Summer Scheidegger will be graduating with a Ph.D. from the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology. She will be moving next to Mount Saint Mary’s University, where she has accepted a post-doc position at Counseling and Psychological Services.
GGSE: What are your research interests, and why are they important to you?
Scheidegger: I am primarily interested in studying mental health and related factors (e.g. stress, stigma, resilience) among emerging and young adults, particularly women. Young adulthood is a period of becoming and transition, as well as a vulnerable period psychologically. Learning how we can best support young people, especially women, through this transition will help reduce mental health stigma and improve treatment seeking and access to resources.
GGSE: What's one piece of information you wish every person knew and remembered about your research?
Scheidegger: Mental health disorders are pervasive, and destigmatizing mental illness and treatment seeking is paramount to lessening the severity and the implications of mental illness on a micro and macro level.
GGSE: Tell us about your internship. How was it affected by COVID-19?
Scheidegger: My internship is at an outpatient department of psychiatry on a hospital campus. Prior to COVID-19, I conducted individual, family, and group therapy in person; conducted psychodiagnostic assessments; and had the opportunity to participate in various clinical rotations and didactic seminars. As COVID-19 became an apparent threat, my activities changed and some were halted entirely. I am now working from home and conducting teletherapy exclusively. We can no longer conduct assessments, which was a large portion of my internship, and we are just now starting to roll out virtual group therapy. I'm thankful that I have been able to continue my internship and continue supporting my patients.
GGSE: What do you hope to do after earning your Ph.D.?
Scheidegger: I accepted a position as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Counseling and Psychological Services at Mount Saint Mary's University. I will continue conducting psychotherapy with emerging and young adults, primarily women. In the future, in addition to providing therapy, I hope to conduct psychodiagnostic and/or neuropsychological assessments, and I would love to teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses, either as an adjunct professor, which I have done previously and loved, or, in the future, as a full-time professor.
GGSE: What piece of advice would you pass on to future students in the Gevirtz School?
Scheidegger: Graduate school is challenging to say the least, but you can do it. Do not let yourself get distracted by unnecessary responsibilities, extraneous work, extra degrees, or anything that takes your energy away from your schoolwork, unless it also replenishes that energy. Stay the course. Put yourself first. Set boundaries. A graduate program seems long and unwieldy, but years later, it will feel like just another chapter. The days are long, but the years are short.
GGSE: Is there anyone in the Gevirtz School you would like to thank?
Scheidegger: First and foremost, my advisor Dr. Steve Smith. He supported me, encouraged me, believed in me, and accepted me. If it were not for him, I wouldn't be completing my Ph.D., nearly 13 years after I started it. Secondly, Dr. Merith Cosden for initially accepting me as her student and letting me go when she and I knew the time was not right. Finally, all of the CCSP faculty for accepting me twice and for giving me a second chance, especially Dr. Erin Dowdy for co-chairing my dissertation committee, Dr. Ty Vernon for being a member of my committee, Dr. Heidi Zetzer for her encouragement and support, and Dr. Tania Israel for her continued support, as well as Dr. Karen Nylund-Gibson of the Department of Education for her mentorship and advisement.
GGSE: What is one of your favorite memories of your graduate school experience?
Scheidegger: One of my favorite memories was attending the graduation of my dearest friends and fellow students. Seeing those strong, ambitious, successful, radiant women steadfastly walk the stage and be hooded and honored brought me great joy and pride, as well as hope that I would one day join them. I was very much looking forward to making that same walk, and hopefully I will be able to in the future.
GGSE: In lieu of an in-person ceremony, how will you be celebrating your graduation?
Scheidegger: My department is holding a small ceremony over Zoom, and I plan to invite my family and friends. I will spend the rest of the day with my husband and 2-year-old daughter, who are my greatest supports.