The earliest memories I have of my mother are snapshots: her carrying me on her hip, visibly tired, and always moving forward. An absent father only heightened her exhaustion, but she pressed on. As I grew up, I began to understand the toll generational trauma and unsupported maternal mental health had taken, not just on her but on both of us. My name is Madison Knoll-Ahern, and I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Kansas pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavioral Science. My passion for women's health hails from not only those early stills of my mother--living through the intergenerational impact of trauma and witnessing how the lack of support for maternal mental health shapes not only a woman's life, but her child's developmental trajectory. Making early observations like these planted the seed for my desired academic mission: bridging clinical and developmental research and real-world mental healthcare resources to promote resilience in motherhood, effective treatment for mothers and children, and making lasting generational change. This summer I am completing an independent research project through the McNair Scholars Program under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Yi. This allows me to independently investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and motherhood intentions in college women, an area of women's health that is critically under-explored. Grounded in developmental psychopathology and trauma-informed frameworks, my work expands on unresolved childhood trauma influencing reproductive decision making, not only as a biological or socioeconomic issue, but one rooted in identity formation and emotional readiness for parenthood. Incorporating measures including the 10-item ACEs questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25), and the recently developed Maternal Ambivalence Questionnaire (MAQ) allows me to quantify nuanced constructs in psychology and analyze how trauma and resilience interact in shaping future motherhood intentions. In August 2025, I will begin data collection from female-identifying students aged 18-29, utilizing KU's SONA system. My long-term goal is to develop trauma-informed screening tools and resilience-based interventions that can be used in university health centers, OB/GYN clinics, and mental health settings to empower young women making reproductive decisions that align with their emotional well-being. I plan on applying to Ph.D programs for the 2026 - 2027 cycle in Clinical and Developmental Psychology. What once seemed impossible is coming to fruition, and I am ecstatic to embark on this continued academic journey. Another long-term goal of mine is to found a nonprofit in my hometown of Wichita, Kansas, dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health services for low-income mothers and their children. Beyond research, I co-founded and serve as President of the newly established Psychology Society at KU, where I collaborate with organizations like KU Feminist Campus and other groups on mental health outreach and advocacy. Through this work, we aim to divulge treatment and foster community dialogue around women's wellness. I've also served as an administrative assistant in the Psychology Department for over a year, supporting course materials, managing inquiries from faculty and more. I also spent 10 months volunteering with HeartSupport, ensuring individuals received mental health support and crisis intervention. Reproductive decision-making is narrowly framed as a "milestone" or women, yet, the lack of societal support reflects heavily in today's window of women's mental health. An emphasis must be placed on innovation in women's health not only occurring in labs, but simply by asking different questions. Receiving support from this scholarship will allow me to continue developing my work into future graduate work, designing tools and interventions helping women manage their reproductive decisions with dignity, insight, and agency. Thank you for your time and consideration.

The earliest memories I have of my mother are snapshots: her carrying me on her hip, visibly tired, and always moving forward. An absent father only heightened her exhaustion, but she pressed on. As I grew up, I began to understand the toll generational trauma and unsupported maternal mental health had taken, not just on her but on both of us. My name is Madison Knoll-Ahern, and I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Kansas pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavioral Science. My passion for women's health hails from not only those early stills of my mother; Living through the intergenerational impact of trauma and witnessing how the lack of support for maternal mental health shapes not only a woman's life, but her child's developmental trajectory. Making early observations like these planted the seed for my desired academic mission: bridging clinical and developmental research and real-world mental healthcare resources to promote resilience in motherhood, effective treatment for mothers and children, and making lasting generational change. This summer I am completing an independent research project through the McNair Scholars Program under the esteemed mentorship of Dr. Richard Yi. The summer research internship allows me to independently investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and motherhood intentions in college women, an area of women's health that is critically under-explored. Grounded in developmental psychopathology and trauma-informed frameworks, my work expands on unresolved childhood trauma influencing reproductive decision making, not only as a biological or socioeconomic issue, but one rooted in identify formation and emotional readiness for parenthood. Incorporating measures including the 10-item ACEs questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25), and the newly developed Maternal Ambivalence Questionnaire (MAQ) allows me to quantify nuanced constructs commonly viewed in psychology and analyze how trauma and resilience interact in shaping future motherhood intentions. In August 2025, I will begin data collection from female-identifying students aged 18-29, utilizing Qualtrics and SONA systems. My long-term goal is to develop trauma-informed screening tools and resilience-based interventions that can be used in university health centers, OB/GYN clinics, and mental health settings to empower young women making reproductive decisions that align with their emotional well-being. Beyond research, I am in the process of applying to Ph.D programs for the 2026 - 2027 cycle in Clinical and Developmental Psychology. What once seemed impossible is coming to fruition, and I am ecstatic to embark on this continued academic journey. However, another long-term goal of mine is to found a nonprofit in my hometown of Wichita, Kansas, dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health services for low-income mothers and their children. Reproductive decision-making is often convicted as somewhat of a "milestone" for women, yet, the lack of societal support reflects heavily in today's window of women's mental health. An emphasis must be placed on innovation in women's health not only occurring in labs, but simply by asking different questions. Throughout this process, I will go on to blossom into the Clinical Psychologist and researcher I aspire to become, which in my eyes is not only cathartic but also the most rewarding gift life could provide me. With the support of the "Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship," I can continue developing my work into my graduate career, designing tools and interventions helping women manage their reproductive decisions with dignity, insight, and agency. Thank you for your time and consideration.

