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Name: Stephanie Cox

Grew up in:  Redlands CA

Degrees held: Bachelor of arts in psychology, University of San Deigo; Master of arts in psychology, Seattle Pacific University

Degree currently pursuing: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Intended career path post doctorate: I'd like to end up working in an outpatient hospital or community mental health setting. I've always been interested in more acute/ chronic mental health concerns, especially for individuals with low access to care.

What teacher or professor has been most influential in your life? Dr. Amy Mezulis, my advisor, has been such a huge influence both in guiding my career as a new psychologist and in helping me navigate the grad school process. I really look up to her in so many ways and I feel lucky to be a part of her lab.

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

People are so fascinating to me- the way we think, and why we do things. A career in Clinical Psychology is a great fit for me because it allows me to continue to pursue my interest in people both through research and in a clinical realm. I love having both aspects to inform each other.

Why Seattle Pacific University?

When I was applying for grad school, I looked at a bunch of different programs, but they all seemed too far in the extremes in emphasizing research or only practice. SPU was the only place that really had a good balance of both, as well as an overwhelmingly supportive atmosphere. We have such a great community here.

What has been your greatest challenge this past year?

My greatest challenge this year has been overcoming some of my anxieties about speaking at conferences and becoming more confident in my abilities as a collaborator, rather than just a student. I'm still working on that one- it's always a challenge when you are around faculty who are so brilliant.

What areas of research are you interested in?

I am really interested in cognitive vulnerabilities to depression, especially rumination, and how this vulnerability may be especially salient for females.

What is your dissertation?

Although I haven't formally started yet, I would like to research a mindfulness-based intervention to target rumination as the mechanism of change for reducing depressive symptoms.

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

I am so excited for practicum to start! I can't wait to start seeing clients.

What do you do in your spare time away from graduate school? Well this past year I was working full time at a homeless women's shelter so that took up all my spare time. Now I am really enjoying spending time with my cohort-mates outside of class, enjoying the city, and spending time in the park with my dog.

Learn about more Clinical Psychology Students. Visit the Meet Our People Archives.