NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – Texas native McKenna Nhem didn’t always envision herself majoring in psychology. Yet this December, she will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma – an unexpected but fulfilling path.
Nhem’s time at OU has been a journey of self-discovery shaped by key experiences and a major academic shift that steered her toward a new passion.
“Musical theatre was my first love, but it was through reflecting on what I loved most – storytelling, connecting with others and stepping into someone else’s perspective – that I discovered another passion: psychology. A mentor once told me, ‘Theater is psychology,’ and that idea has shaped my journey ever since.”
The realization set Nhem on a path to OU, where resources, mentorship and community provided her with the tools to excel academically and pursue a future in mental health.
“At OU, I was given opportunities I never dreamed of,” Nhem said. “At first, I was intimidated by research and science classes when I started, but OU mentors gave me the confidence to pursue graduate education. I am now applying to doctoral programs in psychology – a goal I never thought possible.”
Nhem credits OU’s environment for reshaping her outlook. “In high school, I never loved school or considered myself someone who enjoyed learning. But being surrounded by people who love what they do completely changed that for me. At OU, I found my niche and fell in love with learning,” she said.
Nhem’s journey involved research with two labs at OU: the PEANUTS Lab and the CHARMS Lab.
In the PEANUTs Lab (Laboratory for Prevention/Epidemiology + Analytic Novelty, Uptake & Translation), led by Charlie Rioux, Ph.D., Nhem worked on a systematic review exploring the relationship between environmental sensitivity and adult mental health outcomes. “This model studies how individual traits and environments interact to shape mental health. We screened over 5,000 articles and found 34 that fit our criteria,” she said. “I was thrilled to lead this research as part of my honors thesis. Submitting it for publication in a peer-reviewed journal was a dream come true.”
In the CHARMS Lab (Contexts of Health, Adolescent Resilience, and Measuring Stress), led by Michael Sladek, Ph.D., Nhem contributed to research exploring how social support can buffer the effects of discrimination on health behaviors in LGBTQ+ young adults. The study found that discrimination was linked to increased alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors, but support from family and friends significantly reduced the impact of discrimination on alcohol use.
Nhem’s work didn’t just stay within the walls of OU. She has attended several conferences including two international events in Montreal. “It was incredible to see the best research from across the United States and Canada,” she said. “Presenting my work and connecting with senior scholars gave me invaluable ideas and encouragement. Many of the graduate programs I am applying to were represented there. It felt like all my hard work was making an impact.”
Nhem, a Withrow Leadership Scholar in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, joined 20 students and Associate Dean Rhonda Kyncl, Ph.D., on a leadership trip to France in May. “I learned about myself, my leadership values and how they apply in a cross-cultural context,” Nhem said. She was also named a 2024 Fellow through OU’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Program, supported by a summer research stipend from the Provost’s Office.
Nhem’s mentors have supported her professional development outside the classroom. She shadowed a neuropsychologist in Plano, Texas, during summer and winter breaks, working with patients recovering from strokes and traumatic brain injuries in an inpatient rehabilitation setting.
Nhem acknowledges OU’s role in shaping her future. “The resources and community gave me confidence I wouldn’t have found anywhere else. OU made me fall in love with learning and gave me the skills to pursue my dreams. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this community.”
Nhem hopes to make an impact in the field of mental health. “Psychology combines everything I love – connecting with people, understanding their stories and helping them feel better. OU has prepared me to take that next step and make a difference in the lives of others.
“OU didn’t just give me an education – it gave me a purpose.”
For more information about the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, visit ou.edu/cas.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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