Blog Archives - AP-LS Student Committee

Get to Know your Student Committee: Samantha Holdren

11/29/2020

We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

Samantha Holdren

Clinical Liaison
2020-2021

Samantha is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Clinical Psychology at Sam Houston State University

Why psychology and the law?
I watched Silence of the Lambs too many times as a child... But seriously, I originally wanted to be an attorney because I was interested in criminal law. After taking a required Psychology 101 course in my first year of undergrad, I realized I was more interested in the psychological aspects of criminal behavior than I was the legal elements. Though I knew I could make a difference in either capacity, I felt pursuing a career in forensic psychology would allow me to help marginalized populations in a unique, meaningful way. Working in an inpatient acute psychiatric medical center, volunteering as a sexual assault crisis counselor, and engaging in neuropsychologocal research studying impulsivity and criminal offending all solidified this interest.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - because it is the best show, ever. Period. Fresh Prince of Bel Air - because it's a classic and Will Smith is a national treasure. The Simpsons - Because it is the longest running TV show with 690 episode to choose from.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Yes

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
A sandwich is some sort of filling in between two pieces of bread, so TECHNICALLY a hot dog is in fact a sandwich.

What is a quote you like and who said it?
“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
In-N-Out. I'm from California so... This is basically mandatory.

What is your favorite city and why?
Venice, Italy. The city is just magical and unlike any other in the world. I love that it is on the water, the canals, the romance, and the people.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
Become a veterinarian and open an animal rescue.

Get to Know your Student Committee: Stephanie A. Cardenas

11/29/2020

We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

Stephanie A. Cardenas

Campus Representative coordinator
2020-2021

Stephanie is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Experimental Psychology and Law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Why psychology and the law?
It's meaningful, it's interesting, and it's fulfilling. I can't imagine being happier doing anything else.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
1. The Umbrella Academy (Season 1)— amazing soundtrack, off-beat, dark humor
2. Community — great diverse ensemble, whacky plot lines, what's not to love?
3. Avatar: The Last Airbender — delightful characters, great life lessons

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Yes
Explain your hot take about hotdogs
I mean, if it quacks like a duck...
What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Blessed are the forgetful: for they get the better even of their blunders" - Nietzsche
What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
Mokja — their kimchi fried rice is 🔥
What is your favorite city and why?
New York City—I appreciate the diversity of experiences and people. Great food and music scene.
If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
A dilettante living in a tiny home

Get to Know your Student Committee: Kamar Tazi

11/29/2020

We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

Kamar Tazi

secretary
2020-2021

My name is Kamar Tazi and I am a first-year Clinical Psychology PhD student at the University of North Texas.

Why psychology and the law?
I grew up in a family of activists and found my passion in social justice. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in psychology but struggled to combine activism and psychology. I have been fortunate enough to work with and under clinicians who've made a difference in the lives of folks involved with the justice system, and these experiences showed me the ways that clinical work can stem from social justice. I knew this was the field for me.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
My current favorite shows to rewatch are Grey's Anatomy, Law and Order SVU, and New Girl. This is a good mix of my favorite shows and I would definitely watch them over and over again for the rest of my life, especially since they are all different.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
No

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
Hot dogs are not sandwiches because, although you can change the toppings, a hot dog never changes. Sandwiches can be made of anything but hot dogs can't.

What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Each and every protest is a wave that moves us beyond the stagnant waters of servitude and oppression toward the shoes of self-respect" -LaShonda Katrice Barnett in my favorite book, Jam on the Vine.

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
The best sushi place near UNT is I Love Sushi. I highly recommend it.

What is your favorite city and why?
It isn't technically a city, but Akureyri, Iceland is beautiful. Everything about the town is so peaceful and the coffee is amazing. I would visit again any day.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
If I weren't in graduate school, I would be a chef!

