Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2023 graduating students over the coming days.

Major: Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
Hometown: Glastonbury, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

I chose the University of Connecticut for my graduate studies because of its reputation for being a Tier 1 research university but also for the greater community itself. UConn is known to provide a challenging and enriching education, with many diverse ways to apply learning through clinical and research opportunities, and graduate assistantships. After completing my undergraduate studies at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, I was eager to return home to Connecticut to finish up my educational career.

My parents and mentors motivated and helped me to solidify my choice to pursue educational psychology, specifically school psychology. My mom sparked my interest in attending the University of Connecticut as a 37-year educator and a UConn alumna herself. I chose UConn for the scientist-practitioner model that is grounded in research and practice, which the school psychology program adheres to; for the athletic teams which bring the community together; and for the diversity of educational experiences and practices, student-professor dialogue, and professional opportunities both on campus and off that have prepared me to be an effective school psychologist for younger generations in an ever-changing world.

What’s your major and why did you choose it?  

I decided to pursue my Ph.D. in school psychology at the Neag School of Education because of my interest in supporting students with a variety of diverse medical, mental health, and educational needs while utilizing evidence-based interventions. I am highly interested in collaborating with families, outside providers, educational leaders, and colleagues to meet the needs of the whole child. I chose school psychology because every day is a new challenge and a new opportunity to grow as a scientist-practitioner through testing, counseling, crisis management, SRBI/504/PPT meetings, or phone calls with parents and outside doctors or therapists. I enjoy how this field is incredibly individualized to meet each student where they are, and I feel like I can truly make a difference in a child’s (and family’s) life.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plan after graduation is to continue working as a school psychologist for Glastonbury Public Schools. I completed my internship at Glastonbury High School, and I am excited to continue working in such a diverse and exceptional district in Connecticut.

What activities were you involved with as a student?

As a graduate student, I was involved in a variety of research projects, published articles and papers, presented at national conferences, proposed a bill that has since been signed into office in Connecticut (HB7000), received diverse training experiences related to education, diversity, mental health, and crisis management, completed practicum/internship placements in six different towns, served as an academic mentor to support student athlete success, and engaged in community service opportunities.

“UConn has prepared me by providing me with enriching educational opportunities, challenging experiences to help me grow as a critical thinker when evaluating practice, extraordinary mentors who I can go to for support or questions, and lifelong friends and colleagues who are eager to journey beside me as I begin this next chapter in life.” — Alexandra Cascio

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn has prepared me by providing me with enriching educational opportunities, challenging experiences to help me grow as a critical thinker when evaluating practice, extraordinary mentors who I can go to for support or questions, and lifelong friends and colleagues who are eager to journey beside me as I begin this next chapter in life.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

I was pleasantly surprised to meet some of my closest friends through my graduate program. They are kind, caring, intentional, and brilliant individuals who go above and beyond for the students, families, and adults they serve every day. I was not expecting to find such a loving and compassionate group of like-minded people to take on the ups and downs of Ph.D. life with me, but I did, and I am so grateful that UConn brought us together!

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

My advice for incoming first-year students is to never give up. Graduate school is challenging – and balancing student, personal, and professional responsibilities can be even more challenging. Take a deep breath, look around you and find friends, mentors, professors, anyone who sees the greatness in you, and connect with them! Extend your network of support and surround yourself with people who believe in you and who will challenge you to be the best that you can be.

What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?

One thing that every student should do during their time at UConn is to attend a basketball game at Gampel Pavilion!

Who was your favorite professor and why?

I think it is impossible to pick one professor — I enjoyed every course taught by our school psychology faculty and our adjunct professors as well! They were engaging and everything we learned we could apply to our practice in the schools.

What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?

March Madness!