A forensic psychology pioneer in the making
By Mariana Lozovanu | June 6, 2024
Editor’s note
Isabelle Reeder is a dedicated and passionate student who majored in forensic psychology with a minor in social and behavioral sciences from New College. Her fascination with the human mind and criminal behavior led her to discover her niche in forensic psychology. Isabelle's academic journey has been enriched by her involvement in research labs and close connections with professors, particularly her mentor, Dr. Jessica Salerno. Through these experiences, Isabelle has gained valuable insights and opportunities that have shaped her career aspirations. She is committed to making a difference in the legal system by advocating for and providing assessments to those in need. After graduation, Isabelle plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical forensic psychology, aiming to become a licensed practitioner. Her ultimate goal is to obtain a PhD and provide forensic mental health assessments, leveraging the strong foundation and connections she has built at ASU.
Question: What was the moment when you realized the field that you wanted to study?
Answer: I've always had a fascination with psychology and the human mind and how it works. Especially in regards to criminal behavior, thinking about what's going through that person's head. So as I started my journey figuring out what I wanted to do through college, I realized that this is like a niche field that you can get into and you can study. Finding out that there was a place for what I was interested in, really sparked my drive. And I haven't stopped since.
Q: What was something that you learned about New College, whether that surprised you or changed your perspective as well?
A: I would say I am learning new and surprising stuff all the time. I think that as I get further and further into this field and see all these doors opening, there's so many things that are surprising me. So all of the different types of fieldwork you can get into and how much you can specialize in a field like this. I think that the biggest thing for me was despite ASU being such a huge school, I was able to establish some really tight connections with my professors and mentors and get into research labs very early in my undergraduate degree. I think that that was the most surprising, but in such a good way. I was able to get involved and get so many great connections.
Q: What professor taught you the most important lesson and what was that lesson?
A: I have so many great professors that I talk to. I would say that the mentor and professor that I have been working with the most is Jessica Salerno. I've been in her research lab since my second semester at ASU. So I've been working with her for about two and a half years. She really encouraged and pushed me to reach my goals. I have very high aspirations and she's always been there to encourage me. She has been the director for my thesis and helped me to get it into a national conference. I got to present to the National Conference. Professor Salerno has been the driving force that has pushed me through a lot and really made me see the opportunities that are there for me.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you offer to somebody applying to college?
A: For a lot of kids it's very scary. Especially if their parents or siblings haven’t gone to college. You feel like you don't know anything about going to college and it can be really scary. I would say it is really scary, but you just gotta take the leap. You have to go for it because you won't believe the kind of connections that you will make and the sorts of experiences that you will have. I moved halfway across the country as a first generation college student, the oldest sibling, having no clue what I was doing. But it has by far been the best decision that I've ever made for myself and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Q: What would you say to a student, considering your major? What would make a good candidate for your degree?
A: I think anybody who really has the passion and desire for making a difference is a great candidate when it comes to forensic psychology. It's about the interaction between psychology and the legal system. A lot of the work that forensic psychologists do is advocating for people in the justice system. They are trying to help them by providing assessments, restoration. So a big part of it is helping people who maybe don't have help from other sources. They might not have support from family or friends, they might have mental health issues or other problems. know, all If you have the drive for helping people and if you're very empathetic and you want to make a difference, I think that you'd be a perfect candidate.
Q: What was your favorite location on campus, whether for studying or hanging out with friends?
A: The West Valley campus is beautiful. It's absolutely gorgeous. I would say I really enjoy Fletcher Lawn and the space in front of the library. Not only is the library right there a great resource but the open space is so beautiful. It's always a popular place for people coming and going. There are all kinds of events going on. You can lay out a blanket and hang out on the lawn. A lot of the time we'll do an Easter egg hunt every year and be around the Fletcher lawn space.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I intend to pursue a graduate degree in the realm of clinical forensic psychology. I would like to be a licensed practitioner providing mental health, and forensic assessments. So my next step is graduate school. So I've applied to a bunch of different places, and I have some offers from some places. I haven't made quite a final decision yet. I am still deciding on the purpose because I don't know, I'm not quite sure where I'll end up yet. But I do have offers and opportunities, so I know that that will be happening. I'm just not sure where yet.
Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years or more? And how did aids in your college help you to get there?
A: I'm hoping that I will have my PhD in clinical forensic psychology and will be a licensed practitioner, being able to provide forensic mental health assessments. I would say that ASU New College has been a vital part of this journey because I have already established so many connections with current researchers in the area. I have gotten so involved in research, which will only help prepare me for graduate school. So I would say that the new college has provided a very crucial part to my journey, in terms of establishing connections and showing me the opportunities I have moving forward.