Learn more about Gauri Bharadwaj, '26, a student in the School Psychology program, Northeast PDX Campus, through our Student Spotlight series.
"Students and faculty are contributing to the growth and longevity of the Northeast PDX campus, and to be a part of that is a fantastic feeling." – Gauri Bharadwaj
Meet Gauri Bharadwaj, a student in our School Psychology program's Portland cohort. Gauri enjoys what the cohort model offers, allowing her and her peers to develop personal as well as professional relationships. She has also loved being on the Northeast PDX Campus, and is looking forward to watching it continue to evolve.
Quick Facts
Favorite Movie/Book: What I tell people: Good Will Hunting (What it actually is: Dirty Dancing)
Why did you choose the School Psychology program?
I wanted to gain more educational and practical experiences to better support child and adolescent developmental and mental health trajectories. Children spend so much of their day at school, so it was important to me to select a program that teaches its students on how to improve the quality of education and supports a child receives inside a school building. I also adore working with children within educational and counselling contexts! They have such unique perspectives of the world and I strongly believe supporting their development is an investment into the broader community.
How has the cohort model helped you develop relationships with your peers and faculty?
I LOVE my cohort!! We are a tight-knit group of 13 and each one of my peers brings something unique to the program. The cohort model enables us to develop strong professional and personal relationships with one another. There is much less pressure to "perform". All of us are eager to learn from each other and really strive to create a relaxed in-class environment. Our professors are super supportive of this as well and work hard to get to know each one of us beyond just school psychology master’s student.
What has your experience been like on the Portland campus? What are you most excited for with the development of the Northeast PDX campus?
One of the perks of being one of the first few cohorts to go through a burgeoning campus is how close you can get with academic and student life faculty! We as students are able to go straight to student life and work out what we want our campus experience to look like, whether it be on-campus events or off-campus partnerships. Students and faculty are contributing to the growth and longevity of the NE PDX campus, and to be a part of that is a fantastic feeling.
I am excited for more of a community to form at the NE campus. With more students and faculty from different programs shifting over to the NE campus I think the campus will really be buzzing next year!
What are your career plans following graduation?
Definitely more schooling and gaining licensure as a school psychologist. I am eager to work in schools and community-based mental health centers and support children and youth within family contexts to improve mental health outcomes.