Shirin Aghakhani: From Undergraduate to PhD - A Journey of Growth and Impact at PAU

Four and a half years ago, we interviewed Shirin Aghakhani as she was completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Action at Palo Alto University (PAU). Now, having successfully defended her dissertation, Shirin reflects on her journey from an ambitious undergraduate to an accomplished PhD candidate, embodying the growth and opportunities that PAU offers its students.

A Dream Realized

In her previous spotlight, Shirin had just applied to PAU's PhD in Clinical Psychology program. Now, she describes her doctoral experience as "one of the best experiences of my life." Her initial draw to PAU - the supportive faculty and staff - has remained constant throughout her academic journey. "I could not have reached these places in my career without their support," Shirin affirms.

Evolving Interests and Groundbreaking Research

As an undergraduate, Shirin expressed interest in both the Pediatric Behavioral Health and Forensic Psychology tracks. Her path led her to specialize in pediatrics, fueled by her passion for working with children and adolescents. Her research journey, which began in Dr. Eduardo Bunge's lab as an undergraduate, has culminated in the development of an innovative chatbot named TALKO, designed to teach social skills, based on an evidence-based program, to youth with autism.

"I love that I get to utilize my experience in the field to create new methods for teaching social skills to youth with autism," Shirin explains. This project grew from her work with Wysa, a chatbot company, where she analyzed messages from users who sought out conversations about autism with a chatbot created for the general public. “We are seeing that people with autism are seeking support and it is important to tailor interventions to their unique needs,” Shirin states. 

From Classroom to Clinical Work

Reflecting on her undergraduate aspirations to become a competent clinician and researcher, Shirin notes the significant growth she's experienced. "Now I get to do such awesome research and work with children. I feel gratified to be contributing to the field in even small ways," she says. She emphasizes the continuous nature of growth in the field, expressing excitement for future learning and contributions.

Overcoming Challenges

Shirin's journey wasn't without challenges. Navigating a PhD program during the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique obstacles, particularly in building social relationships and peer support. "I didn't have my first in-person class until the end of my 3rd year," she recalls. Despite these difficulties, Shirin found ways to connect and build a supportive friend group within PAU.

Continued Involvement and Impact

As an undergraduate, Shirin was known for her involvement in student activities. This engagement continued throughout her PhD journey. She helped implement a Dean's List for undergraduates, advocated for more unified student experiences, and worked to create student representatives for the PhD program. Her efforts have left a lasting impact on the PAU community.

Advice for Future Students

Building on her previous advice to new students, Shirin now emphasizes the importance of self-care. "Sometimes the word self-care is just thrown around, but it is important that we actually prioritize engaging in it. It’s important to take time for yourself and do things that are fun outside of school," she advises. "We are all entering the helping profession and we cannot give ourselves fully to our clients if we are not taking care of ourselves."

Looking to the Future

Shirin's interest in academia has only grown stronger, and through the support of PAU faculty like Dr. Jonathan Peretz, she has been able to teach her own courses. She recently taught her first undergraduate course at PAU - a full-circle moment that solidified her passion for teaching, and is now teaching in PAU’s MS program. As she applies for internships, she hopes to continue teaching and working on TALKO.

Reflections on Growth

When asked what she'd tell her younger self, Shirin confidently states, "You are going to accomplish everything that you have dreamed of and more. Don't worry, you got it girl! Hang in there."

Shirin's journey from an ambitious undergraduate to a successful PhD candidate exemplifies the transformative power of education and mentorship at PAU. Her story is a testament to the university's commitment to nurturing student growth and fostering impactful research and clinical skills.