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Can Ogzer (2020)<\/h3>\n I graduated from Ramapo in 2020, with a double major in biology and psychology and a minor in neuroscience. At the end of my freshman year, I joined Dr. Naseem Choudhury’s lab and started my journey in neuroscience research. My time at Ramapo allowed me to develop technical skills and intellectual independence, as well as connections and experiences in conferences and workshops. I also led two independent projects in art psychology that I continued after graduating and published in academic journals.<\/p>\n
After graduating, I took a position as a clinical research coordinator at Mayo Clinic, in the lab of my current principal investigator Dr. Paul Croarkin, who I met during an\u00a0electroencephalography (EEG)\u00a0workshop I attended during my junior year. My lab focuses on neuromodulation treatments in depressed and suicidal adolescents, and investigates how neurophysiological measures can improve the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders in pediatric populations. Here, I have been working both as a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) tech, as well as a lab manager that maintains records and works with regulatory bodies of the IRB, NIH and the FDA. Thanks to my experiences as a lab manager in\u00a0Dr. Choudhury’s lab, I was familiar with these concepts and excelled in my role. Going\u00a0beyond my regular responsibilities, my strong scientific background in EEG allowed me to learn new aspects of psychiatric research quickly and contribute to ongoing and upcoming projects. I took part in multiple papers and first authored research in neurophysiological differences in our patients.<\/p>\n
I will start the neurosciences PhD program in UC San Diego in fall 2024. My interests lie in the intersection of cognitive neuroscience, non-invasive brain stimulation, neuroimaging and oscillations, and depression and suicide. I am looking to focus on combined methods of TMS and EEG to understand the electrophysiological differences in mood disorders, and how to develop new treatments. UCSD was my top choice for PhD programs because of their large research collaboration with the psychiatry department that is a great fit with my research interests.<\/p>\n
Looking back, the ability to work closely with my professors greatly contributed to my achievements. I was able to follow up on questions and have discussions to deepen my understanding, especially in courses like research methods and data analysis, as well as advanced neuroscience and biology courses. The ability to choose my courses of interest across biology and psychology allowed me to have an eclectic background in both fields, which has been very important in flourishing in the biomedical sciences, especially in psychiatry. I believe the most crucial part of all my experiences were in Dr. Choudhury’s lab where I really practiced scientific research beyond coursework. It allowed me to combine my theoretical knowledge with pragmatic skills like coding and designing my own experiments. The independence I gained, both technically and intellectually, was the foundation of all my current accomplishments.<\/p>\n
Christian Lucca (2015)<\/h3>\n Leaving Ramapo, I still wasn\u2019t sure what I wanted to do with my life.\u00a0 I knew I wanted to continue studying psychology, but I wasn\u2019t sure how to apply it.\u00a0 I decided I would take some time off before applying to grad school to see if I could find some opportunities to get experience in the field. I already had research experience from working at Ramapo, in addition to applied field experience working in activities at a nursing home on weekends.\u00a0 To fulfill a requirement for a neuropsychology class in my final semester, I shadowed a researcher at the Kessler Foundation. This, coupled with my previous experience, led to my first post-graduation job working for Kessler.<\/p>\n
Working for the Kessler Foundation has given me the opportunity to wear many hats.\u00a0 As a research assistant, I collect, analyze, and occasionally even report on data collected from human subjects for several different studies.\u00a0 I work in the Foundation\u2019s Traumatic Brain Injury lab, where applied research is carried out with the goal of finding new ways to improve the lives and recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury.\u00a0 Many of the studies I collect data for are survey-based (and usually involve interviewing the patients or their families directly), while others are formal, controlled experiments.\u00a0 Some of the experiments require me to administer neuropsychological batteries (sometimes during an fMRI scan) or E-Prime programs. This job has given me skills that I could apply in both clinical and research routes, which has made it much easier for me to decide which path to follow.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m planning on sending out applications to graduate schools this fall. I\u2019ve chosen a healthy selection of clinical and counseling psychology Ph.D and Psy.D programs. At the moment, I\u2019m working toward becoming a practitioner at a hospital or group practice with some degree of involvement in applied research.<\/p>\n
