Brooke Conoley
Brooke Conoley is studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree at our Albury-Wodonga campus.
“I have been fascinated by psychology for as long as I can remember,” says Brooke.
“However, my path to psychology has been far from linear. It has taken a lot of life experience, another degree, working in different fields, and a chronic medical condition to give me the drive and confidence to pursue my true passion.”
The people, says Brooke, have made her student experience particularly special.
“La Trobe’s Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy is full of diverse, deeply passionate, supportive and friendly staff and students. I cannot begin to express how much of a positive impact they have made on my learning experience.”
Brooke, who is soon-to-graduate, plans to continue her postgraduate studies with La Trobe to fufill her dream of becoming a psychologist.
“I am especially passionate about supporting mental health in regional areas, so I am really looking forward to practicing psychology regionally. I also see myself working in psychological research so that I can pursue my areas of interest which include epilepsy, companion animals and improving workplace environments.”
Emma Morrison
Emma Morrison is studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree at our Albury-Wodonga campus.
“I found my passion for Psychology in secondary school. As soon as I started learning about it, I knew that’s where I wanted to take my career,” she says.
Emma, who is in her fourth year, says she feel grateful for the university experience she has had.
“At La Trobe, there are so many opportunities for students to grow their knowledge and skills both in the classroom and beyond.”
“I have particularly enjoyed studying at the Albury-Wodonga campus where there is an amazing community of students. Our lecturers also genuinely care about our learning and support us to achieve our career goals,” she says.
When Emma graduates, she hopes to start her PhD journey at La Trobe.
“Becoming a researcher is my ultimate career goal. Growing my knowledge in a specific field of psychology and helping others to better understand that field through scientific research is what I want to be doing.”
Ariane Virgona
Ariane Virgona (pictured) is a PhD candidate in cultural and social psychology.
"I completed my undergraduate and honours programs at La Trobe,” explains Ariane. "I have an avid interest in the study of the mind, and particularly culture. In my honours year I was fortunate enough to conduct my honours research project, supervised by Professor Emi Kashima exploring the link between intercultural ideologies and psychological wellbeing.
"The study was published in The International Journal of Intercultural Relations, laying the foundation for my future research."
Ariane's PhD thesis explores how multiculturalism and polyculturalism – the view that cultures are interconnected and influence each other – impact group perceptions and may be associated with one’s cultural identity.
“A deeper understanding of these intercultural ideologies will help us develop a harmonious society where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive. The aim is to understand the basis of well-being in society.”
Find out more about the Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy. Visit the website and LinkedIn.
