Scholar Spotlights

Minor: Human Development and Family Studies
Hometown: Lawrenceburg, IN
Classification: Junior
Cox Research Scholarship
National Merit Scholarship
Hoosier Scholarship
Robert Byrd Honors Scholarship
Frank R. Longcamp Scholarship
Karin James’s neuroimaging lab
Scholarship Advisory Committee
P211 Peer Writing Tutor
Q&A
Why do you belong at IU?
IU fits me perfectly because it extends so many opportunities in a variety of areas. Instead of limiting myself to one activity, I’m able to find a lot of organizations and events that fit my personality. Also, the university offers so many different courses so I don’t have to worry about being limited to a standard course list.
What do you like most about your major or scholarship program?
Rarely, public universities afford students the chance to do research as freshmen, but Cox Research Program does exactly that. Besides giving me a head start in psychology research, the program made my transition to college life much easier by providing me with a built-in set of coworkers with whom I share similar interests.
What is an interesting fact about you that most people would find surprising or unexpected?
My talent that gets the best reaction is bubble blowing, but don’t worry—I try to contain that talent to the outdoors!
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
Even though I walk through the Arboretum at least twice a day, I never get tired of its charm. I especially love standing on the bridge that overlooks the tiny waterfall. It’s a great spot to generate a peaceful state of mind during a hectic week.
What is your favorite thing about Bloomington?
I’m most attracted to the food in Bloomington. Going down Kirkwood or 4th Street, it’s impossible to pass by the restaurants without grabbing a bite to eat. Plus, so much of the food is easy on my college budget.
Tell us about your family.
My oldest brother graduated from WashU and now lives in New Jersey. My other brother goes to the University of Cincinnati and spends his semesters on co-ops in industrial design. Both of them are addicted to baseball and skiing. My older sister also lives in New Jersey with her husband and kids. I’m the proud “Auntie Laura” of a nephew and two nieces. My parents are both English nerds and constantly make me smile. I think they’re secretly relieved to have an empty nest at last.
What is the best college experience you have had so far?
After studying the whole week for spring finals, a friend and I made a definitive list of what every Hoosier needs to do before graduating. We proceeded to walk all over campus to take pictures of these highlights. We ended up with some hilarious pictures and also managed to ease some of the exam stress.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I plan to go to grad school in Psychology; though I’m not sure in what area I’ll specialize. I love my current job where I get to neuroimage kids so I think I’d enjoy continuing in a more research-oriented career. In any case, I know I’ll get the urge to travel so doing some sightseeing is definitely a part of my foreseeable future.
What music are you currently listening to?
I’m tuned in to the High Fidelity soundtrack tonight. There’s no doubt that it’s the best soundtrack around, and it’s one of my favorite records overall.
What is your advice to students interested in Indiana University?
Get your hands on a course booklet so you can see the array of classes that IU offers. That way, you can know how many interesting topics there are to pursue. Furthermore, if you’re interested in doing research, work with your advisor or a scholarship program to set up appointments with potential researchers. IU isn’t limited to science-only research, and many professors would love to have extra help. If you do some of your own research on different labs beforehand, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices as well as impress the faculty!

