Learn more about Claire Guidinger, a PhD student in Counseling Psychology and Human Services
Quick Facts
Hometown: Winona, Minnesota
What are you studying? Counseling Psychology and Human Services PhD
Favorite books or movies: Favorite Book: Sputnik Sweetheart; Favorite Movie: Best in Show
Hobbies: Running, hiking with my dog, road biking, cross country skiing, cooking, and reading.
Favorite place in Eugene: Spencer Butte and Mount Pisgah for hiking. Sabai and Hot Mama’s Wings for food!
Why did you choose UO and/or your program or major? I chose to attend the University of Oregon’s Counseling Psychology PhD Program because the program’s emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion aligns with my values of conducting culturally informed research and providing clinical care to historically underserved populations. I was also interested in specifically working with Dr. Nichole Kelly, my doctoral research mentor and dissertation advisor, whose program of research studies the cognitive, emotional, and sociocultural mechanisms of disordered eating, body image beliefs, and weight stigma in diverse populations.
What is your most memorable experience at the College of Education? My most memorable experience was representing the COE at the International Conference on Eating Disorders in 2018, 2019, and 2020, where I gave research talks on disordered eating beliefs and behaviors in Asian and Asian American men. Most importantly, I formed many lifelong friendships with other graduate students and had the privilege of exploring the beauty and wonder of the Pacific Northwest with my best friends!
What are your plans after graduation? I will be completing an advanced postdoctoral fellowship in Primary Care Clinical Health Psychology at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.
What impact do you hope to make in your future career? My ultimate goal is to become a Primary Care Clinical Health Psychologist at a VA or academic medical center so that I can help improve mental health care accessibility and hospital-wide communication and intervention planning for patients and their family members, interdisciplinary team members, and the larger community.
Do you have any advice for prospective students? Take time to make meaningful connections with both peers and faculty. You can never overestimate the impact of a positive support network. Also, Oregon is strikingly beautiful-explore the outdoors as much you can during your time as a student!