Julia Katz, who earned her B.A. in Psychology from SMU in 2022, now works as a Clinical Research Assistant at the Warriors Research Institute at Baylor Scott & White Health. “I research various psychotherapy modalities and their effects on individuals experiencing the aftermath of toxic or traumatic work events,” she explains. “Our lab focuses specifically on veteran, firefighter, and National Park Service worker populations.”

Katz was drawn to SMU for its emphasis on research and the opportunity to collaborate closely with faculty. “With a wide array of labs across different psychology subdisciplines, there were seemingly endless ways to get involved in the department,” she says.

Several courses also left a lasting impact. “Dr. Chris Logan’s Social Psychology and Close Relationships courses, as well as Dr. James Calvert’s classes on the Behavioral Actions of Drugs and Psychological Disorders of Children, sparked my interest in a wide range of psychology topics,” Katz says. “Dr. Logan infused humor into his lectures in a way that made the material more engaging. Dr. Calvert’s examples from his clinical experience inspired me to consider a career in clinical psychology.”

While at SMU, Katz worked in Dr. Baldwin’s Health Behavior Lab, where she gained hands-on research experience that helped shape her career path. “The lab experience and Dr. Baldwin’s expert mentorship revealed just how exciting it is to be on the frontier of knowledge expansion,” she says.

After graduating in 2022, Katz earned her M.S. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas in May 2024. She joined the Warriors Research Institute the following month.

“I enjoy administering psychological assessments for our veteran-related projects, recruiting and following up with participants, and sharing our original research at conferences,” she says. “It’s exciting to interact with patients and be part of a team that’s actively contributing to the field.”

Looking back, Katz credits SMU’s psychology department with giving her a strong foundation. “It helped me explore different areas of the field and gave me the knowledge needed for graduate school and my current role,” she says.

Her advice for current psychology students? “Get involved in one of SMU’s many research labs,” she encourages. “Not only is research experience essential for Ph.D. programs, especially in clinical psychology, but understanding psychology as a science will introduce you to new skillsets and sharpen the ones you already have.”

Valerie Loehr, who earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from SMU in 2015, is now an Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a Consult Liaison Psychologist at Clements University Hospital. She provides psychological care to medically hospitalized patients, including diagnostic assessments, psychotherapy, and transplant-related evaluations. “It’s a deeply fulfilling position,” she says, “that allows me to integrate mental health care within the broader medical system and advocate for holistic patient wellbeing.”

Valerie describes her training at SMU as both comprehensive and transformative. “Teaching undergraduate courses helped me cultivate strong communication skills, which I now rely on when delivering lectures and supervising trainees,” she explains. “The breadth of practicum experiences allowed me to explore diverse clinical settings and populations, solidifying my professional interests. The program’s research emphasis gave me the tools to both generate and critically engage with scholarly work—skills that continue to inform my clinical and academic contributions today.”

The program’s dual emphasis on rigorous research and robust clinical training drew her in, making it a clear fit. “I wanted to be in an environment where I could be challenged intellectually, explore meaningful research questions, and simultaneously develop the practical skills required to serve patients effectively,” she recalls.

Since graduating, Valerie has continued to deepen her clinical expertise and commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care. She began with an APA-accredited internship at the North Texas VA Medical Center, then completed her postdoctoral training in a full-time role as a graduate psychologist on the Primary Care Mental Health Integration Team. She later joined UT Southwestern, spending five years as a consult liaison psychologist at Parkland Hospital before transitioning to her current role at Clements University Hospital in 2023.

Valerie is particularly passionate about working with individuals experiencing co-occurring substance use and trauma-related disorders. “Being part of their recovery journey is an extraordinary honor,” shares Loehr. “I also find tremendous joy in supervising and mentoring trainees. Supporting the development of future psychologists–and helping them build clinical confidence and professional identity– is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.”

Valerie credits her research mentor, Dr. Austin Baldwin, for shaping her academic journey with thoughtful guidance that refined her research approach and inspired critical, creative thinking. She also names Dr. Buck Hampson, then clinical director, as a key influence on her clinical training. Most memorably, the relationships she built with fellow graduate students became enduring sources of support, collaboration, and lifelong friendship.

Her advice to current SMU psychology students: “Remain curious and open to discovery. Allow yourself to explore unfamiliar paths. You may be surprised where they lead. Don’t hesitate to engage with your professors; they are not only experts but also invested in your growth. Most importantly, trust that your dedication and passion will lead to a fulfilling career where your work can truly make a difference.”

After completing his undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University (SMU), Matt Hutnyan is now a doctoral student in clinical psychology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He chose SMU for its academic reputation, location, and campus beauty, which helped him thrive both academically and personally. His interest in psychology, sparked in high school, led him to major in the field, and he also pursued a second major in Health and Society and minors in neuroscience and cognitive science. These disciplines enriched his understanding of psychology and prepared him for a multidisciplinary career in clinical psychology and research.

During his time at SMU, Matt took a wide range of courses, including Introduction to Clinical Psychology, Memory and Cognition, and Social Psychology, alongside classes in anthropology, biology, and philosophy, which broadened his perspective. He was fortunate to learn from professors like Drs. Calvert, Meuret, and Bowen, whose guidance shaped his academic approach. His involvement in research at SMU also played a key role in preparing him for graduate school, providing him with critical thinking skills and hands-on experience.

Reflecting on his time at SMU, Matt encourages future psychology majors to take a broad range of courses and get involved in research early. He emphasizes the importance of building connections with professors, peers, and graduate students, which provides valuable support and insight. Matt credits SMU’s close-knit community, small class sizes, and leadership opportunities for his success and personal development.

Today, Matt credits SMU for providing the foundation that continues to guide his career in clinical psychology.