PSY Graduate Spotlight with Isabella Padula

April 30, 2026 - Shelly DeJong

Meet Isabella Padula, a soon-to-graduate psychology major. During her time at MSU, Isabella joined a sorority, participated in clubs, and worked as a research assistant in the Brascamp Lab (where she won a first-place prize presenting her research at UURAF). Isabella recently shared with us about the best part of being a psychology student, what she wishes she had known as a first-year student, and more! 

 

What was your favorite part of being an MSU Psychology student?  

My favorite part of being an MSU Psychology student was the community of students and professors who are genuinely passionate about their field. I have never met a more welcoming and supportive group of academics who truly care about advancing and improving psychology. Being part of this program has made me incredibly proud to be a graduate.  

 

Tell us about where you found your community at MSU. What groups, labs, or activities helped you find your place?  

I found my community at MSU through a range of activities. During my time here, I joined a sorority, participated in clubs, and became involved in a research lab. The Brascamp Lab has been a meaningful and rewarding experience that encouraged me to further explore my interests in neuroscience and cognitive science. I learned so much from my lab mates and peers and working in these collaborative environments taught me just as much, if not more, than a traditional classroom setting. I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned alongside such inspiring individuals.  

 

Congratulations on winning a UURAF first-place prize for your project, “Methodological Comparison of Motion-Based Pupil Dilation Paradigms.” Why did you want to study this? 

I was interested in Barbur’s research as he was one of the first researchers in pupillometry to identify this motion-based paradigm. However, in the Brascamp Lab, we have continuously identified dilations while Barbur only noted constrictions. I wanted to investigate why these vastly differing results were occurring, and how we can better understand research methodologies to improve our findings and accuracies. It seems that changes in luminance levels and types of motion utilized contribute to this. Overall, this work was indicative of how important it is to review our research methodologies and understand the implications of our results. 

 

Tell us about your favorite PSY classes. 

Some of my favorite psychology classes included Neurobiology of Food Intake, Psychological Disorders, and Expertise and Skill. Each of these courses explored fascinating topics that aligned with my interests in the sciences. I felt especially inspired by the research and literature we engaged with, which deepened my curiosity and passion for the field.  

 

Looking back at your time at MSU, what have you learned? 

During my time at MSU, I learned a great deal about neuroscience, psychology, chemistry, and more. However, the most valuable lesson I gained is that each person’s journey through life is unique and shaped by many different factors. Developing empathy and compassion through my studies has profoundly shaped how I approach life and interact with others. Our psychology, biology, and social experiences all contribute to who we are, and that complexity is what makes us human. I’ve learned the importance of giving ourselves the space to grow, and my time at MSU has played a significant role in that.  

 

What do you wish you could go back and tell yourself as a freshman? 

I would tell my freshman self to fully embrace the experience and allow yourself to explore different paths. One of the greatest benefits of college is the opportunity to discover new interests. Where I am now is very different from what I once imagined, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Saying yes to new opportunities allowed me to explore my interests and ultimately find my passion in medicine.  

 

Would you like to give a shout out to anyone who's kind of helped you in your journey? 

I would like to give a shoutout to Dr. Brascamp. I took Cognitive Psychology during my sophomore year, which led me to become an undergraduate teaching assistant, join his lab, and discover how much I truly enjoy research. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a strong interest in incorporating both research and teaching into my future career as a physician.  

 

What’s next for you after graduation?  

My next step after graduation is medical school. I hope to pursue specialties such as psychiatry, neurology, or radiation oncology. In the meantime, I will be working as a patient care assistant and continuing to say yes to new opportunities that come my way! 

 

Anything else you’d like to add as you think about this time of closure/new beginnings? 

Although this transition can feel uncertain at times, I see it as an incredible opportunity to pursue my goals and aspirations. There is so much to look forward to, and during moments of doubt, I will reflect on everything I’ve accomplished at MSU to keep moving forward!