Graduating Senior Spotlight: Q&A with Aspen Holm

Did you participate in any student organizations, Learning Abroad programs, research or internship opportunities, or other related experiences? How have you learned from them?

I've been involved in research in the Department of Psychology since my freshman year. I've been in several labs, and for the last couple of years, I've worked in Dr. Nicola Grissom's lab. I am also currently doing research in the Department of Neuroscience in Dr. Julia Lemos' lab. Engaging in research opportunities has provided me with so much. Whether it be the relationships I've built, the skills and techniques I've learned, or the ability to fine-tune what exactly it is I want to do in the future, these opportunities have given me so much. 

I have also learned to have an open mind when it comes to research in psychology. Did I ever think I would be working with mice instead of humans? Definitely not. Did I ever think I would be using Python to write code that I can actually use in my research? Most definitely not. Did I ever think I would be performing immunohistochemistry in a neuroscience lab? No way. In fact, if you asked me four years ago what immunohistochemistry is, I would have responded with a blank stare. But, I tried these things and ended up loving them. I know everyone says it, but research really is so fulfilling to get involved in as an undergraduate. I never thought I would enjoy it so much, and now I'm going to graduate school for it, so you never know!

Also, I studied abroad in France in the summer of 2022, and it was by far one of the best choices I've ever made. My language skills improved exponentially, and I also met two of my closest friends while abroad. I would highly recommend that anyone and everyone study abroad if they are able to.

If you could go back and give your first-year self one piece of advice, what would it be?

If I could go back in time, I would tell first-year me that it's okay to rest. When I first got to college, I had this idea that I needed to constantly be doing things in order to find happiness. From the get-go, I registered for as many credits as I could, took as many shifts at work as possible, and said yes to every single social invite. I was much too hard on myself; I felt that I wasn't enough unless I was constantly doing something productive. 

I learned pretty quickly that this lifestyle is not sustainable. I never had any time to take for myself, and that started to take a toll on me. Once I started being kinder to myself and recognizing that rest isn't a weakness, I became a much, much happier person. I recognize that I am very lucky to be able to have time for rest—many people in the world and in our own communities don't have the ability to take breaks because of various barriers and pressures.

What is your favorite study spot on campus?

My favorite study spot is 100% the Graduate Hotel lobby. The vibes are so immaculate in there. I don't know what it is, but whenever I'm at the Graduate, I become three times as productive as I usually am. Of course, it doesn't hurt that there's a Starbucks connected to it.

If you could be any member on a TV show, who would you be?

After much deliberation, I have to go with Survivor. I am a huge fan of the show, and after watching so many seasons, I feel that I have a perfectly curated strategy. One of my best friends and I talk all the time about how we need to go on the show together because we would dominate. My plan would be to be friends with everyone and to find a balance between just weak enough to not be a threat to anyone, but strong enough so that I don't seem like a weakness in the challenges or around camp.

What's next for you? What are your post-graduation plans?

Post-graduation, I will be attending the University of Iowa to pursue a PhD in psychology in the behavioral and cognitive neuroscience program. In all honesty, I never thought I would be returning to Iowa after college, but life once again surprises me, since my dream program happens to be in my home state! I'm so excited to continue to learn and develop my own research questions and projects. I constantly think about how lucky I am to have the opportunity to go to graduate school, and I really think I have my time in CLA to thank for that.