Kelly Lundberg knew from high school that she wanted to become a psychologist. With a heart for helping children and adolescents, her goal was clear: to be there for kids who had no one else to turn to. That passion led her to the University of Indianapolis’s clinical psychology doctorate (PsyD) program, where she began her journey with a focus on supporting the next generation. But what she never expected was how this journey would lead her to a new calling.
The need for experienced, well-trained clinical psychologists has never been greater, especially when it comes to supporting the mental health of military service members. Lundberg was contacted by an Army recruiter, who invited her to apply for an Army scholarship which would cover the remainder of her tuition and help her secure an internship upon her graduation. While the military was very present in her life, Lundberg never imagined pursuing a career in it, so she turned to her family for advice.
Lundberg grew up around the Air Force, both figuratively and literally. Her hometown, Colorado Springs, CO, is also home to the U.S. Air Force Academy and four bases. Her grandfather, sister, best friend, and boyfriend also served in the Air Force. So when Lundberg asked them what they thought about this Army scholarship, they helped her discover an equivalent option through the Air Force: the Health Professions Scholarship Program.
“I knew I’d be with the military because of my boyfriend and family, but I never really saw myself in the military,” recalled Lundberg. “I kind of went back and forth for like a month, asking myself, ‘Could I actually do this?’”
Lundberg’s mom answered with another question: “What’s the downside?”
Lundberg couldn’t think of any. The rest of her education paid for; a guaranteed job after graduation; a fulfilling career dedicated to helping others—it was everything she could wish for.
So she applied.
The application process included an interview with the scholarship committee. Lundberg practiced answering questions like “What is the Air Force’s mission?” and “Why do you want to join the military?” However, when the interview began, the interviewer focused primarily on Lundberg’s knowledge of clinical psychology. While she was only a month into her practicum experience at this time, Lundberg drew from her previous courses and impressed the interviewer with her knowledge.
“I think the interview was what put me over the top in earning the scholarship,” said Lundberg. “I would not have been able to do as well in the interview if not for all that I had learned in the PsyD program.”
A short time later, Lundberg received a call from her Air Force recruiter. She had gotten the scholarship and was accepted into the Health Professions Scholarship Program!
“When my recruiter called me, I started crying,” said Lundberg. “Getting accepted made me feel so good. It’s exciting how my life is going to change, and it still hasn’t fully set in how much is going to change.”
During Winter Break, Lundberg traveled home to Colorado for the next step in the process. At the U.S. Air Force Academy, in front of a statue donated by her grandfather, Lundberg’s sister administered her oath of office. From that day forward, she is officially Second Lieutenant Kelly Lundberg.
“I get to be in a unique position to help people that are helping protect our country, yeah, which is just so powerful to me,” she said.
With three years remaining in her PsyD program, Lundberg is excited to continue her studies and grow as a psychologist. One of her favorite aspects of the program is her graduate assistantship with Dr. Samantha Gray. Dr. Gray has become an influential mentor to Lundberg, both in and out of the classroom.
“Dr. Gray wrote one of my letters of recommendation for the scholarship, and I’m fortunate enough to be her GA,” said Lundberg. “She has helped me grow the confidence I need to succeed in the program, both professionally and personally. She’s just been such a strong individual to be able to rely on.”
Lundberg’s second letter of recommendation was written by Dr. Aaron Kivisto, who has also served as an influential mentor throughout Lundberg’s time in the PsyD program.
“Dr. Kivisto’s mentorship and teaching have also been a big influence on my ability to secure this scholarship,” said Lundberg. “I have had the privilege of taking several classes with him. His deep expertise in psychology and genuine care for his students are evident in every class.”
This semester, Lundberg began her practicum, which provided her first opportunity to work one-on-one with patients. It’s a moment that all aspiring clinicians work toward, and it’s become one of Lundberg’s proudest moments in the program so far.
“No one really prepares you for the emotional growth that you’re going to go through in practicum,” said Lundberg. “I can confidently say that who I was in August and who I am right now are different people. I’ve gained so much more of an understanding of how I want to be as a future clinician thanks to the PsyD program and the support of my faculty and peers.”
After Lundberg graduates in 2028, she’ll take her place in officer school before beginning her internship—confident in her path and ready to support the mental health of military service members. What started as an unexpected turn has become a perfect fit, blending her skills and passion for psychology with her dedication to serving those who protect our country. Lundberg is poised to make an impact where she belongs, both as a clinician and as a leader.
