with schizophrenia. I worked on lots of literature review and started a write-up for this project. Hopefully data collection will follow in the fall semester.
Working in two labs definitely filled the extra time in my schedule I was concerned about having. I also was offered 5 extra TA hours working with the learning center to mentor students on academic probation. This was a very useful experience (minus the negative, which was a very high dropout rate) and I felt like I helped students either improve their academics or just figure out their life!
I really enjoyed the two classes I took this semester. First, Cognitive Psychology. I always LOVE cognitive classes. I find cognition to be so fascinating. I learned a lot of interesting new things about cognition, but by-far, my favorite part of the class was writing the paper. We basically could write about whatever we wanted, as long as it related directly to cognitive psychology. I started off broad, but then decided to write about Mindfulness Yoga for Schizophrenia. Surprisingly, mindfulness and/or yoga has been used for schizophrenia, mostly to reduce stress & anxiety. I focused my writing on the potential cognitive benefits of mindfulness yoga for schizophrenia. Mindfulness and/or yoga uses many focused attention practices, thus may be a candidate training program for schizophrenia. And, importantly, it is a recovery-oriented treatment, meaning it increases self-awareness and improves quality of life.
Second, Research Methods. We basically learned to critique research articles throughout the class. I really needed this. I now read literature much more critically than I did before. I am glad I completed this class before submitting my undergraduate research anywhere for publication (fingers crossed). After this year, I realize that I probably was not really ready for doctoral-level training. I feel that after masters-level training is complete, it will be a much smoother transition to doctoral work.
So, this summer will consist of GRE prep (will take likely early August), publication prep (my unpublished undergraduate honors research), and thesis writing. I originally was considering getting a job to avoid dipping into the loans even more, but I think I will have plenty to do without one. I was feeling very stressed at the end of the semester, and I few months off will be nice. Oh, and fun things for me to do (!): lots of running/working out, 5Ks, beach days, exploring Wilmington/NC cities, and gourmet eating. Aaaahhh, so glad summer is here.....
I am currently enrolled full-time at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington in the Psychology Master's degree program. My concentration, General, is mostly meant to prepare students for research careers and/or to enroll in Ph.D. programs. I resisted this option (e.g. first earning a Master's degree then going to Ph.D., rather than straight to Ph.D.), but I can say now that I am really glad I ended up on this path. I was very stubborn about NOT doing a Master's first, but as it appears to be the best (and sometimes only) option for Ph.D. preparation, I am definitely starting to feel more ready.
This semester I joined another lab to gain more cognitive research experience. I am broadly interested in the rehabilitation and recovery of schizophrenia. I would love to become involved in a treatment-based research lab (such as development of a targeted social skills training program). I am also interested in involvement with a cognitive lab that either investigates cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, or develops cognitive remediation programs.
I am currently in what is called the Mental Illness & Recovery Lab. My project is working with the local Mental Health Court program. My thesis (pending prospectus approval) will be looking at the contributing factors of re-offending in these participants (namely criminal thinking and empathy). Mental health courts are diversion programs for individuals with mental illness involved in the justice system. Our research will help inform targeted treatments to reduce re-offense (for example, CBT programs targeted to reduce criminal thinking, which are available and have been tested mostly with incarcerated offenders).
The other lab I joined, the ACT (the Aging & Cognitive Training) Lab. This semester, I worked with the lab coordinators to develop a project that will evaluate the relationship between source memory and empathy. These two cognitive processes are impaired in schizophrenia. Although we will not be testing individuals with schizophrenia, establishing a relationship in psychiatrically healthy individuals may be useful to guide future research with individuals with schizophrenia. I worked on lots of literature review and started a write-up for this project. Hopefully data collection will follow in the fall semester.
Working in two labs definitely filled the extra time in my schedule I was concerned about having. I also was offered 5 extra TA hours working with the learning center to mentor students on academic probation. This was a very useful experience (minus the negative, which was a very high dropout rate) and I felt like I helped students either improve their academics or just figure out their life!
I really enjoyed the two classes I took this semester. First, Cognitive Psychology. I always LOVE cognitive classes. I find cognition to be so fascinating. I learned a lot of interesting new things about cognition, but by-far, my favorite part of the class was writing the paper. We basically could write about whatever we wanted, as long as it related directly to cognitive psychology. I started off broad, but then decided to write about Mindfulness Yoga for Schizophrenia. Surprisingly, mindfulness and/or yoga has been used for schizophrenia, mostly to reduce stress & anxiety. I focused my writing on the potential cognitive benefits of mindfulness yoga for schizophrenia. Mindfulness and/or yoga uses many focused attention practices, thus may be a candidate training program for schizophrenia. And, importantly, it is a recovery-oriented treatment, meaning it increases self-awareness and improves quality of life.
Second, Research Methods. We basically learned to critique research articles throughout the class. I really needed this. I now read literature much more critically than I did before. I am glad I completed this class before submitting my undergraduate research anywhere for publication (fingers crossed). After this year, I realize that I probably was not really ready for doctoral-level training. I feel that after masters-level training is complete, it will be a much smoother transition to doctoral work.
