They scurry around the department to classes, labs, and seminars. We see them present and read their reaction papers. Let’s take some time to learn about the people behind the PowerPoints. Graduate students are essential to the research enterprise and valued members of any department with a graduate program. The goal of the “meet the graduate students” series is to learn more about the experiences of these key players in the Department of Psychology at UNCG.
Let’s meet one of our clinical students, Caitlin Stone. Born in New Jersey, Caitlin lived in Florida before moving to North Carolina to pursue graduate studies. Caitlin began at UNCG in the Fall 2024 semester. She works with Dr. Megan Fields-Olivieri and is enrolled in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program. Caitlin earned an undergraduate degree from Florida State University and a MA from Western Carolina University.
Path to and Experiences in Graduate School
What inspired you to begin graduate studies?
I really like finding answers to questions. I’ve always been drawn to research, and wanted to help people. Children have always been interesting to me, but working with them actually made me really nervous. Between completing undergrad and starting my master’s at WCU, I worked for the Department of Children and Families in Florida, which opened my eyes to just how critical those early years are for development, and what happens when it’s overlooked. I was really fortunate to work in the NICU at Duke, and with some amazing mentors at the Duke Autism Center (Dr. Elena Tenenbaum & Dr. Kimberly Carpenter), who reignited my love of working with kids and curiosity.
Can you describe your research area and interests?
My research interests are around how the early environment shapes child development. One of my main interests is environmental factors for language development, but I also am curious about how our early environments shape future diagnoses and interactions.
What is something you’ve accomplished at UNCG of which you’re especially proud?
I was able to secure a grant within my first year. I know that it’s really anxiety provoking, but as an older student who has gone to graduate school before and had a career before coming back, I told myself that I was going to make the most of the time I’ve had here.
What advice would you give to students aspiring to attend graduate school?
Ask lots of questions! There are so many mentorship programs for people who are trying to apply to graduate school – through Duke, Harvard, and a few other schools. Take advantage of all the free resources that are available! Applying to graduate school feels like there’s a secret code and unspoken knowledge, so there’s no stupid questions… we’ve all been through it too, so we want to see others succeed!
Fun Facts!
What do you like to do outside of school?
I love to read, spend time with my family, and hang out with friends.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
My parents are British immigrants. This usually opens a lot of other questions like, “why don’t you have an accent”? (Editorial note: Why don’t you have an accent, Caitlin?)
Could you share a favorite movie, book, or band that you would recommend to others?
I really love the show Scrubs, it’s kind of nostalgic for me. The “Fake Doctors, Real Friends” podcast got me through my commute my first year, and I’m looking forward to the new series that they’re starting up!
