Ms. Kyani Uchimura | Psychology | Young Scientist Award 

Doctoral Candidate | University of Hawaii at Manoa | United States

Based on the provided information, here is an assessment of the candidate’s suitability for the Research for Young Scientists Award, highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion.

Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Research Experience:
   • The candidate has a broad range of research experience, particularly in bereavement, grief, and resilience, which aligns well with their proposed research focus. Their involvement in various research roles, including independent research, lab assistant positions, and review roles, demonstrates a strong foundation in their field.
2. High Academic Achievement:
   • A notable GPA of 3.95 and relevant coursework in advanced psychological methods and theories showcase a solid academic background. The completion of an honors thesis on a relevant topic further highlights their academic diligence and research capability.
3. Strong Publication Record:
   • The candidate has published a manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal and has additional work in review. Their publication in Anxiety, Stress, & Coping indicates a high level of research contribution and impact in their field.
4. Diverse Clinical and Research Roles:
   • Their roles as a Clinic Administrative Manager and a Confederate in Exposure Therapy reflect their ability to handle complex tasks and contribute to applied settings. This experience complements their research skills by providing practical insights into clinical processes and interventions.
5. Presentation and Conference Participation:
   • The candidate has actively participated in numerous conferences, presenting their research on bereavement and grief. This level of engagement not only demonstrates their commitment to the field but also their ability to communicate their research effectively.
6. Leadership and Management Skills:
   • As a Clinic Administrative Manager, the candidate has demonstrated leadership abilities, such as managing budgets, overseeing policies, and coordinating with various stakeholders. These skills are valuable for conducting and managing research projects effectively.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Impact and Innovation:
   • While the candidate’s research is robust, emphasizing how their work could contribute to broader advancements in the field of psychology or address pressing societal issues could strengthen their application. Highlighting any innovative methods or unique approaches used in their research would also be beneficial.
2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
   • The application could benefit from showcasing any interdisciplinary collaborations or partnerships that might enhance the impact of their research. This can demonstrate the candidate’s ability to work across different fields and integrate diverse perspectives.
3. Future Research Plans:
   • The proposal might be enhanced by providing more detailed future research plans or how they intend to build upon their current findings. Articulating a clear vision for their research trajectory can help the award committee understand their long-term goals.
4. Public and Community Engagement:
   • Including more information on how their research findings are being disseminated to the public or how they are engaging with the community could strengthen their application. This could involve outreach programs, public talks, or collaborations with community organizations.

Short Bio

Kyani Uchimura is a Ph.D. student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her research focuses on bereavement, grief, and resilience, with a particular interest in the impact of worry and secondary stressors on maladaptive grief responses. Kyani has distinguished herself through a combination of rigorous research, clinical experience, and academic excellence, contributing valuable insights to the field of psychology.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Kyani Uchimura is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, with an expected completion date in Fall 2024. She obtained her B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from the same university in Spring 2022, graduating with a GPA of 3.95. Her undergraduate education included advanced coursework in statistical analysis, research methods, and various domains of psychology, highlighted by her honors thesis on maladaptive grief.

Experience

Kyani has held significant roles in both research and clinical settings. As the Clinic Administrative Manager at the Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CCBT), she manages budgets, oversees policy development, and coordinates with various stakeholders. Additionally, she serves as a confederate in exposure therapy sessions for youth with social anxiety and major depressive disorder. Her previous roles include working as a research assistant and conference submission reviewer, demonstrating her broad expertise and commitment to the field.

Research Interest

Kyani’s research interests are centered on bereavement and grief, resilience to loss and stress, and the effects of worry and rumination on maladaptive responses. She investigates how secondary stressors influence grief severity and coping mechanisms, aiming to develop a deeper understanding of how individuals adapt to loss and trauma.

Awards

Kyani has been recognized for her contributions to psychological research through various academic and professional accolades. Her honors thesis was well-regarded, and she has actively presented her research at national conferences, reflecting her growing reputation in the field of psychology.

Publication

Uchimura, K. K., & Papa, A. (2024). Examining Worry and Secondary Stressors on Grief Severity Using Machine Learning. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping. Link to article

Conclusion

Overall, the candidate appears to be a strong contender for the Research for Young Scientists Award. They possess a solid academic record, substantial research and clinical experience, and have demonstrated significant engagement in their field through publications and presentations. To enhance their suitability further, they should emphasize the broader impact of their research, highlight any innovative aspects, and outline their future research plans more explicitly. Addressing these areas will provide a more comprehensive view of their contributions and potential in the field of psychology.