Social Sciences & Natural Sciences: Areej Abid '25

Major(s) and minor(s)

B.S. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences; B.A. in Psychology

Pronouns

She/Her

Hometown

Orlando, Florida

Areas of interest/focus in research

I have a diverse range of research interests that I am really passionate about, however I am particularly focused on and involved in the following:

  • Mindflex Assessment Project: Measuring psychological flexibility using the MPFI and UFM scales.
  • Clean Lung Society (Truth Initiative): Tobacco prevention strategies and interventions.
  • Project FLIGHT: Examining the effects of interparental conflict on the parent-child system.
  • Sources of Strength: Evaluating the effectiveness of school and community-based prevention programs.Labs / departments / offsite programs where research was conducted

Labs/departments/offsite locations where research was conducted

Project FLIGHT: This is a multi-method clinical study examining how interparental conflict influences interactions within the family, particularly its impact on the parent-child relationship. I conduct this research at Mt. Hope Family Center (and this is really rewarding because I get to observe clinical work being undertaken first hand!!)

Mindflex Assessment Project: I work under Professor Rogge in the Department of Clinical & Social Sciences in Psychology and we are aiming to enhance the quality of therapy by developing the MindFlex assessment service, which simplifies the use of the MPFI scale based on ACT principles (acceptance, commitment, defusion, presentness, etc.) for therapists and clinicians.

Truth Initiative: This is a nonprofit public health organization and we collaborate with the local ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é community through various community service events. Our initiative aims to raise awareness about the harms of smoking and encourage community engagement. I work closely with Dr. Scott McIntosh from the ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é Medical Center (URMC) and other interns on these efforts.

Sources of Strength: The department of Psychiatry at URMC has a practice evidence-based program aimed at preventing adverse outcomes by promoting well-being, help-seeking, resilience, healthy coping, and belonging in high school settings. As an intern for senior information analyst Dr. Karen Schmeelk-Cone, I help with data entry and analysis, survey and program implementation preparation, literature reviews, etc.

About me...

Hi guys, welcome to the research website! My name is Areej and I am a senior now. I was born and raised in Florida so naturally I like the beach, and Disney but I also enjoy reading, baking, and boxing in my free time. I've always been a curious person, fascinated by understanding how and why things happen. This natural curiosity drew me to research, where I can explore deeper the questions and the answers that drive our understanding of the world.

Originally, I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in, but after taking a few psychology and behavioral science classes, I quickly realized that nothing is more fascinating than understanding the complexities of human behavior. The way we think, interact, and adapt to our surroundings captivated me. Now, much of my research focuses on behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal dynamics, exploring how our environment shapes who we are and how we navigate the world.

In the future, I aspire to become a clinical psychologist, teach + inspire others, and one day, write my own book!

How has your experience as a researcher influenced your career objectives?

Research has given me the opportunity to explore various subjects and disciplines, allowing me to blend different fields and perspectives and working with them. This exploration has led me to formulate my own questions and develop a clearer vision of the future research I want to pursue and what I want to test. Through this process, I've also formed strong beliefs about how psychology and public health science can evolve and benefit from new approaches, ideas, interventions, techniques, etc. It has solidified my desire to contribute meaningfully to these fields as a clinical psychologist.

Campus organizations, programs, activities, clubs, awards/distinctions

Campus clubs:

  • The Pact -Baking Club
  • Partners in Reading
  • Project level the Field
  • EcoReps

Campus Jobs:

  • Student Aide (Department of Public Safety)
  • Virtual Interviewer Admissions (Admissions and Financial Aid)
  • Meridian Tour Guide (Admissions and Financial Aid)
  • Mindful Program Assistant (University Health Services)
  • Research Assistant (Public Health Services)

Awards:

  • KR French Scholar
  • Kearns Scholar
  • Deans List
  • 2024 Schwartz Discover Grant Recipient
  • One Community Program Panelist
  • Fun Fact: when I'm not doing research you can usually find me...

 

Fun Fact:  when I'm not doing research you can usually find me...

in the kitchen decorating a cake or at the gym practicing a new boxing combo.

Areas where I may be particularly helpful

  • How to reach out to PIs
  • Schwartz Discover Grant application
  • Finding work-study positions/internships/employment opportunities
  • Resume building / Interview Prep
  • General Advising

What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?

Remain proactive in your search and do not get discouraged easily, there are alot of research opportunities, and we can help you find the right one! Demonstrate you are genuinely interested, read up on past publications, go to office hours, and establish connections for the future. Find the resources available to you and utilize them in the four years you can (one of those resources being our email)!

Email me at: aabid4@u.rochester.edu