Halle Bakir
2nd Year | PhD Program | Shanley Lab
Email | hebakir@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | Emory University
Graduate Institution | University of St. Andrews
Hometown | Birmingham, AL
Why I chose Pacific | For me the stellar faculty, program model, high internship match rates, and beautiful location were the ultimate deciding factors to attend this program. Specifically though, my now supervisor’s research interests matched my own, and we had a great conversation on interview day that got me excited about the future projects I would be a part of!
Favorite thing about the program | I really enjoy the flexibility to become involved in a wide variety of things! First year in the PhD program is meant to gradually integrate you into graduate level study, and I found that I had time outside of school to pursue other interests as well as get involved in research endeavors outside of my supervisor’s lab. I know some of my peers also ended up becoming involved in different clinical opportunities and have already started accruing hours for internship. There are a lot of exciting things you can do, and the faculty are very supportive!
Favorite PsyD course | I really enjoyed Clinical Applications II which I took in Spring 2025 with Dr. Emily Bower. In this course we were introduced to a variety of different clinical interventions and offered the opportunity to practice and discuss them in the classroom. This course affirmed my desire to work in a clinical field and helped me feel so
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | For the PhD program in particular, I think exposure to clinical research (through either self-directed research or from working in a lab) is probably one of the most impactful things you can gain experience in. However, clinical observation hours definitely can’t hurt and can definitely help improve your readiness for practicum once in a program. Before coming to Pacific, I gained research experience in a few labs as well as spent a few months observing clinicians in a psych ward. Whether you are in undergrad or working out in the community, I think making connections and reaching out to individuals you would like to work with is key. A large majority of my experience came from email inquiries I sent expressing interest in someone's research or clinical field. Don’t be afraid to just reach out!!
What are some tips on deciding where to apply? Program mission and model are critical in deciding where to apply. Find a program that aligns with your values and the type of professional you hope to be. Also make sure that the program model is one that will allow you to train in every facet you need for your professional life after grad school. For example, one of the reasons I chose 51³Ô¹Ï was because of its scientist-practitioner model which allows me to receive equal training in both research and clinical work.
What are some insights on how you made your final decision? 51³Ô¹Ï’s program stood out to me for a variety of reasons, but the main drawing point was truly how welcoming and kind all of the professors were. Even from the interview day, I immediately knew this was a welcoming community that I wanted to be a part of. The world of academia can be intimidating and a bit overwhelming, but I have found that these faculty truly want me to succeed and will support me throughout my graduate career.
What are tips or advice for how to handle graduate school? Tips for handling grad school? Although grad school can be intimidating, if you come in organized and excited about the material you are going to learn then you will do great. I have found that I enjoy grad school so much more than undergrad because I am able to really focus on what I want to do with my future and am surrounded by peers who are interested in the same general field as me. I would say my biggest piece of advice is just don’t be nervous and recognize that if you are accepted to a program it is for a reason and you CAN handle graduate level study! :)
Career goal | I hope to become a clinical child psychologist working inpatient in a hospital setting.
Alexandra Gutierrez
3rd Year | PhD Program | Hacienda Heights, CA
Email | guti4191@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of La Verne, La Verne, CA
Research Focus | Exploring levels of cultural competencies within childhood mental health/educational workers.
Why I chose Pacific | I chose 51³Ô¹Ï because of the sense of belonging I felt. When I first did my research about Pacific, it seemed like it was the perfect fit on paper. Then I was able to speak with my now mentor, Dr. Shanley and when she described the things her research lab does, I knew that it was something I wanted to be a part of. Dr. Shanley does work in her lab that works with outside organizations and focuses on implementation and helping the public. She fosters creativity with her students and encourages us to pursue our research interests and does everything she can to support us. Aside from academics, I also love the location of the campus. You can't beat the scenery out here!
Favorite PhD course | Applied Clinical Psychology I – I took this course with Dr. Harold Rosenberg and it made me feel eager for my program. Coming in, I was nervous that the clinical training would be too much for me to handle but in this class Dr. Rosenberg taught us how to conduct a clinical interview. It gave me my first look into what being a clinician looks like and made me feel confident in my abilities and excited to start practicum next year.
Hobbies | In my free time I love to read (and buy an unreasonable amount of books from Powell's), spend time by the water at a beach or a lake, and travel back to California as much as possible to visit my family, my dogs, and go to Disneyland.
Annaleise McCullough
4th Year | PhD Program | Missoula, MT
Email | mccu7312@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of Montana
Research Focus | Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation implementation and evaluation, risk/protective factors in adolescent LGTBQIA+ populations
Why I Chose Pacific | I was really interested in the scientist-practitioner model and becoming a well-rounded clinician with a generalist approach to training. The mentor model really appealed to me, and the research being conducted at Pacific was exciting and aligned with my interests.
Favorite thing about the program | My cohort and the supportive faculty! Attending grad school is stressful! Having my cohort going through this process with me has been a great source of support and a great resource as we all lean on each other. The faculty of the Ph.D. program have been very supportive, flexible, and mindful of the workloads of students.
Favorite Course | Applied Clinical Psychology I - This course laid the groundwork for our clinical practice. I learned so much about different aspects of clinical treatment and really valued when we would take time in class to practice our skills.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | Finding a job in a mental health related field was really helpful, prior to attending Pacific I worked in support positions in a group home, women's shelter, and crisis hot line to increase my exposure. Many of these places will happily accept volunteer work as well! Additionally, I took some online training in specific topics that related to the research labs I was applying to and found that beneficial during the application process.
Career goal | I want to work with adolescents and young adults in the LGBTQIA+ community, and research this community in order to promote resiliency and better inform care for these individuals.
Hobbies | I enjoy crocheting, sewing, cooking/baking, playing video games, and hiking with my little dog.