Jennifer Pressdee

With the completion of my bachelor's degree in psychology on the horizon, my next academic milestone is to pursue graduate studies specializing in research methods and consultation for creating inclusive environments. My graduate study will focus on neurodiversity and disability rights, building on a solid basis in psychology and technology. I have honed a distinct passion for advocating understanding and inclusivity for individuals with diverse cognitive abilities. My goal is to continue and expand this work in a research capacity.

In parallel to my academic path, my professional journey encompasses a blend of my varied skills and interests. My interior design and furniture restoration background uniquely positions me to contribute to developing more inclusive public spaces. Our physical environment plays a significant role in mental well-being, a viewpoint that significantly intersects with my psychological studies.

I envision my career unfolding in several interconnected phases:

1. Graduate Studies: Obtain a master's degree, followed by a Ph.D., focusing on creating inclusive environments informed by psychology and sociology. Research will revolve around understanding the needs of individuals with unseen disabilities.

2. Consultation and Advocacy: Parallel to my graduate studies, I would like to work as a consultant for organizations looking to create more inclusive spaces—and partner with governmental bodies, educational institutions, and corporations to effect systemic change.

3. Entrepreneurial Venture: Leverage my research and consultation experiences to launch or join an initiative to democratize mental health and inclusivity resources. This goal could be a natural extension of the "NeuroUnity" project I have initiated.

4. Design Inclusivity: Use my background in interior design to work on public space projects, ensuring that they meet the criteria for psychological well-being and are sensitive to diverse cognitive needs.

5. Teaching and Mentorship: Eventually, I would like to teach at an academic institution to share my learnings and mentor the next generation of advocates for inclusivity.

My dream job would involve directing a cross-disciplinary team dedicated to making public areas accessible and emotionally nourishing for all, combining psychology, technology, design, and activism. This holistic career path fulfills my professional aspirations and serves as an extension of my life's purpose.

As I approach the culmination of my bachelor's degree in psychology, my academic and professional aspirations are converging toward a specialized path in graduate studies. I am particularly interested in an interdisciplinary approach that melds psychology and sociology to explore the dynamics of inclusive environments, especially for the neurodiverse community. I aim to engage deeply with research methods that can inform policy and advocacy work in this area.

The impetus for blending psychology and sociology stems from my belief that adequate solutions for inclusion must consider individual cognitive variations and broader societal structures. With a firm grounding in psychology, I appreciate the neurodiverse perspective as an asset rather than a limitation. I plan to carry this viewpoint into sociological studies, examining how social systems can be engineered to be more accommodating and empowering for individuals with diverse cognitive abilities.

I intend to focus on research projects that allow for practical applications during my graduate studies. Topics that interest me include
the psychology of public spaces,
the impact of social systems on mental well-being and
the use of technology to augment inclusivity.
I aim to synthesize this research into actionable insights for consultation work, focusing on creating more inclusive educational settings, workplaces, and public spaces.

Additionally, I am keen on exploring mentorship opportunities and collaborative research. As someone who has engaged in the planning foundation of entrepreneurial projects aimed at democratizing mental health resources, I bring a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world application. The objective is to leverage these insights for systemic change, particularly in the form of policy recommendations.

In summary, my graduate school interests amalgamate my academic journey, personal experiences, and broader goals for societal change. Through rigorous academic work, I hope to contribute to creating more inclusive environments, ultimately benefiting communities that feel the existing systems were not built with them in mind.

When not engrossed in academic pursuits or entrepreneurial planning, I find solace and inspiration in diverse hobbies that resonate with my interests in well-being and inclusivity. I have a deep-rooted passion for furniture design and restoration. Additionally, training my son's service animal has been rewarding and a profoundly educational experience, revealing the intricacies of animal-assisted therapy and its potential to enhance the quality of life for those with diverse cognitive abilities.