Hi there! I'm a current Clinical Social Work Master’s student at U-M and a proud alum of the Cognitive Science program in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (I just graduated!) I also serve as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) in the Cognitive Science Department, where I teach weekly discussion sections, support lectures, and grade assignments and exams for undergraduate students. As an undergrad, I focused on Decision & Cognition and minored in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences. I'm originally from a small town in Michigan (Birch Run!), so coming to Ann Arbor was a big—but incredibly exciting—transition. I’m passionate about social science research, mental health, and community impact, and I love connecting with others. Outside of academics, you can usually find me at a live music event, exploring a cozy coffee shop, or attending one of the many free happenings around campus :)

Hometown

Birch Run, Michigan

Major(s)

Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work with a focus on Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse. I graduated in the Spring of 2025 with an Honors Degree in Cognitive Science with a focus on Decision and Cognition. This was an interdisciplinary degree between psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and computer science (I'd love to dive deeper about this with anyone who is interested!)

Minor(s)

Undergraduate Minor: Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (think data science with direct application to social science issues)

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Throughout my undergraduate years at U-M, I was deeply involved in research and academic support programs that shaped my academic and professional journey. If you’re curious about getting involved in research—especially in the social sciences—I’m a great person to talk to! Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) UROP is a program for first- and second-year students that helps students build professional skills through bi-weekly seminars and hands-on research placements. I joined the Stigmatized Sexualities Lab through UROP, where I worked under Dr. Terri Conley on social psychology research exploring gender differences in sexuality. Through this program, I collaborated with graduate students and faculty, developed research and analysis skills, and presented my work at campus-wide symposiums. UROP gives students the opportunity to engage in research across disciplines, and it was foundational to my path. Research Scholars Program (UROP Advanced Track) In my second year, I was accepted into the Research Scholars Program, a continuation of UROP designed for students pursuing more independent and advanced research. I remained in the Stigmatized Sexualities Lab, took on a greater leadership role, and delivered an oral presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. I also had the opportunity to mentor incoming UROP students, guiding them through their own research journeys. Honors Thesis Research In my senior year, I served as the Principal Investigator for my Cognitive Science honors thesis, "Understanding Risk: How Anchoring Can Enhance Public Health Messaging for Informed Decision-Making." Under the mentorship of Dr. Conley, I independently designed and conducted a study examining how the anchoring heuristic affects risk perception in the context of public health. This project gave me the opportunity to develop my own survey instrument, collect and analyze data, and defend my findings in a formal thesis presentation. It was one of the most empowering and meaningful parts of my undergraduate experience. Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP) CSP played a major role in my transition to U-M, offering tailored advising, supportive coursework, and a tight-knit academic community. Through CSP, I developed strong skills in writing, research, and critical thinking that set me up for success early on. CSP also offers a summer bridge program to help ease the transition from high school to college for incoming freshman. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy I work as a behavior technician providing both in-home and in-clinic therapy for children with autism. I implement behavior intervention plans created by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), helping clients build communication, social, and self-regulation skills. This hands-on experience in behavioral health strengthened my interest in mental healthcare and directly influenced my decision to pursue a career in clinical social work. I would love to discuss any of these activities with you! I was also involved in clubs such as the Cognitive Science Community, and the Girl Gains Weightlifting Club! I have many friends who have been involved in similar clubs, honors communities, music-related activities, and althletic related clubs -- I would be happy to discuss those with you as well :)

Describe your college experience

Coming from a small town, I was both nervous and excited to step into a place as vibrant and fast-paced as Ann Arbor—and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. U-M gave me the space to grow in every direction: academically, socially, and personally. Through small honors seminars, hands-on research, and an interdisciplinary major that brought together psychology, linguistics, philosophy, and computer science, I discovered my passion for understanding how people think and make decisions. I completed an honors thesis on risk perception and decision-making, and now, as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), I teach and support undergraduates in the same department that helped shape my path. Ann Arbor has truly become a second home, and I can see just how far I’ve come since leaving my small town.

Tip for future students

Take your time exploring—there are so many more opportunities here than I initially realized. Whether it’s joining a student organization, doing research in various labs, applying for honors programs, exploring different majors​/​minors, or planning ahead for grad school, there’s no one “right” path. I wish I had known earlier just how many doors were open, but now I get to pass that knowledge on to others. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved—you never know where it might lead!

Favorite class

My favorite class at U-M was COGSCI 200: Introduction to Cognitive Science. This was my first exposure to the cognitive science program, which later became my major—and now, I’m a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) for the very same course! COGSCI 200 is a large lecture course (about 500 students) that meets twice a week and is supported by smaller discussion sections that meet once a week and are led by GSIs. These sections give students more personalized instruction and time to apply concepts—something I now love facilitating as a GSI. Most classes at Michigan share this structure, which I found very helpful in my undergraduate experience :) The course explores how the mind works through the lenses of psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and computer science. It introduced me to the power of interdisciplinary thinking, helped me choose Cognitive Science as my major, and inspired me to complete an honors thesis. Getting to teach this course now feels like a full-circle moment and one of the most rewarding parts of my Michigan experience.

Career goals

I’m currently working toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)—a credential that allows me to provide mental health counseling, diagnose and treat mental health conditions, and eventually open my own private practice. LCSWs are trained not just in therapy, but also in understanding the broader social and systemic factors that affect people’s lives, which is one reason I chose this path. I’m especially passionate about trauma-informed care, behavioral health, and increasing access to high-quality mental health services—particularly in underserved or rural communities like the one I grew up in. My long-term goal is to open a private practice where I can provide affordable, evidence-based therapy and serve as a consistent, compassionate resource for individuals and families navigating mental health struggles.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Ann Arbor is full of charm, and I love spending my evenings in the downtown or Kerrytown areas. Whether I’m catching live music at The Ark, browsing indie bookstores (like Literati), or going to a free event on campus (there's a ton -- I can help you locate them all!), there’s always something happening. I also love trying new food spots, especially little cafes or late-night dessert places. It’s the perfect blend of cozy and vibrant. I have lived in Ann Arbor for almost 4 years and there are still so many places I have yet to explore!

High school or secondary school

I went to Birch Run High School located in Birch Run, Michigan.

Previous college

While in high school I completed an Early College Program through Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. I was able to compete an associate's degree in Psychology before graduating high school, and came to Michigan with 50 transfer credits as an incoming freshman.