Get to Know Your Officers: Tara Ryan

Can you believe that the annual AP-LS Conference is next week? Neither can we. Today, learn a little more about your Student Committee Secretary, Tara Ryan. She's the one that keeps track of all of the important details that might otherwise fall through the cracks. From another country no less! Here are a few personal facts that might help you feel more comfortable striking up a conversation when you see her next week!

What first got you interested in this law-psychology?

I first became interested in law-psychology when I took intro psych at my undergrad institution, Creighton University, with Dr. Matt Huss. From there I pursued opportunities such as an undergraduate internship at a residential correctional facility facilitating sex offender therapy. This experience solidified my interest in working with a forensic population and that I wanted to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist. 

If you could only have three non-psychology books to have on your shelf, what would they be?

1. One is not a book, but The New York Times.
   
2. The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test - Tom Wolfe
3. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing - John Bogle
   

Have you ever had a job you really loved?

Just prior to graduate school, I worked on a couple of different research studies as a project manager. One in particular was a study looking at a new treatment for combat-related PTSD. I had the opportunity to work with a number of military veterans and I found this work incredibly rewarding.

If you weren't in grad school, what would you be doing instead?

My path to forensic psychology was certainly not linear - I think this can be attributed to having a lot of diverse interests. Although I obtained a BS in Business Administration (finance) and also spent several months post-graduation working for a city planning agency, I think my interests in politics and policy may have eventually led to a career in the federal government.  

What is the best thing about the AP-LS Conference?

There isn't just one. Some of my favorite things about APLS are getting to connect with prior lab members and mentors, getting to (usually) explore a new city I've never been to, and seeing all of the cool things people in our field are doing. I always leave APLS energized and with too many ideas to pursue.

What is one professional goal that you have?

We tend to work with stigmatized people, either because of their mental illness, a crime they have committed, or both. In all aspects of the work I do, I would like to increase the awareness, understanding, and most importantly empathy for these individuals.