62 Research Reflection by Hannah Berrett

Faculty Mentor: Michelle Vo (Psychiatry, University of Utah)

My undergraduate research experience was a profound journey that began with a disquieting realization about the struggles faced by my peers at the University of Utah. Encountering distressing accounts of students’ challenges in accessing mental health and disability resources deeply impacted my perspective on the higher education system and its role in student well-being.

Motivated by this revelation, I collaborated with my research lab to advocate for an increase in the student success fee to fund essential mental health resources on campus. This endeavor honed my skills in data analysis, policy development, and strategic communication, preparing me to address complex challenges effectively.

Currently, I am pursuing an honors thesis research project focusing on the influence of social dynamics and identity on mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviors among a university sample. This research is personally significant as it aims to deepen our understanding of mental health perceptions within higher education along with how people are social influenced to make certain decisions or form opinions related to aspects of people’s social identity, mental health stigma, and help-seeking behavior.

My undergraduate journey has not only enriched my academic growth but also ignited a passion for advocating for the well-being of students, faculty, and staff in higher education. I have come to recognize the disparities in mental health support and policy barriers that disproportionately affect students, underscoring the need for transformative change in higher education. I am excited to continue my research and advocacy in graduate school. My specific research interests lie in enhancing mental health and wellness, particularly focusing on race, gender, and ethnicity. Building on my undergraduate research, I aim to collaborate with educational leaders at whatever university I end up to develop and implement informed policies based on research that prioritize student well-being.