Introducing New Graduate Student Melody Kay Zakarian

August 14, 2024 - Shelly DeJong

Meet Melody Zakarian, an incoming graduate student in the ecological-community research area. 

Name: Melody Kay Zakarian (she/her) 

Hometown: I grew up just south of Kansas City in Olathe, Kansas. 

Education: I graduated from Truman State University in 2024 with a double major in psychology and music and a minor in statistics. 

 

Tell us about your background/experience. 

While I was in high school, I began my involvement in research through the University of Kansas Medical Center Education Experience (KEE). Seeing doctors, nurses, researchers, and educators collaborate to investigate ways to improve patient outcomes sparked my love for research and its potential to make positive changes. My love for research grew during my undergrad as I studied stress-pride and resilience, social media commenting behavior, and heart rate variability interventions. In the statistics department, I also gained experience in statistical consulting and worked with student and staff clients to investigate a variety of topics including factors in students' college decisions and satisfaction with departmental coursework. Additionally, I have been so grateful for the opportunity to support and listen to the stories of many individuals as a crisis worker on statewide and national suicide hotlines. 

 

Why grad school? 

I hope to conduct research that leads to positive changes in our society, and I am eager to learn more skills and knowledge during my graduate studies that will equip me to address the systemic inequities ingrained in our society. 

 

What do you hope to research while you're here? 

I am looking forward to researching how our communities can provide accessible and equitable support that fosters positive youth development. 

 

What do you love about Community Psychology?

Throughout my educational journey, I've enjoyed studying a wide range of topics within and outside of the field of psychology. While so many of these areas appeal to me, I began to realize that I was especially interested in studying the ways that community-level factors can support the needs of individuals. When I first discovered community psychology, it really clicked as I found my interests and values align so well with the field. I am incredibly excited to gain expertise in this area at Michigan State! 

 

In your free time, what do you like to do? 

I enjoy playing the double bass and guitar, making origami, caring for my plants, and long walks with a good playlist or podcast!