Alishia Qadri

Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and minors in Business Administration and Law from the University of Arizona. During my undergraduate years, I delved into research on anxious attachment styles at a dedicated lab. Upon graduating I served as a Behavioral Health Technician in an inpatient hospital setting and as a Psychometrician, administering assessments to both children and adults. Relocating to Los Angeles to pursue my PsyD, I began a practicum focusing on neuropsychological assessments, which laid a strong foundation for my clinical career. For my second practicum, I conducted therapeutic work with children at a private practice, complemented by educational talks delivered to schools and families. Currently, my third-year practicum pertains to working with adults for LA County, where I’ll be conducting therapy, assessments, and engaging in neuropsychological testing.

Fun Fact: I was a competitive swimmer for 15 years!

Research Interests: I would like to study the cognitive and behavioral impacts of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on post-concussion syndrome, memory loss, and personality changes. As well as studying how emotions are processed in the brain, how they influence cognitive functions, and how emotional dysregulation may contribute to mental health disorders.

Practicum/Internship site: Northeast Mental Health

Advice to first year students: To a first-year student beginning their journey in grad school, I would offer reassurance that it's entirely normal to feel overwhelmed initially. Transitioning from undergrad to grad school is a significant shift, and it takes time to adjust to the rigors and expectations of this new academic environment. It's important to give yourself permission to feel uncertain and to embrace the process of settling in gradually. Additionally, I would emphasize that it's perfectly okay not to have a clear idea of your desired specialty in psychology right away. Grad school is a time for exploration and discovery, where you'll have the opportunity to explore various areas of psychology through coursework, research, and practical experiences.