disease) or nonprogressive (as is often true in the
case of strokes or head traumas). Answers provided
by clinical neuropsychologists significantly affect the
kinds of rehabilitation programs designed for vari-
ous patients.
Rehabilitationis becoming one of the major func-
tions of neuropsychologists (Boake, 2008; Zillmer
et al., 2008). The neuropsychologist is often thrust
into the role of coordinating the cognitive and
behavioral treatment of patients who have shown
cognitive and behavioral impairment as a result of
brain dysfunction or injury. First, a thorough
assessment of the patient’s strengths and deficits is
conducted; this may include not only neuropsycho-
logical test results but also observations from other
staff members, such as nurses, physicians, and physical
therapists.Aprogramofrehabilitationisthendevel-
oped that will be maximally beneficial to the patient,BOX18-4 Graduate Student Perspective: Andrew WegrzynAndrew Wegrzyn earned his B.S. from the University of
Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 2007, where he com-
pleted his honors thesis with Professor Ed Diener on
declining marginal utility and the nature of satisfaction.
More recently, Andrew has worked as a research coor-
dinator in the Department of Neurology at the
Washington University School of Medicine. Andrew
joined the Clinical Neuropsychology Lab at the Univer-
sity of Missouri in the fall of 2010. His graduate research
focuses on neurodevelopment and neuroanatomy in
autism spectrum disorders through behavioral techni-
ques as well as functional and structural imaging.
Andrew provided his thoughts about his graduate
school experience.What has graduate school in clinical psychology been
like for you?
Graduate school thus far has been an opportunity to
refine my research skills, contribute to the field, and
discern my future role as a psychologist. The main
thing graduate school has been for me is an opportu-
nity to explore the field and find where I will ulti-
mately fit within it.What things have you least expected about graduate
school?
I don’t think I anticipated or planned adequately for
the sheer number of hours that are required to be
successful in graduate school. I was told by various
individuals that the time commitment was about 55– 60
hours per week. However, I’ve found the real number
of hours to be closer to 70–75 hours per week. Differ-
ent advisors have different policies and strategies
when it comes to hours in class and in the lab. But, in
order to be successful, especially in research, the time
commitment required is substantial.Has graduate school changed you? If yes, how so?
Yes, graduate school has given me a much clearer view
of what I want to do with my life. There are ways to
view what life as a clinical psychologist might be like as
an undergraduate: internships, shadowing a profes-
sional, talking with a professor, etc. But, there are cer-
tain things you won’t be able to learn until graduate
school. Personally, graduate school has forced me, so
to speak, to be more efficient and considerate with my
time as well as more disciplined.Are your professional or research interests
similar or different now than they were
when you started graduate school?
Essentially, my research interests are the same. How-
ever, it is crucial for those hoping to enter graduate
school and those just starting graduate school to real-
ize that their research interests operate within a frame
of reality. Your actual research practices in graduate
school, and perhaps beyond, will be mitigated by many
factors: what can and cannot be funded, your advisor’s
interests, your need to publish, the time you have, and
even the realm of what is possible. My interests are in
neuroimaging with persons with autism spectrum dis-
orders. And, while thus far I have been fortunate
enough to engage in research in these areas, for the
most part, I also have had to adapt to the forces
around me.Tell us about the work you have conducted
in neuropsychology and neuroscience while
in graduate school.
Thus far, I have worked on an imaging project with
traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and MRI in which
we were trying to discern which areas of the brain
influence spirituality and altruism. My own research530 CHAPTER 18