This month’s featured psychology-major student is junior Sruthi Sitamraju, who is also the department’s newest communications intern!
UWPsych:What is a favorite psychology class you have taken and why?
Sitamraju: One of my favorite psychology classes was Research Methods with Dr.Greenberg; it truly pushed me to another level and taught me how to rigorously evaluate science through critical thinking and data analysis, and to conduct research effectively. More than that, it reshaped the way I view the world and gave me the confidence to approach complex problems with a more analytical mindset. I also enjoyed the concepts taught in Cognitive Psychology, especially those related to neurological functioning and it provided me with a deeper appreciation for the brain’s complexity and the intricate processes that allow us to function daily.
UWPsych: How do you spend your time outside of school? Are you involved in any extracurriculars or jobs?
Sitamraju: Outside of school, I’m an intern for the Department of Psychology! I love learning what happens behind the scenes and helping the department run smoothly, whether it’s through translating research, writing articles, or interviewing professors, students, and alumni. I also work as a fellowship facilitator for Effective Altruism and serve as an Executive Board Member & Policy Scholar for the Wisconsin AI Safety Initiative.
UWPsych: Best advice for students considering a psych major or who have already declared?
Sitamraju: Psychology is one of the most customizable and complementary majors at Madison, and it pairs well with almost any field of study! Personally, understanding how the human brain operates has enabled me to more deeply understand topics that most wouldn’t typically imagine, such as computer science and artificial intelligence. It never fails to surprise me how often the material I learn in psychology classes shows up in the world and how much more deeply I can then appreciate humanity. My advice to new students would be to stay curious, be open and willing to learn, and to take full advantage of the incredible resources available to you as part of one of the best psychology programs in the country, including its exceptional faculty!
UWPsych: What are your plans post-graduation?
Sitamraju: I want to combine my technical skillset and education with psychology and pursue a career in AI governance and technology law. The courses I’ve taken in statistics, research, and cognitive neuroscience through the Psychology Department have given me the ability to critically analyze complex systems, think ethically about emerging technologies, and understand human behavior in high-stakes environments. Being able to approach these critical fields with an understanding of psychology uniquely equips me with a human-centered perspective that’s incredibly important in technical fields, where the impact on individuals and society must be carefully considered.
UWPsych: Is there anyone you’d like to shout-out who’s made a difference in your Psychology education? Sitamraju: Both Dr. Greenberg and her TA, Tayten Sanderson, rigorously sharpened my ability to analyze and conduct research through their high standards and detailed feedback. Their mentorship emboldened me to think more critically, question assumptions, and approach data with precision!