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May 2, 2016

New College Outstanding Graduate Sarah Malik found her passion in social psychology teaching and research

Editor's note: This is part of a series of profiles for spring 2016 commencement. See the rest here.

Sarah Malik had always been a good student, but the Chicago native said it wasn’t always easy for her to recognize her abilities. She went through school, she said, feeling like she had lucked into her successes rather than actually deserved them.

ASU has helped Malik realize that she is quite deserving of everything she has achieved. For her hard work, Malik, who is scheduled to graduate with her master of science in psyhology, has been named the New College Outstanding Graduate. She will speak at the Spring 2016 New College Convocation Ceremony.

As an ASU graduate student, Malik has been actively involved in running online and in-lab psychological studies, training research assistants, preparing manuscripts for publication, and presenting her research at conferences. Her main line of research has been a series of studies about perceptions of LGBT sex offenders.

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: I was interested in psychology and chose to major in it on a whim, but when I began my undergrad at the University of Evansville in southern Indiana, I had the opportunity to hear one of the professors talk about the research she was doing in social psychology. It was unlike anything I had ever seen in psychology before, and I was immediately intrigued. She ended up being my undergraduate adviser, and I have continued doing similar research to this day and will continue this after graduation as well.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?

A: At ASU, I learned that there are so many different types of people with different backgrounds and perspectives that do similar research. Previously, I had mostly known people in my field who had very similar perspectives to mine. But here, I’ve gotten to see many other points of view. Having different perspectives has been very helpful in coming up with research questions or even seeing potential flaws or gaps in studies that I never would have thought of on my own.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU and New College for my graduate program specifically to work with Dr. Jessica Salerno. My undergraduate advisor knew Jessica and introduced us when she discovered that we had similar research interests, so it made sense to come work with Jessica as a grad student since we had already been collaborating previously. I knew that I wanted to move onto a doctoral program after obtaining my master’s degree, and this program is specifically geared toward preparing students to do just that.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Take advantage of every opportunity you come across. It’s those extra opportunities that really show what you’re capable of. If I hadn’t gotten involved in research as an undergrad, I would definitely not be where I am now. And if I hadn’t gone to conferences and presented and done what I could outside of class as a master’s student, I might not have gotten as many — or any — PhD interviews. School is entirely what you make of it, and it’s important to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Q: What is your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: My favorite spot on campus is outside of the library [Fletcher Library at the West campus]. In my afternoon slump, I loved to grab some coffee at Starbucks, sit out there and soak up the sunshine. It’s a great place to relax and recharge in between classes and work!

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I was fortunate enough to interview at five different doctoral programs this semester, so I am excited that I will be starting on the path to my PhD this fall! I plan to stay in academia and eventually become a professor. Having been so inspired by faculty who have helped me become who I am today, I hope to continue not only to do research in a field that I love, but to someday pass on this enthusiasm to the next generation of researchers.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would first allocate it to making sure everyone had access to nutritious food and water. Whether or not someone has money should not determine if they are able to eat or be adequately nourished. Honestly, I can barely wrap my head around the fact that not everyone has access to these basic necessities right now.

Top photo by Ruth Dempsey

 
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'Hiding' in plain sight

May 2, 2016

New College Outstanding Graduate Michael Montpetit focuses his time at ASU on the dearth of research for adults on autism spectrum

Editor's note: This is part of a series of profiles for spring 2016 commencement. See the rest here.

Michael Montpetit draws strength from what others may see as a challenge. Montpetit self-identifies as having an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, and he is passionate about advocating for others who are going through some of the same struggles he has.

The communications masters student from Port Huron, Michigan, was chosen as one of the New College Outstanding Graduate Students for the Class of 2016 in part because he has become a role model for students in the ASU community.

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: As an undergraduate at Michigan State University, I knew I wanted to go to grad school so I could teach within academia and learn more about how autistic adults live and function within society. There is quite a bit of research that focuses on children and autism, but not really adults who are on the spectrum. Since I am on the spectrum, I believe at times that having an ASD inhibits me, and I hypothesized that there are other people who have an ASD that feel the same way. These people don't just disappear, become cured or assimilate. I thought this is an area of study that would benefit the scientific community, and research needs to be conducted to truly understand what it is like to be an adult with an ASD.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?

A: While doing research for my thesis, which was on having an ASD and being within a romantic relationship, I discovered that those who are on the spectrum can successfully find love and be in a monogamous relationship. I did hear stories about how being on the spectrum made finding love very difficult, but I also heard stories of triumph or overcoming their disorder to cultivate a relationship. I was really surprised when I found out how successful many of my research participants were at intimate relationships by believing in themselves, trusting their partner and finding a way, sometimes very unconventionally, to make their relationship work. Having an ASD, or any disorder, is only a hindrance if you believe it to be. If you are positive, you can find ways to overcome it.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: When looking for graduate programs, I was advised to locate instructors who have performed research within my field of interest and see where they teach. While searching for research on the communication of individuals with an ASD, I came across Dr. Majia Nadesan at ASU New College and reached out to her. We talked over the phone, and she piqued my interest into coming here.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Plan ahead, establish good rapport and relationships with your instructors early on, and never give up! It will get hard and at times seem insurmountable, but in the end, it will all be worth it.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: Because I study and reside on the West campus, I spend much of my time there. My favorite spot to study is the third floor of Fletcher Library. There is a quiet area with computers to browse the internet or write papers, and the offices of the librarians are nearby just in case I needed help or guidance.  

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I plan on working toward my PhD someday. But before I do, I would like to work for a nonprofit agency that specializes in learning more about autism and helping those who possess this disorder.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would fund projects designed to foster more understanding about what it is like to be an adult and possess an ASD. If more researchers study these concepts, then better support services can be put into place to help these people self-actualize vocationally, relationally and personally. Perhaps, it may reverse thinking that people who are on the spectrum disappear or assimilate.

Top photo by Ruth Dempsey