Monica Jensen

Recent Bachelor of Arts in Psychology graduate (March 2026) with a focused academic and professional trajectory toward doctoral study in social psychology and addiction research. Committed to examining addiction, trauma, and recovery through a social and community-based lens, with particular attention to the roles of stigma, group identity, institutional response, and structural inequality. Aspires to build a career as a researcher while also obtaining licensure as an addiction counselor to ensure research remains grounded in ethical, clinically relevant practice. Dedicated to contributing to evidence-based, trauma-informed recovery models and producing research that informs policy, strengthens programs, and improves outcomes for individuals and communities affected by substance use.

• Leverage lived experience with addiction recovery and treatment systems to inform a compassionate, ethically grounded understanding of behavioral health and recovery processes
• Demonstrate strong empathy, trauma sensitivity, and the ability to listen with clear, professional boundaries
• Possess insight into systemic and institutional factors influencing treatment environments, including policy constraints, stigma, and structural barriers
• Apply long-term habit-building and cognitive self-monitoring skills, including awareness of thought patterns, emotional regulation, and behavioral change processes
• Understand addiction as a socially embedded and developmentally situated phenomenon shaped by group dynamics, identity, and environmental context
• Academic foundation in social psychology, abnormal psychology, personality psychology, lifespan development, and psychological research methods
• Ability to integrate psychological theory, research, and lived experience to support ethical, practical, and evidence-based approaches to addiction and recovery
• Strong commitment to trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and community-based research and intervention models
• Motivated to contribute to research, clinical practice, and policy development that improve outcomes for individuals affected by substance use and related mental health challenges

American Psychological Association

National Organization of Human Services Honor Society (Tau Upsilon Alpha)

• President, Psychology Club: Facilitated discussions on emerging psychological research, oversaw symposium, and helped promote mental health awareness across campus.
• Student Organization Liaison, Student Government Association: served as the bridge between student clubs and the executive board, helping coordinate events, share resources, and ensure effective communication.
• CHAMPS Peer Mentor: Provided academic and motivational support to new and returning students, focusing on nontraditional learners.
• Honors College Member: Engaged in advanced academic seminars and interdisciplinary research initiatives.