17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø

What is the Student Ambassador Program?

Psychology’s Student Ambassador Program exists to answer your questions about courses and opportunities within the department.

If you are considering attending 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø for your undergraduate degree, we are happy to help you learn what life as a psychology student at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø is like!

Connecting with our student ambassadors is also the best way to learn about upcoming campus events.

Having an advocate can help you make decisions.

The student ambassadors have experience with transitioning from high school to college and they are eager to help you find an academic home in the Department of Psychology.

Something else that might help you:

How do I connect with an ambassador?

The Psychology Ambassadors are excited to meet with you! Please use the email below to schedule a time to meet with an Ambassador.

We look forward to meeting you!

Meet our ambassadors

Matt Dougherty

Hi! My name is Matt.

I am a fourth-year student at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø majoring in psychology and sociology. I came to 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø because I appreciated the intimate nature of a small classroom where you can make connections with peers as well as faculty. As I've experienced the community and the campus, my appreciation for the setting 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø offers has only grown. While the overall experience has been a positive one, there have been a fair share of bumps in the road. I took a semester online, as I was dealing with personal things and needed to return home. As a result of stepping away from school, I also decided to step away from football. Despite those challenges, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø allowed me to continue thriving as they helped me continue my success academically away from the school and helped me find my place in groups outside of athletics.

I knew I wanted to major in Psychology before I started here at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø, as I took two courses my senior year of high school and knew it was the right fit for me. I have continued to grow my interest in psychology during my time at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø, and plan to attend school back home in the Bay Area to receive my master’s in clinical psychology. After school, I plan to become a clinical therapist focusing on adolescents and teens. Outside of school, I enjoy sports, music, film, and poetry. My best piece of advice is simple: immerse yourself in the community and allow 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø to help you find the person you want to become.

Salem McCants

Hi! My name is Salem.

I am a senior, but when I was a first-year, I chose 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø because I was interested in the Neuroscience program and the small class sizes. My interest in psychology started in high school with AP Psych at Franklin High School in Portland, and my decision to major in the subject was solidified when I took Biopsychology with Dr. Bakner.

When I got to 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø, I struggled to find my community because it felt like I didn't have time to balance friends and school. I had trouble finding my community and ended up creating it instead. Now, I try to stay involved in everything I can so that I can keep that community growing and ensure there is a space for everyone on campus. My favorite things are spending time with my friends and giving back to my community through volunteering, organizing events, and making flyers in Canva!

Camden Ferguson

Hi! My name is Camden Ferguson.

I am a senior psychology and anthropology major at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø. I came to 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø straight out of high school, drawn to the opportunity to keep playing football while also getting a strong education. Since then, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø has become much more than that for me, especially through the opportunities and relationships I have found within the psychology department.

Coming out of high school, I knew I wanted to major in psychology. I have always been fascinated by the intricate factors that shape human behavior and by understanding mental health struggles at both the individual and collective level. At 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø, I've expanded those interests through psychological research, teaching assistant work, internships, and now by preparing for what I hope will be the next step in my journey: admission to a PhD program.

Outside of the classroom, I am a student-athlete on the football team, enjoy playing pickleball in my free time, keep up with everything Seahawks-related, find new ways to get involved on campus, and spend time with my lovely fiancée!

My biggest advice to prospective and first-year students comes down to two things: don't feel like you need to have everything figured out right away and take advantage of the opportunities around you. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone because you never know where it might lead. You don't need a perfect plan, and sometimes the best experiences are the ones you never saw coming. At the same time, don't be afraid to aim high. Apply for that internship, pursue that research assistant position, or take a chance on something even if you aren't sure you're ready for it. The psychology department provides countless opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally, but it's up to you to make the most of them!

Kieryann Mattson

Hi! My name is Kieryann Mattson, and I am a senior from Selah, Washington. I was initially drawn to 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø because of the strong sense of community and support that the university emphasized. When I first visited, I felt more at home on campus than I had at many of the other universities I toured. As I have spent more time here, that feeling has only grown. I have developed an even deeper appreciation for the welcoming, supportive community that makes 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø so special.

When I attended 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø's Scholarship Weekend, I still had very little idea of what I wanted to study. I simply knew that I enjoyed working with children and helping others feel safe, supported, and cared for. During that visit, I had the opportunity to meet some of our incredible psychology faculty members, who introduced me to the field of Child Life. That conversation sparked an interest that has since grown into a career goal: becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist.

Outside of my academic pursuits, I am a member of 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø's track and field team, president of our Outdoor Recreation Club, and involved in both our national honor society and service leadership group. I love spending time outdoors, building meaningful relationships, and finding opportunities to connect with others. With the guidance and encouragement of my psychology professors, I have been able to balance academics, athletics, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth while making the most of my college experience. 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø has also given me the opportunity to study abroad for a semester without falling behind in my major, which has been an incredibly valuable part of my education.

To say I am grateful for the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø community would be an understatement. The opportunities, encouragement, and resources I have found here have shaped both my college experience and the person I am becoming. I know that I would not be where I am today without the people who have invested in me and the community that has continually encouraged me to grow. I will always be thankful for the role 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø has played in helping me discover my passions and prepare for my future.