Collaborative Research with Dr. Laura Glynn Inspires Psychology ’22 Alum Sophie Srivastava’s Path to a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. – From Classroom to Co-Author: The Power of Undergraduate Research at an R2 School

For Sophie Srivastava ’22, research at Chapman was more than a resume builder, it was a collaborative experience that shaped her future. Through close mentorship and hands-on scholarship with Dr. Laura Glynn, Associate Dean of Research, Sophie co-authored a publication that deepened understanding of maternal mental health and child development and helped propel her into a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Denver.

Research with Real-World Impact

Sophie’s published study utilized Dr. Glynn’s longitudinal cohort of mother-child, recruited during pregnancy and followed for years after birth. During pregnancy, participants completed brief surveys multiple times per day about their mood. This innovative method allowed the research team to measure mood instability, the degree to which mood fluctuates over time.

The findings were significant: mothers who experienced greater mood instability during pregnancy were more likely to have children who demonstrated behavioral problems at ages 3 and 4.5.

“This publication was especially exciting,” Sophie explains, “because we used a diverse, well-characterized longitudinal cohort and a novel way of measuring mood instability during pregnancy.” The study contributes to a broader understanding of how prenatal emotional experiences can shape early childhood behavioral outcomes, insights that can inform early intervention and maternal mental health support.

Learning from a Leader in Maternal-Child Health Research

Dr. Glynn’s research consists of interdisciplinary programs examining the interplay between biological, psychosocial, and behavioral processes in human pregnancy — and how these processes influence fetal and child development. Her work in maternal-child health spans three major areas:

1. Understanding the underlying causes of premature birth, the most serious problem in maternal-child health and the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the United States.

2. Elucidating how pre- and postnatal hormone exposures influence the female brain and behavior, particularly maternal behavior and postpartum depression.

3. Determining the role of very early life influences in fetal, infant, and child development, including how prenatal experiences shape long-term health and behavioral outcomes.

As Associate Dean of Research, Dr. Glynn also leads efforts to strengthen research excellence across the college, supporting faculty scholarship, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring students at every level. For Sophie, working alongside an accomplished researcher whose studies how biology, psychology, and public health intersect was transformative.

“She is an incredible mentor,” Sophie shares. “I feel really grateful to have had the opportunity to publish using her valuable data. It’s rare for a post-bacc to publish, and I truly appreciate her generosity and guidance.” Beyond contributing to the manuscript, Sophie gained experience navigating the full publication process, from data analysis and drafting to revision and peer review, preparation that would soon prove invaluable.

From Chapman Research to Doctoral Study

Under Dr. Glynn’s mentorship, Sophie applied and was accepted into the Child Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Denver — a highly competitive doctoral pathway. She recently completed her first quarter. “These programs are incredibly difficult to get into,” she says. “Having this manuscript on my CV gave me an advantage, but more importantly, the research process prepared me for graduate school. I understand how publication works and how to navigate each step.”

Sophie’s research journey at Chapman began with Dr. Vincent Berardi, where she completed her senior thesis examining Californians’ perceptions of homelessness, a project that also led to publication. She later worked as a student research assistant in Dr. Glynn’s lab and, after graduating, was hired full-time as a research coordinator managing the longitudinal study with mothers and children ages 6–10.

“These experiences were challenging and exciting,” Sophie reflects. “They significantly changed my understanding of research and my career goals. Research is demanding and hard, but also incredibly meaningful.” Working in Dr. Glynn’s lab, in particular, helped her see how rigorous research can directly impact families and children’s mental health, solidifying her decision to pursue a Ph.D. where she hopes to integrate research and clinical practice to improve child mental health outcomes.

Excellence On and Off the Court

Sophie’s dedication extended beyond the lab. As a member of the Chapman volleyball team, she earned Women’s Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was named SCIAC Newcomer of the Year, SCIAC Athlete of the Year, and All-SCIAC Team. In 2023, she was nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year and advanced to the final Top 30 nationwide, an extraordinary honor that took her to Texas for the NCAA’s annual convention.“I loved every moment of being on the team and miss it a lot,” she says. “It was such a special experience.”

Looking Ahead

Now immersed in graduate school, Sophie is embracing the next chapter with enthusiasm and purpose. “I’ve really enjoyed my first quarter,” she says. “I’m excited to see what comes next.” Through collaborative research, dedicated mentorship, and a commitment to excellence both academically and athletically, Sophie’s story highlights the powerful impact of faculty-student partnership — and the meaningful change that begins with research at Chapman.