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Name: Thomas Bore

Grew up in: Stirling, Alberta, Canada

Degrees held: Bachelor of science—behavioral science, psychology emphasis; master of arts in psychology

Degree currently pursuing: Doctorate in clinical psychology

Intended career path post doctorate: I want to practice primary care psychology in a rural setting as well as do program evaluation, and probably teaching.

What teacher or professor has been most influential in your life? Good question … There have been many who have really helped me at different stages, but my advisor, Lynette Bikos, has been absolutely fabulous. I definitely would say that she is the best possible mix personality-wise and research interest-wise to be my mentor.

Tell us a bit about your decision to pursue a career in clinical psychology?

I have always wanted to help others, and I have felt a calling to be a researcher and to study in the sciences. Choosing clinical psychology allows me to do both. Particularly at SPU, there is a wonderful emphasis on bringing the rigor of science into the practical application of psychology on the frontlines.

Why Seattle Pacific University?

I initially was going to become a marriage and family therapist and that is how I chose SPU. When I changed my mind to clinical psychology, SPU had a program so I applied here.

What has been your greatest challenge this past year?

My greatest challenges this past year have been dealing with an unexpected change in my program plan—and determining how it impacts my schooling and, in general, dealing with being a husband, father, and full-time student.

What areas of research are you interested in?

I have really come to love program evaluation, and helping nonprofits in human services bring some rigor to their services, and helping to bridge the gap between science and the services.

What is your dissertation?

My dissertation is a follow-up examination of a longitudinal comparison of 4-H and other youth development programs, which found that 4-H outperformed all other programs in almost every area.

My dissertation is analyzing to determine what aspects of the 4-H youth development program are most responsible for the results found in the longitudinal study.

Are you/have you been a GRA?

Yes, I have been a GRA for Dr. Bikos but not in any formal teaching capacity.

Any experiences are you currently looking forward to in this coming year?

I am really excited to go into the fourth-year cognate courses in the health psychology track, in particular the neuropsych and behavioral medicine courses.

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