What was your favorite experience while concentrating in the UM Psychology Department?
I worked as a research assistant to E. Lowell Kelly and Steve Vandenberg and liked it very much. It was exciting to be actively engaged in research projects that were contributing to the field. Honors thesis was an experimental study which I had fun doing.
Favorite Psychology class & why
Learning Theory, Abnormal Psych- Both because of the instructors, I had an early James McConnell (first year or so of teaching) for learning and a veteran Max Hutt in the Abnormal class- Different styles of teaching but both excellent. The perception course was rigorous but well done as well, Best of all was the honors class with Roger Heyns who maintained a relaxed, interested personal approach to a dozen bright, competitive undergraduates.
What was your first step after undergraduate graduation & how did it impact your career path?
Went directly into a Ph.D. program in Clinical Psych.
What are you doing today?
Doing little in Psychology now, but when I was working at the University I had an extremely wide range of activities from the usual counseling, therapy diagnosis, group therapy to the design of prevention programs, paraprofessional training, presentations, research, administrative activity, video training, interns as well as marketing.
What inspired you to enter that field/job/profession?
Fascination with people and how they work. Early interest in Psychoanalysis, Contact with therapist and thought he had a great job!
How do you use your psychology undergraduate experience in your work?
Got a good grounding in the science of psychology and the variety of the field. Research was a living, breathing activity that could be fun, exciting as well as produce knowledge. The people I met in the department liked what they were doing and their enthusiasm was contagious.
What excites you most about the future of your profession?
The expansion into neuropsych is exciting as well as the movement toward evidence based practice. I am also very interested in the US Army Comprehensive fitness program and the possibilities for the general population.
What advice do you have for students getting a Degree in the UM Psychology Department or considering your profession?
Broaden your exposure to as much as you can within the department. Get your hands dirty by working on research, running subjects, working with data. For those with clinical interest, volunteer at crisis lines, as a Resident Assistant, in some kind of helping capacity. Seek supervision from a professional where-ever you can.