Loran Kelly, UA Honors College Outstanding Graduating Senior
Loran Kelly, a December graduate with a psychology major and a minor in religious studies, has been named the semester's Outstanding Senior by The University of Arizona Honors College.
“The Honors College looks for a student who characterizes the best about honors students: academic accomplishments, broad intellectual and personal interests and a visible commitment to making a difference in the world,” said Patricia MacCorquodale, dean of the Honors College.
“Loran has sustained an impressive track record of achievement and engagement during her years as a student at the UA. She embodies the spirit of the mission of the Honors College,” she added.
Kelly, from Fountain Hills, Ariz., has worked with Professor John Allen in the department of psychology for three years. Kelly started at the lab as a member of Allen's research team and grew to become an independent researcher.
Allen describes Loran as a “self-starter” who “is meticulous in her approach to her work in the lab and has the exacting eye of a scientist.”
She was partnered with graduate research student Andrew Bismark on a project to study the brain’s reaction to the introduction of a behavioral activity such as gambling and its reaction to a loss in the activity, such as gaming losses. Bismark and Kelly conducted human subject research, measured their subjects’ brain neurons and analyzed the results in an effort to better understand and categorize people of varying temperament, such as people who are introverted or extroverted and inhibited or uninhibited, in the way they process and respond to a loss.
“I chose the UA over other universities because of their commitment to research and I can say that I chose well. Professor Allen and Andrew are the best mentors I could ask for,” Kelly said.
Her affinity for research led to the participation in a summer program at Yale University, where she worked in a behavioral neuroscience lab studying memory to develop better, less flawed tasks and scoring methods in memory assessment.
Kelly’s community commitment is also exemplary. She volunteered and worked with senior citizens in Fountain Hill’s Senior Living Home and calls it “by far the favorite thing I have ever done.” She also actively participates in the National Alliance on Mental Illness, seeking to increase awareness and acceptance of mental illness.
Kelly has served on the Commission on the Status of Women, which is dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the advancement of women, and is active in the Network of Student Feminist Activists, encouraging college-aged women to vote.
Kelly credits her parents with her drive and vision. “My mom and dad are my reason for excelling. They are so supportive and are so proud of me and my achievements.”
Her plans upon graduation in December include taking a year off of studies to work and then applying for a doctoral program in clinical psychology.
For more information on the Commencement visit http://dos.web.arizona.edu/commencement/html