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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: JACOB PEREZ
Pursuing his doctorate in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology, Jacob Perez is from Miami, Florida, and focuses his research on mental health relating to drinking behaviors in college students.
Why did you choose FSU for your studies?
As someone with a deep interest in developing research skills, FSU stuck out to me because the research opportunities are abundant here! It was also important to me that I could finance my education, and FSU has numerous funding opportunities and generous scholarships that have allowed me to continue progressing toward my professional goals.
What has been your favorite part of your time at FSU so far?
My favorite part at FSU so far has been presenting research at the College’s Research Showcase and taking that research to the national level! Together with Dr. Laura Reid Marks and colleagues from the College, I further developed this research and presented at Research Society on Alcohol’s annual meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Through the NIAAA grant-funded project “Engaging Black College Students Who Practice Risky Drinking Behaviors in Mindfulness Mobile Health,” we investigated what attributes of a mobile health application would increase engagement with mindfulness practice among Black college students who practice risky drinking behaviors. The project will inform future research to develop a gamified application with a basis in behavioral economics. I cherished this opportunity to learn so much from researchers in the field of psychology as well as other health-related disciplines, and it was gratifying to see my persistence pay off.
What drew you to Counseling and School Psychology?
I wanted to explore my interests in improving psychological health outcomes for years, but the nature of a combined program, in particular, encourages my interest in interdisciplinary research and practice. I truly value exposure to other health service professionals’ approaches so that I can practice humility and openness to other perspectives. I continue to maintain that gaining this insight will improve my ability to think critically and best serve the psychological needs of a given person or group.
What advice would you give to someone interested in the program?
It’s not a DSM diagnosis, but the notion of “impostor syndrome” is real! Entering a doctoral program is competitive and can be intimidating, so persistence and an airtight support system are key. When faced with stressful decisions, it’s crucial to seek guidance from your mentors and lean into your community. You simply cannot pour from an empty cup!
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
I plan to continue my pursuit of research and become a professor at a university. I really enjoy the mentorship and collaboration that are characteristic of a faculty position, yet I also wish to integrate research with clinical practice as a licensed psychologist. In other words, I hope to wear multiple hats in the future!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I always love sharing about my graduate assistantship with Counseling & Psychological Services! As the RENEW (Realizing Everyone’s Need for Emotional Wellness) student outreach program coordinator, I work with a community of passionate, undergraduate peer leaders making a positive impact on FSU’s mental health climate through outreach and education. My professional goals include practicing as a psychologist, but so much of mental health intervention begins with prevention. I feel so lucky to be part of this process on our very own campus and to mentor so many driven students each semester. Say hello if you see RENEW around campus! ∎