Get to Know your Student Committee: Haley Potts

11/29/2020

We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

Haley Potts

Chair-Elect
2020-2021

Haley is a third-year Ph.D. student in clinical psychology (with a concentration in psychology and law) at the University of Alabama

Why psychology and the law?
At my tiny liberal arts college, I majored in anthropology and gender studies. It turns out, there weren't many places hiring feminist wannabe anthropologists (who knew?!?!). So, I had to pivot. I almost applied to law school (both of my parents are attorneys), but that path never felt quite right. Forensic psychology emerged as a natural combination of my interests in the law and in the social sciences.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Look, I know my answer here should include one "smart" show, but that would be a lie. I prefer low effort programming. My comfort shows are Snapped, The Office, and Parks and Rec.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Maybe

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
Can't it be both?

What is a quote you like and who said it?
"When in Rome, do as you done in Milledgeville." --Flannery O'Connor

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
Surin of Thailand

What is your favorite city and why?
Atlanta, because my nephew lives there.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?

A preschool teacher. After college, I spent a year teaching English in Barcelona. My class of toddlers was hysterical. The curriculum I taught centered around a monkey puppet, but someone eventually lost the puppet. So, when we began each class with a song called "where's monkey?," all of these tiny humans would run around the room searching in futility for a stuffed monkey they would never find. It still makes me giggle.

Get to Know your Student Committee: Sarah Fishel

11/29/2020

We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

Sarah Fishel

law liaison
2020-2021

Sarah is a fifth year joint J.D./Ph.D. student at Drexel University

Why psychology and the law?
I've always been less interesting in what people do and more interested in why, which lead me to the study of psychology. A general interest in crime, coupled with some amazing experiences in my undergrad (a freshmen seminar on opportunity gaps in the US coupled with the founding of a mentoring program between my school and a local juvenile detention center) solidified my interest in the intersection of these two topics. The more I learn, the more passionate I become about each, both, all the above! I am very fortunate to be able to pursue this passion, and grateful for the privilege.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

1) The Great British Baking Show – When I'm looking for classic comfort, this is what I watch. Its got great food, creativity, and the most collaborative group of competitors I think I've ever seen. An all-around "feel good" pick.

2) The Amazing Race/The World’s Toughest Race/Planet Earth – This pick should really be more of a genre that encompasses beautiful shots of different places all around the world. I love learning about different cultures and watching people really stretch themselves (myself and my partner have already decided who would be driving and who would be navigating if we did the Amazing Race). These are my picks for when I need to vicariously leave my desk and my various writing/research projects behind!

3) Just Mercy – I had a hard time with this last pick because I was thinking of all of the amazing TV shows and movies that have centered around (in)justice and there’s so many. I was leaning towards TV shows because of the simple fact they’re longer so can be played on a lengthier loop,

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
No

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
In answering this question, I first put "yes" because hot dogs are similar in makeup to meatball subs. Then, I put "maybe" because some people might think of subs as a non-sandwich item. Eventually I settled on "no" because something just feels wrong about calling a hot dog a sandwich.

What is a quote you like and who said it?
Do your best, and you will be the best - my mom

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
Beiler's Donuts - truly legendary.

What is your favorite city and why?
Galway, Ireland. I was fortunate enough to study abroad there during my undergraduate career and absolutely fell in love. The people are absolutely charming and welcoming, and I loved the mix of small town charm and city experiences, such as the presence of the college, restaurants, and other activities. I am hoping to go back to visit at some point in the future!

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
There are a couple things I’d probably do. First is something that has to do with animals – maybe animal rescue or designing enrichment for animals in captivity. Growing up I always wanted to spend as much time with animals as possible, and that hasn’t changed much as I’ve grown up. I’ve also always thought that I would enjoy being a party planner – I love organization and family gatherings, and even before learning about psychology I was great at mediating family conflict. It would be great if I specialized in destination weddings, because then I could also get some great travelling in!