So, this summer will consist of GRE prep (will take likely early August), publication prep (my unpublished undergraduate honors research), and thesis writing. I originally was considering getting a job to avoid dipping into the loans even more, but I think I will have plenty to do without one. I was feeling very stressed at the end of the semester, and I few months off will be nice. Oh, and fun things for me to do (!): lots of running/working out, 5Ks, beach days, exploring Wilmington/NC cities, and gourmet eating. Aaaahhh, so glad summer is here.....
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Academic Generosities
After being away from school for a year and being given the wonderful opportunity to return, I have realized some academic "pluses", "extras", etc. that schools give their students. All on this list will be things inexpensive or free and of academic or cultural nature. Things I appreciate and enjoy in being a student.
1. Guest Lectures
I realized I really missed the opportunity to be invited to guest lectures on campus. I just went to one titled: "The behavioral and neural basis of MDMA (‘ecstasy’) - induced memory impairments: What animal models reveal." Dr. David Harper from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand was the guest. I really enjoyed listening to his research, findings, and implications. There is so much wonderful research being done around the world; being a student in college gives you a plethora of opportunities to learn about just a fraction of what is being done.
2. Cultural Performances
I love that dance performances, plays, poetry, etc. are available right on campus on multiple occasions. I enjoyed many at Ursinus, but have not been to any here yet. I hope to attend one soon.
3. Interest Groups
At Ursinus I was involved in Active Minds, Psychology Club, and started The Running Club. Here at UNCW I am involved in PGSA and NAMI on campus. I love making a difference in these student-run groups and meeting others passionate about what I'm passionate about. I have had nothing but positive experiences in campus groups.
4. Studying
There, I said it. I enjoy studying. Well, it's not as simple as that. I enjoy being challenged to fill my brain with facts and methods (some feel more relevant than others), and being tested to see how well I did. No, I do not particularly enjoy the test itself, or receiving the grades, but I love the challenge.
5. Other Students
Being a student in college is one of the best opportunities to meet people from all over the world with all different experiences. Especially in grad school, I have really enjoyed getting to know people I would never have met had I not come down here at good old UNCW.
6. Professors
College professors are definitely one of the nicest AND smartest population of people I can generalize about. Here at UNCW every professor I have met has been very friendly and enthusiastic. My mentor here and my TA advisor (the two professors I am in closest contact with) are extremely helpful and encouraging.
7. Writing
I love writing and doing literature reviews. In my year off from college, this is what I missed most. I am currently working on publishing my undergraduate research (a slow process), and have lots of fun doing it. I hope to get it submitted somewhere by the end of the semester. I would love to have a publication before applying to Ph.D. programs. Reading and and all research about schizophrenia is definitely one of my unique hobbies that I will never give up :).
There it is. I definitely have things I like MORE about grad school than undergraduate, but I will save that for another post ;).
1. Guest Lectures
I realized I really missed the opportunity to be invited to guest lectures on campus. I just went to one titled: "The behavioral and neural basis of MDMA (‘ecstasy’) - induced memory impairments: What animal models reveal." Dr. David Harper from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand was the guest. I really enjoyed listening to his research, findings, and implications. There is so much wonderful research being done around the world; being a student in college gives you a plethora of opportunities to learn about just a fraction of what is being done.
2. Cultural Performances
I love that dance performances, plays, poetry, etc. are available right on campus on multiple occasions. I enjoyed many at Ursinus, but have not been to any here yet. I hope to attend one soon.
3. Interest Groups
At Ursinus I was involved in Active Minds, Psychology Club, and started The Running Club. Here at UNCW I am involved in PGSA and NAMI on campus. I love making a difference in these student-run groups and meeting others passionate about what I'm passionate about. I have had nothing but positive experiences in campus groups.
4. Studying
There, I said it. I enjoy studying. Well, it's not as simple as that. I enjoy being challenged to fill my brain with facts and methods (some feel more relevant than others), and being tested to see how well I did. No, I do not particularly enjoy the test itself, or receiving the grades, but I love the challenge.
5. Other Students
Being a student in college is one of the best opportunities to meet people from all over the world with all different experiences. Especially in grad school, I have really enjoyed getting to know people I would never have met had I not come down here at good old UNCW.
6. Professors
College professors are definitely one of the nicest AND smartest population of people I can generalize about. Here at UNCW every professor I have met has been very friendly and enthusiastic. My mentor here and my TA advisor (the two professors I am in closest contact with) are extremely helpful and encouraging.
7. Writing
I love writing and doing literature reviews. In my year off from college, this is what I missed most. I am currently working on publishing my undergraduate research (a slow process), and have lots of fun doing it. I hope to get it submitted somewhere by the end of the semester. I would love to have a publication before applying to Ph.D. programs. Reading and and all research about schizophrenia is definitely one of my unique hobbies that I will never give up :).
There it is. I definitely have things I like MORE about grad school than undergraduate, but I will save that for another post ;).
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