Zoe Schultz - 2024 Recipient

How did you become interested in psychology?

I have always been fascinated by why people behave the way that they do and believe that learning more about psychological principles has helped me to better understand others.  As a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice, I always thought I would end up working in federal law enforcement.  However, being involved in research projects and presenting on trauma and resilience multiple times at the GVSU Teach-In pushed me to change my career projection and focus more on the psychology side of my degree.  Having those experiences just really solidified that I wanted to continue adding to our collective psychological knowledge and pursue a career in academia.

How have your leadership opportunities enriched your experience as a student?

My leadership activities have enriched my experience as a student because they have brought me closer to the Grand Valley community as a whole.  Being the President of Psi Chi has led me to connect with more students and forge personal connections with faculty mentors.  These positions have helped me understand that part of being a good leader is creating an environment in which you have access to the resources and support you need to be successful.  I have felt so incredibly at home in the psychology department here and I do believe that feeling has stemmed from the leadership positions I have held within the department.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

After graduation, I will be enrolled at Saint Louis University in their Clinical Psychology PhD program.  I will continue to develop my research and clinical skills while working under the supervision of Dr. Madeline Stenersen.  Following the completion of my degree, I hope to become a professor.

MacKenzie Payton - 2023 Recipient

How did you become interested in psychology?

My interest in psychology stemmed from my natural curiosity about people and why they act the way they do. I also have a passion for learning, and majoring in psychology provided me with an abundance of areas and specialties to learn about. Psychology also paired well with my double major in Advertising and Public Relations, as I could combine the insights I’ve learned in Psychology courses and implement them in a creative capacity.

How have your leadership opportunities enriched your experience as a student?

While at GVSU, the leadership roles I have served in have enriched my educational experience in many ways, including professional development, honing technical skills, and community building on and off campus. I have made countless close connections among students, staff, and faculty that have shaped my career goals and future aspirations. These connections also allowed me to explore my many passions and have led to amazing networking opportunities which I am incredibly grateful for.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

After graduation, I am looking to work for a few years before pursuing a master's in I-O Psychology. I hope to use my degrees in the entertainment industry with a focus on self-compassion, DEI, or team dynamics.

Liam Hart - 2022 Recipient

How did you become interested in psychology?

I became initially interested in psychology by watching related videos on YouTube - TED talks, recorded lectures at universities, and podcasts. One day while watching one of those videos, I had a realization that most of these talks/discussions were led by a psychologist, and that I could make it my career. My interest only continues to grow to this day, as it seems that any topic in psychology can spark an interesting discussion if one is to think deeply about it.

How have your leadership opportunities enriched your experience as a student?

My leadership opportunities enriched my experience as a student by giving me a deeper sense of what it means to be a leader and manage people that are depending on your oversight. Being the president of Psi Chi was my first real “leadership position”, and it gave me a sense for how governing boards and executives make decisions when the path is not clear-cut. It also generally gave me more confidence to take part in leadership activities and work independently on my own projects.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

After graduation, I am planning on taking a gap year while continuing my research on beliefs with Dr. Michael Wolfe and Dr. Todd Williams. I will be working at Planet Rock, a climbing gym in Madison Heights, to further explore and advance my expertise in the sport and to meet like-minded people. This gap year will allow me to have a firmly established hobby while working in academics so that I can contain a work/life balance as I pursue a PhD in cognitive psychology.

What has been your favorite psychology class and why?

My favorite psychology class was Advanced General: Capstone because it touched upon a lot of interesting topics and consequences of psychological research. Nearly every question asked in the class did not have a clear answer, and it tested and strengthened my critical thinking skills. It was broad, covering many areas in psychology, but also took a fine-grained look at many controversial issues that stem from research findings and practices.

Dionne Pinto-Guerra

2021 Recipient

Lucretia Dunlap

2020 Recipient