Luke Christensen
2nd Year | PhD Program | Meredith, NH
Email | lukec@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Marshall Beauchamp
Research Focus | Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) ; disordered eating; chronic health
Undergraduate Institution | University of Texas Permian Basin
Why I chose Pacific | The primary reason I chose the PhD program at °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ was the work that students and faculty were doing in the realm of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). The match between research and clinical interests is perfect and allows me to explore what I am passionate about. I grew up coming to the Portland area because my grandparents lived here, so it had the added benefit of feeling like home right away! It was apparent to me during my interview day that the faculty, students, and program reflected a great fit for me.
Favorite thing about the program | I really love the collaboration and comradery that I have with my mentor and lab mates. Getting to explore the research with them is a privilege and always makes me excited.
Favorite PhD course | History, Systems and Ethics – Dr. Bobadilla does a fantastic job at making us reflect on what we take as truth, the assumptions that we make, and the underlying questions that shaped our discipline into a science. I have really enjoyed connecting the dots between major historical events and the development of psychology as a distinct field.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | If you are serious about getting a PhD in clinical psychology, really get immersed in your psychology classes and seek exposure to clinical settings. Dive into your course textbooks and figure out what makes you tick. Find places to volunteer or work where you will be exposed to clinical populations. I volunteered for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and worked in various clinical settings in different capacities that didn’t require me to have a master’s degree. Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to potential mentors or names you come across in research. It can be a great way to make connections and get research experience!
Career Goal | My dream is to open a non-profit treatment center. In the meantime my goal is to be licensed and practice, and hopefully teach as well.
Hobbies | I love to spend time in nature, go to the coast, read a variety of books, play a good video game, be goofy with my friends, meditate, go to concerts/festivals, and make music! I also hope to get a dog soon.
Kaylia Pham
3rd Year | PhD Program | Mission Viejo, CA
Email | kayliapham@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Leonardo Beauchamp
Research Focus | Chronic illness, trauma, stress, mindfulness, somatic practices
Undergraduate Institution | University of California, Irvine
Why I chose Pacific | I chose °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ because I enjoyed the warm environment created by the ambassadors I met on my interview day last year, who are now my fellow labbies and friends!
Favorite thing about the program | The ability to customize your education based on your interests and goals.
Favorite PhD course | History, Systems, and Ethics – I took this course second semester of my first year, and I appreciated how we examined the foundations of psychological perspectives and questioned assumptions. I am taking it with Dr. Leonardo Bobadilla, and he has been great at pushing us to consider every position on a topic.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | Mental Health Technician positions give you a lot of exposure to clients and therapists and requires little experience.
Career Goal | Clinical Research Psychologist and/or Consultation Liaison.
Hobbies | I enjoy dancing, hiking, reading and playing board games with friends!