May 2020: GC research experience prepares psychology senior for graduate school

Amelia DuBose
Amelia DuBose

Hometown: Thomasville, GA
 

Major: Psychology
 

What made you choose your major? I chose psychology after taking AP Psychology my senior year in high school. I found the subject really interesting and had always been interested in it since my dad is a clinical psychologist. 
 

What was your favorite class/professor and why? That is definitely a hard choice because all of my professors were amazing! If I had to pick a favorite class, it would probably be Drugs and Behavior with Dr. Dandy. It was one of the most interesting and really relevant classes I took at GC. I have to credit Dr. Chiang, however, for being the most involved in my college career and my mentor as I have been in her research lab for 3 years and worked for her as a research assistant.
 

Where was your favorite place on campus? I would have to say front campus because it is one of the most beautiful spots on campus, especially during the spring.
 

What activities were you involved with? I was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) sorority, a member and Co-Philanthropy chair for Psi-Chi, and a member and captain my senior year of the Georgia College Dance Team (Sassy Cats). 
 

What was one of your favorite moments at Georgia College? Another difficult question as I had so many great moments throughout my time at GC, but one of my favorite moments was being able to be a part of a research lab as a sophomore. Our lab conducts research on empathy training and social emotional development in young children, typically ages 2-4. Most research labs have waiting lists and want mainly junior and senior students as they have already completed research statistics and methods. I was grateful to have the opportunity from Dr. Chiang to join as a sophomore and I have learned so much through that experience. Getting to work with young children every week and really do hands-on research as an undergraduate is an experience and opportunity I do not take for granted. 
 

What do you plan to do after completing this semester? Upon completion of this semester, I will be attending graduate school at the University of Georgia to complete a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. I hope to complete the certification following graduate school to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).