�Ӱ�ԭ��

Olufunke Benson �Ӱ�ԭ��21 M.A. was very active during her time as a graduate student at the University of New Haven. As she reflects on her time as a Charger, she is grateful for the many experiences she had to grow and make new connections.

Benson, who was known in the University community as �Ӱ�ԭ��Funke,�Ӱ�ԭ�� enjoyed connecting with her classmates in and out of the classroom, as well as with her professors. She will officially be awarded her master�Ӱ�ԭ��s degree in community psychology during the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Virtual Winter Commencement on January 23.

�Ӱ�ԭ��My favorite memories as a Charger mainly involve the people I have met,�Ӱ�ԭ�� she said. �Ӱ�ԭ��The memories I have of the acquaintances and friends I have made, who in one way or another have made this time memorable, are memories I will always cherish. I am thankful to the professors, colleagues, and friends I have met on my journey who have made this experience one of the best of my life.�Ӱ�ԭ��

Immersing herself in research opportunities, Benson interned at two sites during the Fall 2019 semester. A research assistant in the at the , she examined the neural basis of human associative learning and belief formation, relating these processes to the formation of delusional beliefs. She also served as a case management intern at , a nonprofit organization that provides emergency services to the homeless population in New Haven.

�Ӱ�ԭ��Being a part of these organizations and taking part in these activities has helped me grow as an individual and as a professional,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Benson, who has also volunteered with . �Ӱ�ԭ��I am forever grateful for these experiences.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��I had many opportunities�Ӱ�ԭ��

Benson, who also completed an independent study on the impact of COVID-19 on college students, earned the Community Psychology program�Ӱ�ԭ��s annual award for excellence in community psychology research. Last June, she presented her work on developing a sense of community among international students as part of a virtual conference. She used the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s African Graduate Student Association as a case study.

Benson is looking forward to furthering her education, and she plans to pursue her doctorate in a clinical-community psychology program. She is also continuing her research, which focuses on issues such as racial health disparities, culturally informed interventions that promote individual mental health and well-being, and psychosocial and contextual stressors on mental health outcomes.

�Ӱ�ԭ��The University has provided me with the necessary skills and training to be successful in my career and in life,�Ӱ�ԭ�� she said. �Ӱ�ԭ��I had many opportunities that enabled me to learn from colleagues and leaders in the field, as well as networking opportunities that helped me grow my network.�Ӱ�ԭ��