My interest in psychology and psychiatry has developed through a combination of academic experiences, research involvement, and direct work with individuals navigating mental health challenges. As an Asian American student, I have also become increasingly aware of how mental health is often under-discussed in many communities, shaped by cultural stigma and expectations. This awareness has influenced my desire to pursue a field that not only advances scientific understanding, but also improves access to compassionate and culturally informed care. I am currently a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying psychology with minors in chemistry and medical anthropology. Through this interdisciplinary background, I have become interested in how biological, developmental, and social factors interact to shape mental health. My research experience in the Cohen Lab has played a significant role in shaping this interest. As a research assistant on the BrainMAP study, I have worked with data examining how brain development relates to ADHD symptoms and academic outcomes over time. This experience has shown me how complex developmental changes are and how important it is to study them longitudinally. In addition, my previous work on the CogMAP study, which focused on cognitive changes in breast cancer patients, introduced me to the relationship between physical health and cognitive functioning. These experiences have strengthened my interest in research that has clear clinical relevance. Alongside research, my clinical and service experiences have deeply influenced my decision to pursue this field. As a Crisis Text Line counselor, I have supported individuals during moments of acute emotional distress, which made me more aware of how widespread and often invisible mental health struggles can be. I learned the importance of listening with intention and meeting people where they are. My time volunteering in the adolescent psychiatric unit at UNC Hospitals further exposed me to the ways in which developmental stage shapes how individuals experience and express mental health challenges. I became especially interested in working with children and adolescents, as well as in understanding how early experiences influence long-term outcomes. Working with neurodivergent children at Friends Camp reinforced this interest. I learned to adapt my communication style, pay attention to nonverbal cues, and approach each child with patience and flexibility. These experiences taught me that effective care requires not only knowledge, but also empathy, cultural awareness, and adaptability. They also deepened my interest in the intersection of development, environment, and mental health. My background has led me to pursue psychology and consider a future in psychiatry because I am drawn to work that bridges research and clinical care. I am particularly interested in understanding how brain development and environmental factors contribute to mental health outcomes, and how this knowledge can be used to improve treatment. I hope to contribute to research that advances our understanding of mental health while also working directly with individuals, especially those from communities where mental health is often overlooked. I do not have any publications at this time, but I am actively involved in research and hope to contribute to publications in the future.

I am a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. My academic and career aspirations are deeply rooted in my background and personal experiences, which have shaped my passion for psychiatry and my commitment to mental health research and advocacy. Growing up in a structured environment where excellence was expected, I often felt trapped in a rigid framework that left little room for self-exploration. My childhood revolved around classical music, specifically the violin, which I pursued with discipline and intensity. While I was highly skilled, I struggled with the increasing pressure and competitiveness, feeling as though my identity had been reduced to my achievements. I was afraid to express my unhappiness because I worried it would mean disappointing those who had invested in my success. This emotional turmoil made me deeply aware of the internal struggles that often go unnoticed in high-achieving individuals, especially those who appear outwardly successful but may be suffering in silence. My experiences as a caregiver and volunteer at UNC Hospitals have further shaped my desire to pursue psychiatry. As a caregiver for elderly patients, I witnessed firsthand how psychological and emotional well-being influence overall health. Conversations with patients battling neurodegenerative diseases, depression, and anxiety reinforced my belief in the necessity of holistic and compassionate psychiatric care. Seeing how mental health issues affected patients’ physical health and quality of life solidified my desire to contribute to this field. Additionally, my research interests in psychiatry have led me to explore neural mechanisms underlying addiction and cognitive function, providing me with valuable insights into how mental health disorders develop and persist. As an Asian American, I have also seen how cultural stigmas surrounding mental health prevent individuals from seeking help. Within many Asian communities, mental health is often overlooked or dismissed, leading many individuals to suffer in isolation. I hope to contribute to breaking these barriers by advocating for accessible and culturally competent psychiatric care. By increasing awareness and improving mental health education, I want to help bridge the gap between mental health care and communities that have traditionally stigmatized seeking psychological support. Ultimately, my background has driven me to view psychiatry not only as a scientific discipline but as a means of fostering understanding, healing, and empowerment. Through research and clinical practice, I aspire to continue Dr. Shuqiao Yao’s mission by advancing our knowledge of mental health and improving care for those in need.