Katherine Olson

Hometown: Born in Wichita Falls, Texas. Grew up abroad in Asia and Europe, including Korea, Guam and Japan as well as Germany and England.

Major: Psychology. Class of 2007.

Background: Earned her bachelor’s of arts in psychology with an emphasis on perception and cognition at UC Davis in 2004. Came to Sac State to expand her research skills. Interested in psychology because it blends science and human interaction. “But I never wanted to be a clinician and I thought psychology would be a good solid background for me.”

Highlight: Being the first graduate student in the Psychology Department to teach an upper-division course.

Changes: Becoming more focused and outgoing. “Sac State has helped me build my confidence and to be comfortable doing things like public speaking.”

Proudest Accomplishment: Being named a California State University system 2005-06 Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar, which led to her receiving a cognitive neuroscience summer research fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

Destination: Will attend a Ph.D. program in human factors engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall. The scientific field examines the compatibility and safety of technology with those who use it. She hopes to one day teach at a university or to apply her expertise in the aviation or high tech industries, in government or the medical field.