Louise Zhuang is a developmental psychology undergraduate student at the Institute of Child Development (ICD). Learn more about how her interests early in life led her to this program and what she plans to do after she completes her degree.
Why did you choose the Institute of Child Development?
I chose to be a student at ICD because I knew I would learn so much from professional scholars both in and outside of the classroom. To be taught by them in such close proximity not only inspires me to work harder and smarter, but also gives me the platform and resources to do so. As soon as I declared my major, I was so warmly cared for by everyone in this community, it felt immediately like home.
How did you become interested in developmental psychology?
Back then I didn’t know there was a field that focused on studying children. I became interested in parenting methods when I was in 7th grade. The passion for parenting effectiveness started when I found a relationship between student achievement and their parent’s attitudes/behaviors towards them. This interest grew more scientific day by day, and it finally landed on Domestic Trauma Intervention and all the pathways to reach better rehabilitation. I always knew I wanted to use scientific knowledge to help families, so I ended up declaring a major in Dev Psych in Spring of 2020.
What do you plan to do following the completion of your studies?
I already applied for grad school here at ICD. With all the preparation I’ve got at this stage, I plan to go into the field of Civic Science after I get my PhD degree, where I will get to use my knowledge to help children and parents in need. If I do not get into my first choice of grad school here, I plan to seek employment as a researcher here or elsewhere, and try again with multiple schools in three years with the lab experience to aid me.
If you could give advice to future ICD developmental psychology students, what would you say?
I would encourage all students of ICD to bravely reach out to faculty (and supervisors) as a part of your networking effort, and tell them about your dreams or passionate search for a purpose. These accomplished scientists you see everyday in classrooms have what it takes to help you reach your goals. Do you like a point they made in class? Email them and say it! Do you find their work fascinating? Read a couple of their papers and schedule an appointment to discuss and hear more behind-the-scenes stories! Even if you have nothing particular in mind, tell them about yourself and make an impression! We are very privileged to have these academics within an email’s reach as an undergrad, so please seize the day and use your limited years here to their fullest.
