NAAHP Blog

Dr. Patricia Simon, Ph.D.

What is your occupation and academic background and how did you come to work in this field?

I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychiatry at Yale University. I earned a  B.A. in Psychology from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. My research focuses on preventing substance use and high school dropout among urban, low-income youth. 

At age 10, I became interested in psychology after watching a movie called “Out of Darkness.” It featured Diana Ross as a successful woman who was diagnosed with Schizophrenia in medical school. After seeing that movie, I read everything I could about psychology and mental illness. While at Duke University, I completed two internships related to psychology and decided to pursue a Ph.D. because want to help alleviate human suffering related to mental health issues.

What is the biggest challenge of your work?

As a researcher, I must also be entrepreneurial and secure grants to fund my research. This can be exciting, but is a very long process.

Identify one or two of your proudest achievements?

I was very proud when I secured my first research grant from the federal government. The grant supported my work on a project that aimed to prevent substance use and high school dropout among Latino/a students. I was also proud when the first research paper I published for that project was featured on America’s Promise’s website (http://www.americaspromise.org/News-and-Events/News-and-Features/2014-News/January/Peer-Mentoring.aspx).

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I will be a tenured professor at a research university. My program of research will focus on implementing and researching my prevention programs in several under-served communities.

What would be your advice to young people who want their careers and lives to have impact?

If something interests you, pursue it with passion and integrity.