Just like a toddler constantly asks, “Why?”, I have never once stopped questioning our social world. I want to understand how things work; to understand why people do the things that they do; what the rules are behind socializing; and what compels us to follow them.

Upon attending the University of Denver, my curiosity began to unfold. Sophomore year, I joined Max Weisbuch’s Social Perceptions and Attitudes Lab (SPA) as a research assistant, where I extended my academic knowledge in the field of social psychology and my understanding of norm formation. Through SPA, I explored the early stages of social thought to help identify and solve social problems. Alongside my research experience, taking a sequence of three classes covering global mental health and health promotion transformed my research aspirations. Guided by my growing understanding of psychological literature on social norms, exclusion, and community-based care, I was eager to develop a study independently.

Supported by the PinS Student Signature Work Grants, I had the opportunity to strengthen my skills in experimental psychology, effectively utilizing social psychological methods to understand the experiences of marginalized communities further. Developing an independent study and presenting this work at the annual conference for the Society for Social and Personality Psychology, I became captivated by the process of rigorous scientific investigation and discovery. With a strong academic foundation alongside my professional lab experience, I have developed a profound commitment to psychological research.

I am grateful for the guidance of my mentors at the University of Denver, as they have supported the development of my passions. I am increasingly dedicated to understanding how individuals interpret and respond to messages and behavior, and how research on social perception can inform health promotion. As I aspire to receive my doctorate degree in clinical psychology, my primary goal continues to be strengthening my qualifications and developing the skills necessary to become an independent researcher. Reflecting on my DU experience, I look forward to continuing this passion by advancing treatments and informing more inclusive and supportive healthcare practices.

Written by: Natalie Miller