Claire Braverman
1st Year – Advanced Standing | PhD Program | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Email | Claire.Braverman@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Leonardo Bobadilla
Undergraduate Institution | Penn State University
Research Focus | My research interests involve factors related to forensic assessment, such as their applications cross-culturally and techniques for ensuring valid and reliable assessments. I am also broadly interested in the intersection between psychopathic traits and sexual violence, including any additional risk or protective factors.
Why I chose Pacific | I was really interested in Dr. Bobadilla's work with Spanish-speaking populations as well as his research interests and felt he would be a great fit to help me achieve my clinical and research goals. Getting to live in Oregon is always a plus as well!
Favorite thing about the program | Professors really promote critical thinking which makes us better researchers and clinicians. Plus all my peers are very kind and supportive of one another.
Favorite PhD Course | I am currently taking intro to forensic psychology with Dr. Bobadilla. The content and readings are very interesting to me and even though I have a strong basis in forensic psychology due to my master's degree, I've enjoyed the opportunity to delve more into the field and expand my knowledge. There is a great balance of discussion and lecture.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | Look into jobs as a psychology technician at a hospital or a case manager. Reach out to people for opportunities because you never know when someone will say yes, both in and outside of university.
Career goal | I hope to one day have my own private practice conducting forensic evaluations in both English and Spanish.
Hobbies | I enjoy aerial arts, going to exercise classes, crocheting, hiking, and spending time with my pets and my friends.
Chloe Foster
1st Year | PhD Program | Blaine, WA
Email | Chloefoster@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Leonardo Bobadilla
Undergraduate Institution | Arizona State University
Research Focus | Physiological correlates of psychopathy, sexual violence, and risk assessment
Why I chose Pacific | I chose °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ because of the way my future research and career goals aligned with Dr. Bobadilla and his lab. Compared to other programs I looked into, it was clear that PU emphasized collaboration over competition between students and faculty. In addition, everyone I met on interview day made a nerve-wracking experience feel calm and enjoyable!
Favorite thing about the program | The flexibility and encouragement to dig into unique research interests
Favorite PhD Course | History, Systems, & Ethics taught by Dr. Bobadilla is a fascinating course exploring the evolution of our field from its earliest beginnings. Encouraged to think critically, we are provided with a safe space to have tough conversations about ethical issues. Those interested in history and philosophy will especially enjoy this course!
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | I found a respected practitioner in my hopeful field and asked for some exposure to the environment of forensic psychology. What began as filing paperwork turned into a mentorship that certainly played a role in my admission to graduate school.
Career goal | Forensic Psychologist specializing in sexual violence risk assessment
Hobbies | Reading, running, badminton, and spending time with my niece and nephews.
Saad Iqbal
3rd Year | PhD Program | Torrance, CA
Email: saad.iqbal@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of California, Irvine
Research Focus | Sexual violence, psychopathy, recidivism, well-being of Muslim adolescents
Why I chose Pacific | I chose PU because of the research fit that I have with Dr. Bobadilla and the clinical opportunities that are available for me (e.g., forensic and DBT). Additionally, the current students and other faculty made me feel very welcomed and the vibes were comfortable for me to be myself. I foresee myself growing immensely as a researcher, clinician, and most importantly, as an individual and Muslim.
Favorite thing about the program | The opportunity to explore personal research topics and support of faculty and peers.
Favorite PhD Course | Advanced Statistics 1 – I took this my first semester and in which my mind was blown by how linear regression can be used to conduct any and all analyses. It was taught by Dr. Peter Vik, and he really was amazing and gave us a strong statistical foundation.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | Find local research groups and/or research companies in psychology that will teach you the skills to be a dedicated researcher (e.g., methodology, statistics, etc.)
Career goal | Correctional/Forensic Psychologist at a federal prison or jail / Professor / Non-profit researcher for the well-being Muslims
Hobbies | I am a huge gamer anime fan. I love to keep active by playing soccer, weight lifting, and playing soccer. I am active in the Muslim non-profit space in research and grassroots organizations.
Anna Le-Nguyen
2nd Year | PhD Program | Moraga, CA
Email: h091558m@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | UC Davis
Why I chose Pacific | I chose °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ primarily because of the research fit I have with my mentor and lab. I wanted a program that not only boasted a forensic psychology lab, but one that emphasized community, mentorship, and integrated learning and training. °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ not only checked all these boxes, but is also located in the beautiful PNW- somewhere I’ve always wanted to live and explore.
Tips when applying and/or deciding where to apply | Start early and make a list of your non-negotiables when choosing a school. Look for programs and more specifically labs that match your interest and that you believe will be a good fit. Apply to as many programs as you can that fit your needs but make sure that you are able to invest the time and energy into each application to tailor it to each school.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology before applying | Working at a mental health facility as an MHT or BHT typically requires little prior experience and gives you great clinical exposure to patients, treatment planning, and interventions.
Tips or advice for how to handle graduate school | Try to do at least one fun thing per week that has nothing to do with school and be as proactive as possible with your work.
Favorite thing about the program | The supportive faculty and peers.
Favorite PhD course | Clinical Assessment
Career goal | TBD! But I’m currently interested in forensic assessment/evaluations or working in the federal prison system.