Get to Know your Student Committee: Cecilia Allan

11/29/2020

We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

Cecilia Allan

Communications Officer 2020-2021

Cecilia is a first year Ph.D. student in Clinical psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Why psychology and the law?
First of all, it is clearly the most interesting interdisciplinary field in psychology! I also think it is one of the most important. My interest in psych and law first emerged in high school. I had a few friends with mental illnesses who became involved in the legal system and I saw how much it hurt their ability to move forward. This led me to question why the legal system treats individuals with diagnoses this way, and I began to explore how I could contribute to changing those responses.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Friends, New Girl, and The Office (minus Scott's Tots... too cringe). All of these are great fluffy distractions - and they get funnier every time I re-watch.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Maybe

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
I would say it depends on where you are. In America: Absolutely not. You use a bun specifically designed for the hotdog. It is CALLED a hotdog bun and it is used for nothing other than eating hotdogs (at least it shouldn't be). However, in Australia, they use regular sliced bread as the bun for hotdogs - that could pass as a sandwich.

What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Ask not what disease the person has, but rather what person the disease has.” - Sir. William Osler

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
Unfortunately I have never been to campus (COVID...). I'm going to guess it will be some place with cheap pizza (& garlic knots).

What is your favorite city and why?
Nashville - love the live music scene there!

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
Event planning.

Get to Know your Student Committee: Emma Marshall

11/29/2020

We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

Emma Marshall

Chair
2020-2021

Emma is a fifth-year joint degree J.D. / Ph.D. student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Why psychology and the law?
I took a class with former AP-LS President Jennifer Groscup as an undergraduate and got hooked.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
1. Survivor. The greatest game to ever be played. Yes, it is still on.
2. The Good Place. Moral philosophy but with food puns.
3. Gilmore Girls. What not to do when you receive constructive criticism: Steal a yacht.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Absolutely not.

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
Would you feel comfortable walking up to a hot dog cart and ordering a hot dog sandwich? I think not.

What is a quote you like and who said it?
“I don’t care. I’ll start my own group. Rejection from society is what created the X-Men!”
-Liz Lemon

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
B anwhich Cafe

What is your favorite city and why?
London. Because I have recently been watching the Crown and the Queen is there.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
Go to law school? Does that count?

Get to Know your Student Committee: Terrill O. Taylor

11/29/2020

carceral

Terrill O. Taylor

Diversity Liaison

Terrill is a third year Ph.D. student in Counseling Psychology at the University of North Dakota

Why psychology and the law?
Psychology and Law appeals to me as a counseling psychology trainee given my interest in working with individuals impacted by justice-related issues and the carceral system as a whole. I have a particular interest in the area of restorative justice, and helping to heal the lives of individuals and communities impacted by harm and wrongdoing.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
How to Get Away with Murder; The Pursuit of Happyness; and Orange is the New Black. Each of these shows/movies speak directly to my passions and interests in different ways, which is both rewarding to watch and also fuels my motivation to engage in the work that I do.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
No

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
Hotdogs are hotdogs, not sandwiches. It is that simple.

What is a quote you like and who said it?
"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." — Audre Lorde

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
We have very limited options in our area. I am lucky to get any take-out or delivery, but Dominoes Pizza is the likely go-to (not that thrilling, I know).

What is your favorite city and why?
Houston, TX -- It is where I completed my undergrad and close to home. Very diverse city with lots to do.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
I would likely pursue motivational speaking, work for a non-profit for formerly incarcerated individuals, or develop a business.

Get to Know your Student Committee: I-An (Amy) Su

11/29/2020

We asked the members of the 2020-2021 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

I-An (Amy) Su

Experimental Liaison 2020-2021

I-An is a second-year Ph.D. student in Developmental Psychology at Cornell University

Why psychology and the law?
As a lawyer who loves human behaviors, psychology and law is a perfect fit for me.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Grey's Anatomy, Harry Potter (books; hope this answer count; if this does not count, then Criminal Minds), I cannot think of the third one.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Maybe

Explain your hot take about hotdogs
I don't like hotdogs

What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Do your best, and you will be the best."
- My mom

What is your favorite take-out/delivery spot near your school/campus?
Wings over Ithaca, best chicken wings and tender in Ithaca - a must try.

What is your favorite city and why?
Seattle; Pike Place Market, the Crab Pot Seattle, islands, and it is not a rainy city at all.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do?
A lawyer; if not, hopefully, a writer.