Clinical Psychology

given her or his deficits, as well as one that will be
efficient in the sense of requiring a minimum amount
of staff time and supervision (Zillmer et al., 2008).
As noted by Golden et al. (1992), rehabilitation
can take place through spontaneous recovery of
functioning. However, the neuropsychologist and
the rehabilitation team are more likely to be
involved when rehabilitation is to be accomplished
by having the patient“relearn”via developmentally

older and intact functional systems, the develop-

ment of new functional systems, or changing the

environment to ensure the best quality of life pos-

sible. In this last case, the judgment may be that it

will not be possible to develop alternative or new

functional systems that will significantly reduce the

level of cognitive or behavioral impairment.

In the case of developing alternative or new

functional systems, rehabilitation tasks are formulated

deals in autism spectrum disorders and movement

deficiencies, specifically motor learning deficits. We are

hoping to pair behavioral motor data with diffusion

tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate the motor path-

ways in the brain and learn more about how persons

with autism spectrum disorders may differ from

neurotypicals.

Looking back, what activities or experiences

were the most important in preparing you

for your graduate school program?

Research experience is crucial. I worked for three

professors as an undergrad; one of which, Dr. Ed

Diener, I worked with for three-and-a-half years.

After graduation, I worked for a year as a research

assistant at the Washington University School of

Medicine in St. Louis—a stellar location for exciting

research. The application process for graduate school

is becoming increasingly competitive in psychology.

Advisors are looking for applicants who are versed in

the nuts and bolts of research and publication. How-

ever, I apply to the theory that other nonacademic

experiences are incredibly valuable as well. I volun-

teered for a year in the Appalachian Mountains after

graduation and also worked at a winery. While some

advisors place more value on nonresearch activities

than others, it’s beneficial to not be entirely one-

dimensional.

Any additional hints for those trying to make it

through graduate school in clinical psychology?

Regarding long-term goals, keep your focus on how

your training is preparing you for the career you want.

Regarding the short term, be efficient with the use of

your time (you might want to think about quitting

Facebook, for example...). It’s important to look for-

ward into the future on a fairly regular basis, but when

it comes to the day to day, try to keep your attention

focused on the present. In many ways, graduate school

is like a marathon. If you find yourself looking to mile

26 when you have just crossed the starting line, you’re

sure to be overwhelmed and see graduate school as an

insurmountable task reserved only for geniuses. But, if

you focus on putting your best foot forward, in any

way you are able, for all of your daily tasks, you will

gradually build skills and confidence.

Andrew Wegrzyn

Andrew Wegrzyn

NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 531