PSY Student Research Spotlight with Nitya Thakur

November 12, 2025 - Shelly DeJong

Nitya Thakur, a senior majoring in psychology with minors in Social Services and also Cognitive Science and Human Behavior, has been a student researcher in the Close Relationships Lab with Dr. William Chopik since the fall of 2023. Nitya recently received a Provost’s Undergraduate Research Initiative (PURI) Award  which allows her to continue researching how having a sense of purpose might shape a person’s daily life. 

 

What drew you to psychology?  

I’ve always been fascinated by what drives human connection and emotion. Growing up, I was the “listener” in my circles, and studying psychology helped me understand the science behind empathy and behavior. I love that psychology combines research and compassion; it allows me to explore people’s inner worlds while working toward real change. 

Can you tell us about your research? 

My PURI project expands on data from the Close Relationships Lab’s study, which I previously worked on coding as part of the research team. I’m using that dataset to explore how purpose in life connects to different areas of well-being and social experience. Rather than focusing on one specific outcome, my research looks at how having a sense of purpose might shape the way people experience connection, fulfillment, and meaning in their daily lives. 

Why is this research topic important to you? 

As an international student, I’ve had the unique experience of building meaningful friendships across cultures and noticing how people find purpose and belonging in different ways. That’s why studying how purpose relates to connection and well-being feels deeply personal to me; it reflects my own journey of adapting, learning, and finding meaning in new environments. 

What has surprised you about doing psychology research? 

I’ve been surprised by how collaborative and creative the research process is. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about asking meaningful questions, refining ideas, and translating findings into something that matters for people’s lives. 

How else are you involved at MSU? 

Outside of research, I serve as a Resident Assistant at MSU, where I support students and help build an inclusive living community. I’m also actively involved in several campus organizations that focus on mental health, social advocacy, and community engagement, which have strengthened my passion for understanding human connection both in and beyond the lab. 

What are your plans for the future? 

I plan to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology and eventually become a psychologist. My goal is to integrate research and clinical practice, to better understand how social connection, culture, and emotion shape mental health and use that knowledge to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. 

Favorite MSU memory? 

My favorite MSU memory is from my study abroad trip to Japan, where I had the chance to explore Tokyo and learn about different cultural perspectives. It was such a meaningful experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and reminded me how much there is to learn from other cultures. In fact, one of the photo I’ve shared was taken during that trip, it perfectly captures one of the happiest, most growth-filled moments of my time at MSU.