The earliest memories I have of my mother are snapshots: her carrying me on her hip, visibly tired, and always moving forward. An absent father only heightened her exhaustion, but she pressed on. As I grew up, I began to understand the toll generational trauma and unsupported maternal mental health had taken, not just on her but on both of us. My name is Madison Knoll-Ahern, and I am a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Kansas pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavioral Science. My passion for women's health hails from not only those early stills of my mother; Living through the intergenerational impact of trauma and witnessing how the lack of support for maternal mental health shapes not only a woman's life, but her child's developmental trajectory. Making early observations like these planted the seed for my desired academic mission: bridging clinical and developmental research and real-world mental healthcare resources to promote resilience in motherhood, effective treatment for mothers and children, and making lasting generational change. This summer I am completing an independent research project through the McNair Scholars Program under the esteemed mentorship of Dr. Richard Yi. The summer research internship allows me to independently investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and motherhood intentions in college women, an area of women's health that is critically under-explored. Grounded in developmental psychopathology and trauma-informed frameworks, my work expands on unresolved childhood trauma influencing reproductive decision making, not only as a biological or socioeconomic issue, but one rooted in identify formation and emotional readiness for parenthood. Incorporating measures including the 10-item ACEs questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25), and the newly developed Maternal Ambivalence Questionnaire (MAQ) allows me to quantify nuanced constructs commonly viewed in psychology and analyze how trauma and resilience interact in shaping future motherhood intentions. In August 2025, I will begin data collection from female-identifying students aged 18-29, utilizing Qualtrics and SONA systems. My long-term goal is to develop trauma-informed screening tools and resilience-based interventions that can be used in university health centers, OB/GYN clinics, and mental health settings to empower young women making reproductive decisions that align with their emotional well-being. Beyond research, I am in the process of applying to Ph.D programs for the 2026 - 2027 cycle in Clinical and Developmental Psychology. What once seemed impossible is coming to fruition, and I am ecstatic to embark on this continued academic journey. However, another long-term goal of mine is to found a nonprofit in my hometown of Wichita, Kansas, dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health services for low-income mothers and their children. Reproductive decision-making is often convicted as somewhat of a "milestone" for women, yet, the lack of societal support reflects heavily in today's window of women's mental health. An emphasis must be placed on innovation in women's health not only occurring in labs, but simply by asking different questions. Receiving support from the Women's Health Research & Innovation Scholarship will allow me to continue developing my work into future graduate work, designing tools and interventions helping women manage their reproductive decisions with dignity, insight, and agency. Thank you for your consideration.

