I am a senior from Charlotte, NC, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Education. I work as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Bardone-Cone’s eating disorder and body image lab, where I study factors related to recovery from eating disorders and attitudes toward food across maternal generations. This semester, I have had the pleasure to be a Gil Intern at the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (CEED). CEED is dedicated to providing the local community with eating disorder-specialized training, treatment, and research initiatives. This research and treatment center is world-renowned for their novel advancements in eating disorder research, as well as providing individualized care for each of their patients.
As a Gil Intern, I contribute to some of the various research projects that CEED leads in order to improve prevention and treatment methods for individuals dealing with eating disorders. For instance, I am a co-author on a manuscript (in preparation) that details the association between ADHD and disordered eating. I also assist in grant proposal drafts, in an effort to continue the search to better understand and treat eating disorders. I observe intake evaluations, as well as weekly didactic clinical trainee supervision. With the wide range of experts at CEED—psychologists, dietitians, social workers, psychiatrists, etc.—I have been able to witness multidisciplinary collaboration that translates to quality, comprehensive care.
My time at CEED has expanded and refined my research and writing skills, as well as given me insight into therapeutic training and techniques specialized for eating disorders. Further, these experiences have illustrated to me the wide variety of careers available in Psychology. The Gil Internship has brought my classwork to life and also brought clarity to where I might fit best in a career in Psychology. My skills in writing, communication, and professionalism have exceeded my expectations, as a result of the opportunities that the Gil Internship has offered me.
I plan to attend graduate school for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to pursue a career as a clinician or researcher, specializing in patients dealing with eating disorders. The Gil Internship has prepared me to have confidence and professionalism as I approach post-graduate positions and applications for graduate programs. My experiences as a Gil Intern at CEED set me apart from my competitors and expand my perspectives on research. I am incredibly grateful and appreciative for the unique opportunities I have had thanks to the Gil Internship and the efforts of both Dr. Buzinski and Ms. Hall.
#UNCGiller #confessionsofagiller #UNCPsych #fall2016
