The Takarangi Lab welcomes two new Clinical PhD students in 2020, Nadine Hutchison and Lucy Matson. Both students completed their Honours year of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in our lab in 2019, under the supervision of Melanie Takarangi.
We asked Nadine and Lucy some questions about how they felt about getting into the program. Read below for their take on being accepted into Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) program.
Nadine
How do you feel about getting into the program?
I feel incredibly lucky and excited to have been accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) program at Flinders University. I have a strong passion for working with and assisting people who have mental health issues and I am very eager to continue my Honours research.
How do you feel about working in the Takarangi lab for the next 3 to 4 years?
I am ecstatic to remain working in the Takarangi Lab over the next few years. During Honours, I really enjoyed collaborating with other members of the lab. I can’t wait to continue broadening my knowledge in clinical cognition and forensic psychology research with such an intelligent, dedicated and caring team of researchers.
What are you most looking forward to?
Although I am nervous, I am really looking forward to beginning my clinical psychology placement. This will be a new experience for me however it will be great to start putting my knowledge of psychology, interviewing and counselling into practice to support people with mental health issues.
What are you apprehensive about?
I think it will be challenging to juggle my placement, course work and research all at once whilst trying to keep a good study-life balance. I often find it easiest to focus on one thing at a time but hopefully I will learn to manage this through organisation, prioritising work and asking for help when needed.
Lucy
How do you feel about getting into the program?
I feel honoured to have been accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) program at Flinders University. I understand that this is a great achievement and am eager to grow my research and clinical expertise over the next 4 years.
How do you feel about working in the Takarangi lab for the next 3 to 4 years?
I am very excited to work in the Takarangi Lab! My experience with the Takarangi lab throughout my Honours year has been nothing short of positive. I am very fortunate to be a part of such a friendly, supportive, passionate and fun lab environment.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to contributing to psychology research and developing relationships within the academic research community. I am also excited to grow my expertise in clinical psychology practice through coursework and placements.
What are you apprehensive about?
I am most apprehensive about potential struggles with balancing my thesis research and clinical coursework/placements. However, I know that I have an amazing lab environment who will support and guide me through any struggles I may face.
Everyone in the Takarangi Lab is excited to have these amazing new additions to our research team. Watch this space for more from these up-and-coming researchers!
I am looking forward to contributing to psychology research
Lucy Matson, 2020
I am ecstatic to remain working in the Takarangi lab
Nadine Hutchison, 2020