Psychology Student Profiles
Rachel Brim
Kenton, Ohio
The summer before her sophomore year at the University of Evansville, Rachel Brim worked in Appalachia for an emergency nonprofit. "This experience made me realize I wanted to work with how a person's environment affects his or her health. The neuroscience degree fits in well with my goal since it fulfills the requirements needed for medical school and allows me to explore a rapidly evolving field."
Rachel's study abroad experience solidified her career goal. "I traveled to Ghana to study and intern in a rural health clinic. I worked directly with many of the diseases that burden the developing world, including HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and malaria. Being in Ghana taught me that the inevitable nature of death does not lessen the importance of an individual's life. Ultimately, dealing with the widespread poverty and gaps in my medical knowledge made this time one of the most frustrating and thereby motivating experiences of my life."
As she transitions to medical school, Rachel knows she has UE faculty support. "My professors were so helpful when I was considering internships and study abroad. I've always felt welcome to ask questions and discuss my options. They have guided me in my application for the National Service Health Corps which means that if I'm accepted, I will complete a two-to-four-year term in a domestic high-need area following medical school where I plan to earn MD and MPH degrees in international health and travel medicine."
Natalie Flint
Petersburg, Indiana
Psychology was a natural choice for Natalie Flint as she has always been interested in people and the way they interact. "I chose UE because I was looking for a small school that would provide a great education. UE has definitely done that. Plus, the psychology program here is different from most undergraduate programs; you can choose from many different specializations within the major. For example, I have been able to have a clinical focus that has given me the perfect foundation for what I want to do in the future."
Natalie's professors have also encouraged her to meet her goals. "I've worked with Dr. Kopta's research group since my sophomore year. We are looking at new measurement tools for use by practicing therapists. My research has included examining data from counseling centers from all over the United States, and I was even able to co-author a paper with Dr. Kopta regarding our findings. The research has been a great learning experience and will definitely help me get into the graduate school of my choice."
After graduation, Natalie plans on attending graduate school to earn a master's degree in social work. "I want to specialize in treating eating disorders as a family therapist. I've also been able to gain on-the-job experience by working as an intern and as a volunteer with two local nonprofits. The UE psychology program, and even UE in general, provides opportunities for students to become involved and gain the experience needed for the future."
