Psychology Week Day 3: Faculty Feature
During Psychology Week, we are highlighting some of the faculty here in the Psychology department at Minnesota State University, Mankato. You can learn more about our department, the degrees we offer, and other information and resources at https://www.mnsu.edu/programs/psychology/. Read on and check back every day this week for information about our faculty, and helpful advice for students.
Allison Lundahl, Ph.D., L.P., BCBA-D, School Psychology
“My focus is improving access to and implementation of effective interventions for students in schools, particularly those with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. As a school psychologist I value interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability to make a direct impact on outcomes for youth.”
Allison’s Advice:
“Get as many practical experiences as possible. If you think you might want to work with kids someday, seek out a job or volunteer opportunity to get experience directly working with children. There are so many directions you can go with a degree in psychology. Shadowing a professional, like a school psychologist, can help you understand the role and whether it is a good fit for you. Field experiences can help you identify certain populations and settings of interest, as well as the professional role you would like to fulfill someday. These opportunities stand out on resumes and give you valuable content to share during interviews.”
Emily Stark, Ph.D., Social Psychology
“One thing I love particularly about social psychology is that it is so relevant to my life—every day I see examples of theories and ideas from this field in the news, in how I interact with others, and throughout the situations that I’m in. People are fascinating, and to me, social psychology most directly connects to all the interesting, enraging, silly, and smart behaviors that make us human.”
Emily’s Advice:
“One piece of advice for students—get involved outside of your classes, through joining student organizations, seeking out research experience, or finding a volunteer or internship experience. You’ll gain connections and useful skills, benefitting you both right now and after you graduate.”