Christopher Bober (2014)<\/h3>\n Students in psychology programs at Ramapo may find themselves surprised after graduation to find out that several opportunities do exist for them that would 1. Forward their careers in the direction of their choice and 2. Provide them with unique learning opportunities in areas that they find interesting.\u00a0 These opportunities are for the most part not meant to be held indefinitely, however, and they may often not be considered career ends in and of themselves.<\/p>\n
Two roads exist for psychology bachelor students still interested in completing the career goals they set out for themselves when they matriculated into the school of psychology.\u00a0 One is in research, and the other is in clincal practice.\u00a0 As a graduate of the Ramapo Psychology Bachelor’s program, I have been working as a research assistant at a rehabilitation and research facility in West Orange, New Jersey called Kessler Foundation.\u00a0 So far, the former path of research has been my major pursuit, but a career in social work is likely right around the corner.<\/p>\n
At Kessler, I conduct or have conducted research with children and adults who suffer from traumatic brain injuries, autism spectrum disorder, spinal cord injuries, or multiple sclerosis (MS).\u00a0 I work directly with accomplished neuropsychologists to recruit research participants, conduct neuropsychological assessments, administer fMRI scans, and score and (sometimes) analyze data so that these scientists can publish papers and raise money for future research studies.\u00a0 We collect all of this data with two general goals in mind: 1. To compile enough evidence for our theses so that any number of organizations feel justified funding our research and 2. To create interventions or treatments that would be beneficial to individuals with these disorders some time in the future.<\/p>\n
To me, however, and to many people in the same position that I hold, Kessler is an amazing temporary placement worth holding prior to enrolling in a graduate level program.\u00a0 I want to stress to the students currently attending Ramapo that many positions like mine exist, where they allow students time to explore their options before they spend much of their savings towards a career they will explore for the rest of their lives.\u00a0 Most positions worth obtaining following graduation with a bachelor’s in pyshogoly at Ramapo are just that, however: small steps forward not meant to be maintained forever, but always to be used to explore their growth.<\/p>\n
Jessica Parascando (2011)<\/h3>\n Research Technologist at Penn State College of Medicine \nMaster of Public Health (MPH) Biostatistics\/Epidemiology \u2013 In progress<\/p>\n
I graduated from the psychology department at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ in Spring 2011. Early on I had interests in neuropsychology and sleep research, so I wanted to take advantage of all of the opportunities at Ramapo that were relevant to my interests. All of my classes, my involvement in student organizations (Active Minds, Psychology Coalition), and the support from my professors really helped me along my path towards my current career. In particular, my Neuropsychology class with Dr. Naseem Choudhury, and my Research Methods and Data Analysis class, and independent research with Dr. Joseph Cataliotti provided me with the necessary knowledge and skills that I am utilizing at my current position. Before attending graduate school, I spent 4 years working as a research assistant at Rutgers University \u2013 Newark in the Infancy Studies Laboratory. The majority of my time in the laboratory was spent collecting and analyzing electrophysiological data from infants with the focus of this research to assess and compare rapid auditory processing (RAP) abilities between typically developing infants to those with a family history of language impairment, such as dyslexia. I am currently working at Penn State \u2013 Hershey as a research technologist in a biofeedback\/neuropsychology laboratory where we use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIR), electromyography (EMG), ecological momentary assessments (EMA) and actigraphy to study patients with opiate addiction in hopes of identifying factors that may be associated with an increased risk of relapse during various stages of recovery. While working, I am also enrolled in the Master of Public Health program studying epidemiology and biostatistics. When I graduate in 2017, I plan on integrating my degrees with my research experience in order to make the public more aware of positive sleep practices, and emphasize the importance of sleep at all ages.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/i><\/span>Careers in Higher Education<\/div>\n
Raquia Belle-Durant (2022)<\/h3>\n At Ramapo, I studied Psychology and planned to become a counseling psychologist by continuing my education in a Master’s program. I did not plan for a shift in career interests. However, at Ramapo, I was involved with New Student Experience\/Orientation, The Peer Facilitation Program, ENHANCE Peer Menor, and more. Participating in these activities led me towards a career in Higher Education and Student Affairs.<\/p>\n
