Meet Psychology Major Katelyn Phan
October 1, 2024
Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Katelyn Phan chose to attend Drexel for the chance to experience living somewhere else and to explore different opportunities. Phan was still in high school when she realized she wanted to pursue a career in medicine, but during the COVID-19 pandemic she noticed the importance of mental health in conjunction with physical health and decided to major in psychology. “I felt psychology was a way I could explore the importance of mental health,” she said.
At Drexel, Phan is also minoring in biological sciences and pursuing a certification in medical humanities, and is a member of Pennoni Honors College, the College of Arts and Sciences Student Leadership Council, and the Women’s Health Psychology Lab. Learn more about her in this Q&A.
What has been one of your favorite experiences in the psychology department?
One of my favorite experiences in my department was when I participated in the filming of a tour of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit for incoming parents. As part of my research lab, I was recruited to be part of a video tour of the CHOP N/IICU. I loved being part of a project that was going to help parents of children in the N/IICU.
Is there a faculty member who has influenced you during your time at Drexel?
Dr. Pamela Geller has been my mentor since day one of freshman year. In the psychology department before school starts, we are matched with a faculty member of your choosing. I met quarterly with Dr. Geller for the first year of college. After, I joined her Women’s Health Psychology Lab and still conduct research with her. She has always supported my research interests and sends me new opportunities throughout the years.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences outside of the classroom?
One of my most memorable experiences outside of the classroom is participating in
STAR Scholars. STAR is a research program where students are paid to conduct research on campus the summer after freshman year. I made most of my college friends during this program. Under the guidance of my mentor, I had a flexible schedule. I was able to do most of my work in the evening and go out during the day and explore Philly!
What is one thing you hope to accomplish before you graduate?
Currently, a few students and I are working to establish a new Student Leadership Council in the College of Arts and Sciences. This group hopes to advertise opportunities available throughout Drexel and host workshops to help build skills for undergraduate students. So far, we have hosted a headshot and resume workshop. I hope to fully establish this group by the time I graduate.
What is one goal you have for the future?
One goal I have is to volunteer abroad after I graduate. Preferably, I would like to do medical aid volunteering, however I am open to different opportunities. I want to explore different regions and learn about different cultures in the world.
What advice would you give future Drexel students?
The one piece of advice I have for future Drexel students is to take initiative. Drexel has so many opportunities, and many of them are not directly advertised. My advice is to figure out what you are looking for in your college experience, then make it happen. In my time at Drexel, I have stumbled upon so many opportunities simply by researching and asking faculty members and students if there is something I can do. This is how I found a perfect psychology mentor, how I found out to apply to Pennoni Honors College and STAR Scholars, how I found out about research grants, and so much more.