Psychology Alumni Spotlights
Jacob Hurlburt
Class Year: ’17
Majors: Psychological Science
Current Hometown: Madison, Wis.
Job:
Lab Manager at University of Wisconsin-Madison
“Be flexible. You will find much more success when you demonstrate a willingness to take on new tasks and learn new skills.”
Melissa Idzik
Class Year: ’17
Majors: Psychological Science and Neuroscience
Current Hometown: Arlington Heights, Ill.
Job:
Medical Student at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
“My relationships with my professors helped me succeed because I received encouragement and constructive feedback, and always felt comfortable to ask for advice and opinions regarding my chosen path and goals. Through these relationships, I was also able to find job opportunities and I have enjoyed keeping in touch with such bright and kind role models.”
Holly Pelnar
Class Year: ’21
Majors: Psychology
Current Hometown: Glendale, WI
Job:
Clinical Research Assistant II at Rogers Behavioral Health
“My experience at Carthage has helped me to thrive in my graduate program. Carthage is also where I was first introduced to research.”
Alyssa Rodway
Class Year: ’22
Majors: Environmental Science and Psychology
Current Hometown: West Chicago, Illinois
Job:
Corporate Responsibility Assistant at ALDI
“Many of my internships, as well as my current job, were offered to me in part because of my personal connections with my wonderful professors and the rich, extensive classroom opportunities I was able to have.”
Christine Selby
Class Year: ’92
Majors: Psychology
Current Hometown: Westfield, Massachusetts
Job:
Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the Athletic Counseling Program at Springfield College; Licensed Counseling and Sport Psychologist at Selby Psychological Services, PLLC
“I love teaching and do my best to impart excitement about the field of psychology.”
Christopher Steenrod
Class Year: ’09
Majors: Psychology
Current Hometown: Kenosha, WI
Job:
Deputy District Attorney for Racine County
“Achieving justice and positive outcomes for crime victims is the most rewarding part of my career. The liberal arts education Carthage provided has been instrumental when attacking complex legal issues that arise in cases. I am able to apply the facts of each particular case to various sources of case law and statutory authority to decipher the applicable law in each case and argue effectively before the court.”
Gianna D. Trippiedi
Class Year: ’22
Majors: Psychology
Current Hometown: Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Job:
Doctor of Optometry Candidate at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry
“My time at Carthage allowed me to enhance my strengths, identify areas in need of growth, and build confidence in who I am and where I see myself in the future.”
Elizabeth Wenzel
Class Year: ’18
Majors: Psychological Science and Neuroscience
Current Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Job:
Graduate Student at University of Illinois-Chicago Behavioral Neuroscience Doctoral Program
“Carthage is a place where you can tell that the faculty members really care about their students and about preparing their students for what comes after Carthage.”