After graduating from Ramapo, I enrolled in a graduate program that prepares students to work within student affairs and higher education systems. Throughout my experiences in graduate school, I have worked in Residence Life and Orientation, where I support students and their development in college settings. I am in my final semester of graduate school and will continue my career in student affairs.<\/p>\n
Although my career interests shifted away from counseling psychology, I continue to use the material I learned from Ramapo. My bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology helped me within my field to interact with students, which requires counseling skills to support them.<\/p>\n
Sara Gordon (2013)<\/h3>\n I started at Ramapo as a Psychology major, knowing that if I wanted to do anything within psychology, I would have to go to graduate school. I was in the Teacher Education Program, and initially intended to be an elementary school teacher. I then considered going into the therapy\/counseling field, before I stumbled upon the field of higher education\/student affairs through my work as a Peer Facilitator at Ramapo, and the people I met doing that work.<\/p>\n
During the fall of 2013, I applied to ten Master\u2019s Programs for Higher Education and Student Affairs, and ended up at Harvard in the fall of 2014. At my internship last year, I was responsible for putting together a manual for peer mentors, using my own experience as a Peer Facilitator as well as research I did into other successful mentoring programs. My most recent employment (a 6-month temporary position) was at the Harvard School of Public Health working as a Program Assistant.<\/p>\n
At Ramapo, I found it extremely valuable to talk to faculty and staff about their career paths and pick their brains for some information that might help me realize what I might want to do with my degree. Networking is key, and starting early is important! Don\u2019t be afraid to meet with a faculty or staff member who you aren\u2019t sure you would connect with; if you end up learning anything from the conversation – whether it is that you do or do not want to follow a similar path – then it was worth it.<\/p>\n
Kayla Lauricella (2013)<\/h3>\n I went to grad school at Teachers College at Columbia University (EdM in Psychological Counseling). Right now I work in higher education at Fordham University. I work as a Career Counselor so I help students figure out what they want to do and help them get there. Another part of my job is “strategic communication” so like marketing, trying to figure out how to reach students and make an impact. I never realized how my background in psychology could relate to other fields like marketing. It’s such a rewarding job and one that you might be able to share with students.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/i><\/span>Careers in Other Areas Related to Psychology<\/div>\n
Loretta Turner (2013)<\/h3>\n Loretta Turner is currently the Senior Program Director for Kula for Karma; a non-profit that offers yoga free of cost to people in need across the tri-state area (www.kulaforkarma.org). Loretta found yoga when she started practicing through the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Yoga Club in 2009. A year later she enrolled in Âé¶¹´«Ã½\u2019s Yoga Teacher Certification program. Through the certification program she was introduced to Kula. Loretta chose to intern with Kula to complete her independent study requirements in Psychology. She conducted a successful qualitative research project that observed the relationship of yoga and addiction recovery. Three months later she was hired as one of Kula\u2019s full-time staff. In addition to non-profit management, Loretta teaches yoga full-time throughout New Jersey \u2014 she even teaches at Ramapo on Thursday afternoons! Loretta works with a wide variety of populations including adults with special needs, cancer patients, prisoners and women in recovery. Loretta attributes her success in the therapeutic yoga industry with at-risk populations to what she learned as a Psychology and yoga student at Âé¶¹´«Ã½. For more information on Loretta, check out www.lorettaturner.com.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ of New Jersey Psychology Alumni Biographies The following is a compilation of stories submitted by recent graduates of the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ of New Jersey psychology program. The stories discuss their career path since leaving Ramapo; what they are currently doing with their degree, what they have done with their degree, and whether or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":2410,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page_leftCol_hero_img.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2396","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n
Student Biographies - School of Social Science and Human Services (SSHS) || Âé¶¹´«Ã½ of New Jersey<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n