Conducting an independent research-based thesis proved crucial in discovering an intrinsic dedication towards I-O research. Her goal was to investigate the coping mechanisms, stressors, and health outcomes of graduate students as they overcome academic stress. 

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She found that Arts and Humanities graduate students reported higher use of maladaptive coping. Students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) reported higher organizational constraints and interpersonal conflict. The study was well-received: within a few months of the paper being uploaded to the UCF STARS repository, it was downloaded by multiple research institutions. 

 

During the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference, she gained important feedback from peers and faculty at the Burnett Honors College. Going through the research process strengthened her long-term commitment to advancing knowledge that can be directly applied to better work satisfaction.