As a first-generation student navigating the complexities of academia, anxiety and her close friend depression have loomed close by along the way, waiting for the chance to strike and attack my mind. Like many others, these disorders compounded by the ongoing pressure of academic success have beat me down at times, making things seem hopeless in my already difficult journey. Alas, with the right support systems and proactive measures, I have learned to prioritize my mental wellness and give myself room to thrive, academically and personally. My journey with mental health challenges began long before my college years, as I grew up in a family where mental health was stigmatized, leaving me with internalized feelings of inadequacy and shame as young as 5 years old. As I progressed through high school, things only got worse, finding myself locked away in a dark room and isolated from all living beings whenever the possibility stood open. These two disorders paired hand in hand became formidable barriers to my academic success when it came to my first semester at university, severely impacting my grades and making me feel nothing less than a failure. I was hopeless, as I had lost my scholarship, and had to lie to my parents making the guilt inside me grow even more. Alas, with the support of loving friends by my side, they gave me the final push I needed after my first semester to embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. After bargaining with myself and others for what seemed to be forever, I sought out help, received a formal diagnosis, and began therapy to address my mental health challenges. Through therapy, I gained insight into different coping mechanisms such as journaling, seeking time outdoors, and diaphragmatic breathing, replacing my typical isolation routine. With these new factors in my life, managing my depression and anxiety suddenly became easier, lifting a weight off my chest and allowing me to work toward academic success once again. Embracing these various holistic approaches taken to prioritize my mental health, has allowed me to flourish and navigate any turbulent thoughts or emotions calmly. I walk outside on a sunny day, taking in the rays and looking around, realizing how grateful I am to be able to experience these feelings of calmness and bliss. I am aware of the absolute importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite my mental hardships, I remain steadfast in my commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. I learned to advocate for myself, seeking our resources and accommodations when needed, and cultivating a supportive network of individuals to uplift and empower me. While there are still days when things may dip into negative feelings once again, I remember to not allow them to define me, and remind myself that it shall pass. My journey with mental health challenges and being stricken by the hands of depression and anxiety have been a testament to the power of resistance, self-discovery, and support. By prioritizing my mental wellness, I have improved my academic performance and also enriched my personal life. I hope to continue my journey of hope and healing, inspiring others to prioritize their mental wellness and pursue their dreams despite the challenges they may face.

I see the young faces of my mother, aunt, and uncle smushed together in a photo booth during the early 1980s. They each wear a smile on their face, seemingly feeling a glimmer of happiness in the darkness that consumed their young lives. A small, yet simple thing the three of them no longer have. Early childhood trauma has proven to lurk in the shadows of innocence, wreaking havoc on the lives of countless individuals. The consequences of such are harrowing and devastating, leaving scars on the psyche of those who were robbed of a better, happier life. Growing up in an environment plagued by trauma, I witnessed firsthand the impact early childhood trauma can have, especially on the ones who played pivotal roles in shaping my upbringing - my mother, aunt, and uncle. Their silent battles serve as a reminder of the criticality of effective therapy, intervention, and support. My mother, my heart, has battled with debilitating depression and anxiety her entire life, her spirit weighed down by the horrors of her childhood and early adolescence which when shared with me, ripped my inner being apart too. Her past haunts me, casting a shadow over her ability to embrace life fully. My aunt, the most selfless person, has found solace in the confines of her home grappling with the bottle for nearly 30 years. I hear her cry about her younger self, wishing things could have been different, simpler, and gentler. And my uncle, a doting father to me with a broken mind, was trapped in an endless cycle of Bipolar II disorder oscillating between highs and lows. His constant denial and fear of treatment served to exacerbate his suffrage, leaving relationships with individuals including myself in ruin, and a shattered, shell of a man wondering what could have been. In watching the effects be multifaced and hideous, permeating every aspect of their being, they faced impaired emotions and interpersonal difficulties, all the way to substance abuse, leaving the repercussions of my grandparents' iron fists to rule over all. Yet, amidst the shadows still looming over my loved ones, there is a glimmer of hope for children alike - in the form of therapy. I have known my true purpose has always been to become a therapist. While my journey so far has not come without difficulty, I envision myself becoming a beacon of hope for many who have suffered at the hands of their own. Through my studies of evidence-based interventions such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and more, I aim to empower individuals like my mother, aunt, and uncle to reclaim their lives and rewrite their narratives. By creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients can feel seen, heard, and validated, I hope to facilitate the healing process and leave them with a future filled with possibilities, and more importantly, hope. These experiences, while not my own, have instilled a deep sense of purpose and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The unimaginable hardships my family members faced motivated me to serve children and adolescents through therapy to allow them to live happily and realize their trauma does not define them. While I look back at the faded photo of my mother, aunt, and uncle, I desperately wish I could go back and hold them; show them a gentler, calmer type of love and life - because they deserve it. Every child deserves it, and while it may be personally rewarding, this journey never has been and will never be just for me. I'm doing it for them.