Clinical, 2nd Year
Bianca Lewis
Tell us about yourself!
I’m a second-year graduate student in the clinical psychology program. I’m originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, and moved to Mississippi after finishing up my Master’s in religion at Westminster Theological Seminary. My research interests are in health psychology, with additional interest in the intersection of religiosity and health. Before moving to Mississippi, I was a Clinical Research Coordinator at a cancer hospital in Philadelphia, which nurtured my curiosity in psychosomatic relations.
What research have you been working on lately?
My broad research interests examine the influence of psychosocial factors on physical health outcomes (e.g., self-care management, acute service use, physiological markers of health). An analysis from earlier this year explored the relationship between social support and acute service use (e.g., hospitalizations, emergency department visits) in adults with type 2 diabetes. My most recent work explores the relationship between ambulatory blood pressure, trait anger, and dispositional forgiveness.
What is your favorite thing about being a graduate student in the department?
My favorite thing about being a graduate student in the program is probably the range of opportunities offered and supported by the department. I have myriad interests: clinical work, research, teaching, assessment, etc. –the program provides placements and opportunities to get your feet wet in each of these areas.
What is your favorite thing about living in Oxford?
Big Bad Breakfast (BBB) -hands down. It’s hard to go wrong with anything you try there. The wait times are long, but the alliteration is appealing…
What is your favorite course you have taken so far? Why?
My favorite course would either be Advanced Conditioning and Learning with Dr. Kate Kellum or Advanced Abnormal Psychology with Dr. Alan Gross. Both courses deepen your understanding of behavior and the contexts in which behavior arises.
What do you do when you are not studying?
I like to stay active/exercise, spend time with my family and friends, and learn a chord or two on the guitar. Painful attempts at the F chord live rent-free on my fingertips.
What is a really interesting or really boring fact about yourself?
I went skydiving a couple years ago. The free fall was sheer terror, but it’s 100% worth it for the canopy.
