UC San Diego Psychology Student Awarded Prestigious Dissertation Research Grant
– Urvi Maheshwari, a recent graduate of UC San Diego’s Department of Psychology, has been awarded the 2025 American Psychological Association (APA) Dissertation Research Award. The award recognizes outstanding doctoral dissertation research in the field of psychology.
Maheshwari’s achievement highlights the strength of research opportunities available to students within the UC San Diego Psychology Department. The department, according to its website, offers ten undergraduate majors, including specialized tracks in Business Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. The program is designed to cater to students with diverse career aspirations, preparing them for roles both within and outside of traditional research settings.
The Department of Psychology at UC San Diego emphasizes direct engagement with research. Faculty encourage undergraduate and graduate students to collaborate on cutting-edge projects, fostering a vibrant learning environment. Students can also participate in workshops, events, and experiential learning opportunities.
Maheshwari’s future plans include pursuing a career as a psychiatrist. She completed her undergraduate studies at UC San Diego’s Sixth College. Beyond her academic pursuits, Maheshwari enjoys reading and crocheting, according to available information.
The APA Dissertation Research Award is a highly competitive honor, signifying a significant contribution to the field. Professor Nadia Brashier also recently received recognition, earning an Early Career Award from the Psychonomic Society. Professor Karen Dobkins has launched a new program, “Learning Sustainable Well-Being (LSW),” described as “a new kind of college course: learning ‘how to be human.’”
UC San Diego’s Psychology Department offers a comprehensive range of programs, including a PhD in Experimental Psychology with specializations in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Sensation & Perception, and Social Psychology. The department actively supports students in their pursuit of advanced studies and professional careers.
The undergraduate psychology major at UC San Diego delves into fundamental questions about the mind, brain, and behavior. The curriculum explores how the brain functions, how societies operate, how children develop, and the interplay between mental and physical health. The program emphasizes the application of psychological principles to address real-world problems, such as heart disease, pollution, and violence.
Students in the program benefit from a diverse course selection, ranging from neuropsychology to lifespan development. Opportunities are available to gain practical experience through faculty research, internships, and study abroad programs. The department also offers a departmental honors program for students seeking a strong foundation for graduate study. Resources for students include advising services, course approval processes, and research opportunities, accessible through the department’s website and the EASy system.
The University of San Diego’s Department of Psychological Sciences also recently recognized student achievement with its 2023 Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards, though details regarding those recipients were not immediately available.
The UC San Diego Psychology Department encourages alumni to stay involved and support the next generation of students. Information on giving opportunities can be found on the department’s website, along with links to its social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
