Christopher Lab
Marissa Ferry
4th Year | PhD Program | Portland, OR
Email | ferr6285@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | Santa Clara University
Research Focus | Intergenerational trauma and resilience in racially and ethnically diverse communities, interventions with diverse families of young children.
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific due to the focus on both research and clinical work as well as the small cohort size, allowing for greater connection with both students and faculty.
Favorite thing about the program: My favorite thing about the program has been the supportive and passionate environment we have created in the Mindful Health and Resilience Lab. Not only do we collaborate together on research projects, we also support each other through clinical work, classes, and life.
Favorite PhD course | My two favorite PhD courses so far have been Advanced Statistics in Psychology I and Applied Clinical Psychology II. I have never been one to enjoy mat, but statistics at Pacific was engaging, informative, and actually fun! Applied Clinical Psych has given a really in-depth understanding of not only diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, but also how we treat patients in general and how to be not only competent but also compassionate.
Tips when looking for observation hours: My previous exposure to psychology before going to graduate school was working as a line staff at a crisis in-patient facility for children and adolescents. This allowed me to gain experience with a variety of presentations, and I was able to build both clinical skills by leading groups with clients and manage crisis situations as well as "soft" skills such as learning how to engage in helpful self-care and provide brave spaces for clients.
Career goal: My current goal is to be within the intersection of research, clinical work, and teaching. I have really enjoyed my experience so far with being an adjunct professor over at Lewis & Clark, and I am passionate about the intersection of research and clinical work within communities.
Hobbies | I enjoy reading, traveling (when it’s an available option), and spending time with my family, friends and dog!
Xander Kahle
2nd Year | PhD Program | Portland, OR
Email | xanderk@pacificu.edu
Faculty Lab/Mentor | Dr. Michael Christopher
Research Focus | Mindfulness interventions for first responders
Undergraduate Institution | UC Berkeley
Why I chose Pacific | The primary reason I chose Pacific University was the opportunity to work with Dr. Christopher and conduct research on mindfulness-based resilience training (MBRT) for law enforcement officers. My goal entering graduate school was to enroll in a program where I could (a) study mindfulness, (b) as an intervention for a population that I’m interested in, (c) with a supportive mentor, (d) as part of a school that has a warm, collaborative culture. Pacific University checks all of these boxes. Also, it doesn’t hurt that it’s in the beautiful pacific northwest.
Favorite PhD course | History, Systems, and Ethics – this course will get you thinking about the big picture of psychology. It’s a great complement to the more technical work that we are typically immersed in.
Hobbies | Most of my hobbies involve exercise of some sort. I love tennis, weightlifting, jiu jitsu, basketball, and hiking. I’m also an avid meditator and reader of fiction.