Where It All Starts: My Path to Suicide Prevention Research

Throughout my undergraduate studies in Psychology, I gradually developed a strong passion for clinical psychopathology. My interest was particularly ignited during the Psychopathology course, where I became deeply intrigued by methods for managing disturbed and maladaptive behaviors. This growing fascination motivated me to delve deeper into this subfield, striving to make meaningful contributions to human well-being. As I continued to explore related topics, I discovered my keen interest in suicide prevention through the Science of Suicide Risk and Prevention course with Prof. Alexis May, the director of Risk, Prevention, and Intervention Lab at Wesleyan University.

Recognizing my strong interest in suicide prevention and my potential, she selected me from among many peers and offered me the invaluable opportunity to attend a prestigious academic conference with her. Together, we created and presented a poster titled “Acceptability, Feasibility, and Impact of the Couples Crisis Response Plan for Suicide Prevention” at the annual meeting of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) in April 2024. The validation our study received from both researchers and clinical practitioners highlighted the crucial importance of advancing suicide interventions and affirmed my potential in research, leading me to make the definitive decision to pursue an academic career in this vital field. These experiences with Prof. Alexis May inspired me to dedicate my bachelor’s thesis in psychopathology to suicide prevention under her mentorship, further strengthening my commitment to this critical area of research.

Moving forward, I am dedicated to conducting research on suicide prevention and intervention that not only informs actionable strategies but also leads to tangible improvements in individuals’ lives, with the goal of making a meaningful impact beyond academic achievements. In the coming years of my postgraduate studies, I plan to deepen my understanding of psychopathology, with a particular focus on suicide prevention and its connections to various psychopathological conditions. Simultaneously, I will continue to hone my skills in research design and data analysis to improve my methodological knowledge. This rigorous approach will empower me to design effective interventions that help individuals manage psychological challenges and improve their overall well-being and quality of life.