Rooted in Passion, Guided by Purpose

When Chloe Nelson (’25) began her college search, she had already developed a clear picture of what she wanted her future to be. Seeking a degree in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Business Administration, Chloe felt sure that Embry-Riddle's Prescott Campus had exactly what she wanted.

“I chose Embry-Riddle because I was drawn to the smaller class sizes, faculty involvement and the more tailored undergraduate research opportunities that Embry-Riddle provides its students,” she said. “An in-person undergraduate Forensic Psychology program is more difficult to come by than other psychology programs, so it seemed like a good fit for me.”

All Over Campus

Involved in numerous campus organizations, Chloe understands how community can help students grow and thrive during their collegiate experiences. As a campus academic mentor for the College of Arts and Sciences and an orientation leader, she keeps finding ways to give back.

She is involved in Psi Chi (the International Honor Society in Psychology), previously serving as secretary and currently serving as president. She also served as both events coordinator and president for the Women’s Ambassadors Association.

She is also currently serving as president for the Psychology Club and is a member of the Beta Eta Chapter of Delta Delta Epsilon, the International Forensic Honors Society.

“By actively engaging on campus, I have built many meaningful connections and lasting friendships and earned valuable leadership opportunities,” she shared. “I have not only had the best time in these roles, but I have also shaped my leadership style in a unique way and learned from diverse experiences through a variety of perspectives and challenges.”

Diving Into Research

Chloe became aware of the Undergraduate Research Institute (URI) when she joined the Bloom Institute, a psychology research group on campus. There, she learned about how student research could be funded by grants, quickly writing and receiving one of her own.

Through hands-on experience with grant writing, budget organization, poster creation and leadership, Chloe said that the URI has been a crucial part of her Embry-Riddle experience. “URI has not only impacted my undergraduate opportunities but has also allowed me to build myself into a very competitive candidate for graduate school.”

Chloe soon became interested in centering her research around elder abuse and its perpetrators.

“Abuse is a commonly studied and researched field in forensic psychology, but older adults are a community of people often overlooked in various ways,” she said. “Centering my research around this population made it easy for me to care deeply about the topic due to its underdevelopment and the questions that still have yet to be answered.”

Research on a National Scale

As Chloe developed her current research project, she began to seek opportunities with URI that went beyond Embry-Riddle. Participating with other students at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Chloe felt that her horizons had expanded.

“The conference offered many opportunities to explore a wide range of academic fields,” she shared. “I went along with several other students involved with URI, each with distinct projects and skills, allowing for mutual learning and connection.”

Chloe also had the opportunity to attend a conference with The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.

“This conference was interesting because it was further from the scope of my own research, which meant that I was able to learn so much about different topics and fields of research that I hadn’t been exposed to previously,” she said.

Dr. John Woodman, her faculty advisor and professor in the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, also attended the conference to support Chloe and two other students presenting their research.

“Every student has their own interests when they start in research but are sometimes a bit restricted by the faculty expertise and decide on other activities,” shared Woodman. “Chloe was open to opportunities that weren't exactly like what she envisioned, but that openness gave her more chances to learn and develop.”

Stepping Into Professional Experience

Over the summer, Chloe had the opportunity to work as a research intern at Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona, specifically focusing on Alzheimer's and dementia.

“This program allowed me to examine my own research question and work as the principal investigator on meaningful neurodegenerative research that Banner Health is investigating,” she shared. “My biggest takeaway from my experience is that when your work is rooted in passion and guided by purpose, it will carry a lasting impact for others and yourself.”

After Chloe graduates in the fall, she will be attending graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology. For fellow and prospective students, Chloe encourages them to take on new challenges and finish strong.

“Don’t only push yourself to achieve but also to grow. Growth lives in challenge, so never underestimate yourself.”