Psychology Alumni

Recently we asked Ava Sauter, a senior Psychology major, a few questions about her experience here at BHSU.

Why did you choose BHSU?

I began my academic career wanting to become a high school English teacher and BHSU was well known for its education program.

Why did you choose Psychology?

My decision to go into psychology can be attributed to a number of great professors. These professors sparked my interest in psychology and guided me into a new way of thinking about the world. They helped me develop a passion that has ultimately shaped my future.

In your experience, what do you see as the most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program?

The most beneficial aspect is by far the people that hold it up. I say “hold” because these individuals take what they are given and use it in the most effective way to create a department that is aimed at preparing students for lifetime careers in psychology. They make the department great.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

That’s a very good question. The truth is that I’m not sure at the moment and I kind of like that. I know that I want to travel for a while and challenge myself in other ways than just academically. The ultimate plan is to attend graduate school and get my PhD in research psychology working with aspects of trauma.

What have been your experiences outside the classroom at BHSU?

I have to be honest and say that if I wasn’t in a classroom at BHSU, I probably wasn’t at BHSU. The Spearfish community has been very good to me and has provided the medium for a number of great adventures.

What is one piece of advice you would give incoming freshman?

Find your passion. It gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

Meet Erin Murtha
Why did you choose BHSU?

Initially, I chose BHSU because of its location. I stayed here because I truly enjoy my courses and professors.

Why did you choose Psychology?

At first, I was drawn to psychology because it is such an interesting field. Over the course of my college experience, I have come to the realization that this field fits well with who I am as a person.

In your experience, what do you see as the most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program?

The interaction with the professors in this department has been the most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program for me. They are truly interested in expanding the knowledge and skill set of their students and helping them prepare for life after college, whether they continue with graduate school or join the work force.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

I will be applying to a few different Clinical and Counseling Psychology programs this fall. Once I’m done with graduate school, I hope to be a counselor and work with couples. I can also see myself teaching at a university level.

What have been your experiences outside the classroom at BHSU?

I’ve had the opportunity to take part in different organizations and activities which has allowed me to meet new people and make friends. I have had the privilege to intern with the BHSU Psychology Department this semester and have taken on the role of teaching assistant for a number of classes. As a teaching assistant, I have been given the opportunity to lecture and conduct study sessions and have gained valuable knowledge thus far that will help me with graduate school and beyond.

What is one piece of advice you would give incoming freshman?

Work hard and get involved early; your college education is what you make of it, and it will be over faster than you think.

Meet BHSU's Psychology Alumni...

Casey Allington a BHSU Psychology Major
Why did you choose BHSU?
I chose BHSU for its size, the area the school is in, because it's still close to home for me and for the opportunities I would have coming here even for a smaller University.

Why did you choose Psychology?
I chose Psychology because of the variety of aspects one can go in to and that are studied in psychology. I'm glad I made this choice, this is a field I've become passionate about and the faculty and program at BH are great.

In your experience, what do you see as the most beneficial aspect of the Psychology program?
Anywhere you go you will be learning basically the same material if you go in to psychology. What you won't get anywhere else is the personal attention you get here at BHSU. Here you get the opportunity to become good friends with most of the people you will be graduating with and professors who care. They care about the material they're trying to teach you and about you as an individual which isn't the case in a lot of places.

What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation I plan to earn my PhD in Clinical Psychology. I've also applied for Teach For America which is a two year commitment so I may do that as well if I'm accepted. Eventually I hope to end up in a University setting where I could do a little bit of everything, teaching, research, and counseling.

What have been your experiences outside the classroom at BHSU?
My experiences outside the classroom have been just as beneficial as the ones in the classroom. I've had the opportunity to be involved with a number of different organizations and activities which have helped me grow and learn skills I can use throughout my life. I also had the opportunity to be a part of the track & field team here for 3 years which was an amazing experience for me. I've become great friends with a lot of my classmates and have built relationships with the faculty here and it's these moments and relationships that I wouldn't trade for anything.

What is one piece of advice you would give incoming freshman?
I think the best advice I could give to any incoming freshmen would be to get involved. Whether that's involved with an organization on campus or just being active and seen in the classroom it will help out tremendously. If you get involved and make an effort in some area, this University will take an interest and make the effort for you in return.

Joanna Vandever a BHSU Psychology Major Joanna Vandever, a junior psychology major from Spearfish, was selected to attend the University of Minnesota’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) 2007 summer program in Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences.

Vandever worked full-time in the research lab, attended seminars and workshops and had the opportunity to tour state-of-the-art research labs. At the end of the program, she prepared a paper and poster on her research and presented at a symposium, which included REU students in other areas.

Dr. William Iacono, associate professor at the University of Minnesota, was Vandever’s mentor. Iacono’s research involves the study of twins and adoptees at risk for developing substance use disorders, and the accuracy and use of polygraph tests.

Vandever was selected from among more than 200 applicants. Selection is based on application answers, faculty recommendations, transcripts, and the match of applicants’ interests with those of participating faculty. She earned four upper level credit hours, paid for by the program, and received a $4,000 stipend, as well as housing, a meal plan, and transportation to and from Minneapolis.

Vandever discovered the summer psychology research program last year while attending the American Psychological Association’s Summer Science Institute, a week-long program held at the University of Minnesota.

Vandever, who is a member of the Honors Program and Dr. Stoltenberg’s research team, recently presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research. She plans to attend graduate school and obtain a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience or behavior genetics.

Listen to Andrew Jordan Thayer, psychology major at BHSU, as he discusses experiential learning projects in which he has been involved and the benefits resulting from those experiences.