Heidi Blumenthal

(See other undergraduate student profiles)

1. Where are you from originally? Where did you grow up?

I am originally from Philadelphia, PA. I moved to Fayetteville about 10 years ago, so I guess I grew up in both places though I consider Fayetteville my home.

2. Who is your faculty mentor?
My faculty mentor is Dr. Levine.

3. What is the topic of your honors thesis?
“Keeping it in Context: The Role of Causal Inferences in the Maintenance of Goal-Related Information During Narrative Comprehension.”

4. What is it like to work on an honors thesis in psychology?
Very busy, but very rewarding. You get a lot of exposure to current and continuing work in the experimental field, hands-on experience in conducting research, and get to know a number of really wonderful professors and students. I decided to do a thesis rather late in my Undergraduate career, about a year away from graduation, though Dr. Levine’s support has made it a smooth transition and a great experience.

5. What kinds of resources for conducting your research are available to you?
My work is relatively simple, mostly paper and pencil exercises and the use of the DirectRT program already in place in Dr. Levine’s lab. The University offers easy access to a wealth of articles available online, so I have been able to conduct much of my background research at home. The Honors College also supplies Grants to aid in both research and living expenses, so I have been able to take a little time off work and focus in on my thesis.  

6. What has been your favorite psychology class so far and why?
Each class has offered something different, and each professor has their own unique style. I simply could not pick a favorite. I think it says a lot for the department that I have yet to take a truly “bad” psychology course.  

7. What attracted you to the University of Arkansas?
I had been living in Fayetteville for about 5 years when I decided it was time to go back to school. The campus is beautiful, and the staff at the University was extremely helpful. I enjoyed the variety of classes offered, and along with ability to choose classes that both interested me and worked around my existing work schedule, the University was an obvious pick.

8. Why did you decide to major in psychology?
Psychology was always a subject that intrigued me. One of the things I enjoyed most about the degree itself was the many options open to a graduate. Along with my degree in Criminal Justice, once I have completed my undergraduate work I believe I will have set myself up to explore a rich variety of career paths.

9. What is it like living in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville is simply a great place to live, and there is something here for everyone. Coming from the city, I was amazed at the natural beauty of the area. Fayetteville offers a wonderful mixture of big city amenities (great restaurants, live music and theater), with a warmer, small town feel. It is relatively inexpensive, and I love the fact that my home, work and classes are all only five minutes away from each other.   

10. What kinds of things do you do for fun?
Between work, school and the never-ending search for the perfect Graduate School, I have not given myself a great deal of “free time.” What time I do have to freely enjoy is mainly filled with trips out to the lake with my husband, or curled up with a good book at home.

11. What do you hope to do after graduation?
For the first year or so I plan to continue living and working here in Fayetteville. Once I have matched up with a Graduate School a bit closer to my family in Philadelphia, I plan to continue my education and earn my Ph.D. Ultimately, I would like find a compatible University, continue my research and teach a variety of courses, including Statistics and those that can be related to my criminal justice studies.

12. What advice do you have for students thinking of getting involved in research in the psych department?
Do it! Whether you dive in to a thesis, or simply work in a couple of labs it is a very rewarding experience. You will get to know the professors, other students and gain a wealth of knowledge concerning the field today.