1. Tell us a little about what got you interested in psychology and neuroscience.
I believe that neuroscience and psychology underscore every aspect of our lives, from the reasons behind our favorite music genres and food preferences to the nuances of our personality traits. My journey into psychology began with a fascination for how music can effectively reduce stress and even aid in treating conditions like Alzheimer’s. This curiosity led me to delve deeper into the mechanisms by which music influencesthe brain, sparking my interest in neuroscience.
2. You are a musician. What instrument(s) do you play and what are some ways music can be helpful to mental health?
I am a singer and have been learning Indian classical singing and violin since I was 4. I am also part of my school choir. Recently, I have been creating my own original music and will be releasing my first song soon! I think that music is an incredibly valuable therapy form. Numerous studies highlight music’s ability to enhance memory, reduce cortisol levels—an indicator of stress—and even promote recovery in damaged areas of the brain.
When it comes to mental health, music plays a crucial role in regulating mood, heart rate, and blood pressure. Music therapy, in particular, has proven effective in reducing anxiety, improving speech and language skills, and boosting social skills.
3. Do you think more people should be open to creative arts therapies and why?
I strongly believe that people should be more open to creative arts therapies. There’s a reason parents often encourage learning an instrument at a young age and why individuals with Alzheimer’s might forget what they had for breakfast but can recall the lyrics to their favorite childhood songs. Other forms of art including painting, dance, and meditation can also be incredibly useful. I personally believe that the arts are incredibly personal, making it one of the best ways to touch a person on a deep level.
4. What are some of your personal academic and career goals?
As a senior, I am currently applying to colleges and plan to major in neuroscience. Hopefully, in the future, I can get a PhD and pursue a career in research.
5. If you could do a research study on one psychology-related topic, what would it be?
I'm deeply fascinated by the long-term effects of stress during the teenage years. The pressure to achieve good grades and fit in socially can make our environment toxic. I'm interested in researching these effects and exploring strategies to help us stay healthy in the face of these challenges.
6. What is one thing you would like young adults to know about mental health?
I think there is this idea that a lot of people hold: that seeking help means that there is something wrong with you or that you are not strong enough. Our generation has a lot of stressors and there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking help and it can make you much stronger and healthier.
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