PSY Student Spotlight with Albiona Beka

March 4, 2025 - Shelly DeJong, Emily Johnson

Meet Albiona Beka, a 3rd year psychology student with a cognitive science minor. Albiona recently met with us to talk about her experience in the Attention & Perception Lab, how her PSY advisor has helped her, and what advice she has for other psychology students. 

  

How did you end up pursuing psychology and cognitive science? 

I’ve always been interested in the human mind, even back in middle school. My interest started with a desire to help people, specifically those that struggle with mental health conditions. This curiosity led me toward psychology. As for cognitive science, I wanted to grasp more of an understanding of the underlying mechanisms that allow our brain to carry out everyday functions, which I believe is vital to know when aiding people with mental health conditions or disorders. It felt like the right minor to complement my psychology major. It broadened my knowledge and is useful for my goal of becoming a psychiatrist someday. 

  

How did you get started in Dr. Mark Becker's Attention & Perception lab? 

I joined Dr. Becker’s lab this past fall because I wanted to get involved in research after a summer internship where I worked with people focusing on cognitive functions. I first learned about the lab during my sophomore year from a friend who worked there and enjoyed it, so I decided to apply. I also took Psych 200 with Dr. Becker and really enjoyed the way he taught the class, so it only further made me want to join his research lab.  

  

Tell us about the scholarship that you recently received. 

I received the Gjergj Kastrioti Scholarship, which gives Albanian students the chance to further their education without the stress of the financial burden that can sometimes come with completing higher education. I found out about it through the Albanian American Student Organization. My parents were refugees from Kosovo, so receiving this scholarship is special, especially considering what they went through. It’s nice to feel like I’ve made them proud by advancing my education. 

  

Can you talk about how having a PSY advisor has helped you as an undergrad? 

When I first started college, I experienced culture shock, especially after my first semester. I met with PSY advisor Andrew Murray to talk about my upcoming semester, and he ended up helping me create a four-year plan that would guide me in my college career. His guidance has been crucial in keeping me on track. Over time, he’s become more of a mentor, helping me find research opportunities, internships, and giving me direction. It’s reassuring to have someone who helps you navigate the many options at MSU and gives you a sense of direction. 

  

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities at MSU? 

Yes, I’m on the executive board of the Albanian American Student Organization. I joined last year, and it’s been an amazing experience. It’s a great way to connect with others who share a similar cultural background. We’ve had fundraisers, like last year, we aided in raising funds that went to the Henrih Alikaj Scholarship fund, that honored the memory of an Albanian student at the College of Osteopathic Medicine who had passed away, which successfully raised its goal, and now is an endowed scholarship here at MSU. It’s been rewarding to give back to the Albanian community and making lifelong friendships along the way. 

  

Do you have any advice for first-year psychology majors? 

My advice would be to ask your advisors and professors for help. Everyone has questions, so don’t be afraid to ask. Also, I’d recommend taking advantage of the resources MSU provides because it can really shape your experience. Joining clubs, especially your first year, is a great way to make friends and find opportunities you might not have thought about.