Veteran-Turned-Researcher Prepares for Psychology PhD
“I want to change lives,” Andrea Sellers says. “Especially for children in unique situations, because I’ve been there.” That clarity of purpose has shaped Andrea’s path through the Psychological Science graduate program at Rutgers–Camden. As Christina Lynn reports in Student Success: Rutgers–Camden Graduate Champions Mental Health for Underserved Students, Andrea brought her experience as an Army National Guard veteran and educational behavioral therapist into the classroom and lab—where she discovered new ways to advocate for students whose mental health needs often go unmet.
While completing her master’s, Andrea continued her work with Dr. Tamara Nelson, expanding a research project that began during her senior year. Her focus on the cultural pressures facing Black women and the mental health support they receive led to a co-authored publication in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Disparities. Through graduate study, Andrea found not just the opportunity to deepen her research, but the mentorship and momentum to prepare for doctoral study in school psychology.
Andrea’s graduate work exemplifies how lived experience, academic inquiry, and long-term commitment can come together to shape a career grounded in equity and service. To learn more about her journey, read the full feature by Christina Lynn on the Rutgers–Camden news site.
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Understanding the Mind: The Psychological Sciences Program
The Psychological Sciences program at Rutgers–Camden offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for advanced research and practice in various psychological disciplines. The program provides a foundation in research design and data analysis, with opportunities for individually supervised research apprenticeships. Students can choose between a thesis track, ideal for those aiming for doctoral studies, and a content track, suited for careers in non-academic research settings. The curriculum emphasizes scientific research methods applicable to real-world problems, equipping graduates with critical thinking and analytical skills essential for diverse career paths in psychology.
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