The Class of 2023 has officially graduated and is ready to use their UIndy education for service to their communities. Meet Bhumibol Shakya, who recently received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Communication with Human Communication, Clinical Counseling, and Honors concentrations!
Why did you choose to study Psychology and Communication?
I chose this major to be a clinical psychologist, but later, due to my conversations with various professors and different books, I realized I was more interested in Cognitive Psychology and Neurosciences. All in all, I chose this major to do a lot of research, and I got to do a lot of research.
Why did you choose to study at UIndy?
I chose to study at UIndy because I had a conversation with some of the faculty members and staff members before I committed and I found them friendly and welcoming.
Are you a part of any extracurriculars (either on or off campus)? If so, what are they and what is your role?
I competed on the Speech and Debate Team as the Vice President in the 2022-2023 school year.
Are there any faculty or staff members who have significantly impacted your time at UIndy? If so, who are they and how did they influence you?
Dr. M.J. Loria helped me with career-building and research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Similarly, they also helped me with future research directions with ideas on Neuroplasticity, this also helped get me admission to the Ph.D. at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Blazer Fellowship.
Dr. Michael Poulakis is the perfect mentor for international students in Psychology at UIndy. He has helped me with my recommendation, research, and advice. He has supported me every time throughout my time at the university.
Dr. Stephanie Wideman has assisted me as a coach for speech and debate and helped me a lot to build my attitude as a speaker and my personality as a professional. She has been there to support me during tough times with necessary resources.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at UIndy?
One of my favorite memories during my time at UIndy would probably be gaining the results of my hard work in one week: winning the Indiana Forensic Association 2022 State Championship in Impromptu Speaking, getting accepted into one of my top three Ph.D. schools, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and getting a VISA to go visit Japan for the International Forensics Association International Speech & Debate Tournament and Conference.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plan is to complete my Ph.D. and perhaps find a research professor job like many of the inspirational professors at this university.
How did your degree program prepare you for your next steps?
Psychology prepared me with many research opportunities and Communication helped me with important professional skills.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Focus on your goal, never stop learning, and always try to be an outlier. Be different.
