Program Highlights

Human trafficking, corruption, and fraud – these topics are typically reserved for the subject of evocative headlines. However, Danielle Crosson, '20, spent eight weeks fighting these serious crimes with the Newark division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As part of the FBI's prestigious Honors Internship Program, Crosson was able to work on real, time-sensitive cases.

"In most internships, students spend a lot of time shadowing someone else without too much hands-on experience," explains Crosson, a double major in both psychology and criminal justice. "However, just a day after orientation I was analyzing bank records, watching surveillance videos and conducting data analysis."

For Crosson, this internship was a dream come true. She'd been intent on joining the law enforcement field ever since she was a child and nothing was going to get in her way. Even when doctors informed Crosson that she needed serious reconstructive knee surgery just one week before the program began, her commitment never wavered. She underwent the intensive surgery and showed up to the FBI headquarters on crutches, ready to work.

"I grew up watching TV shows where law enforcement agents would work on these exciting cases and always wanted to do what they were doing," explains Crosson, whose father was the chief of police in Chatham Borough. "Now, when I watch crime shows with friends, I can actually say, 'I got to do this. I was involved in this.' I'm just amazed by how far I've come."

Prior to entering college, Crosson was a junior instructor at the Summit Youth Police Academy (YPA), which is designed to mimic the actual police academy for middle school students. Since Crosson completed the program twice herself, she was the perfect guide for the younger students.

Upon graduating from SEU, Crosson hopes to earn her master's in psychology and ultimately aspires to join the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit. She believes it's imperative to study criminals from a psychological perspective in order to better understand their motives and predict their future crimes.

"Law enforcement is the perfect career choice for me because it's a way to give back to the community and help others," says Crosson. "And studying at SEU has been essential in preparing me for this career."

Ever since he was eight years old, Lotan Lunski, '21, knew he wanted to become a psychologist. A native of Kiyrat, Israel, Lotan's passion for mental health care was solidified after witnessing the benefits of counseling firsthand. He chose to pursue his doctorate in counseling psychology at SEU because of the University's small class sizes and highly credentialed faculty members.

"I love the environment of SEU," says Lotan, who plans on dedicating his life to making mental health care both accessible and affordable. "The positive energy and individualized commitment from the psychology department has been extremely beneficial."

Over the past several years, Lotan's compassion for those in need has led him to work with numerous vulnerable populations. Most notably, he's counseled adults who have sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). This experience shaped his interest in studying neuropsychology, or how the structure and function of the brain relates to specific psychological behaviors and processes.

Recently, his commitment to social justice and advocacy for disadvantaged populations led him to explore forensic psychology. In this position, Lotan assisted children who were the victims of sexual abuse.

"Everyone should have access to proper mental health treatment," says Lotan.

Currently, Lotan advises students as part of SEU's "Let's Talk" program. Initially developed by Cornell University, Let's Talk aims to engage students who are not inclined to seek counseling. It's an informal opportunity to drop by and talk with a counselor without any appointment necessary.

As he continues his career, Lotan hopes to work in a hospital, open a private practice and do pro bono work to assist those who cannot afford to seek the help they need.

"People tend to treat others how they would like to be treated, which sounds like a positive concept, but it doesn't consider what another person may actually want," explains Ashley Appleton, '21, a student in SEU's counseling psychology doctoral program. "Multicultural psychology encourages others to be more mindful of how race, culture and identity impact a person's needs."

Appleton recently deepened her understanding of this concept by attending Hominis 2018, a prestigious, international conference in Havana, Cuba. While there, Appleton was able to network with mental health professionals from around the world and immerse herself in all aspects of Cuban healthcare. She visited psychiatric hospitals, medical clinics, major hospitals and schools.

Currently, Appleton is using her knowledge of multicultural psychology to enhance her work as both an adjunct professor and a licensed counselor. She feels strongly about working with marginalized and stigmatized communities. In fact, her passion for helping those in need led her to offer pro bono counseling services to individuals and families who wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise.

"I don't think people are fully functioning if they're not mentally healthy," says Appleton. "Even if you're not planning on entering the field, studying psychology and having some knowledge on how to cope with issues is essential to proper function."

Appleton chose to earn her degree at SEU because of the opportunities it afforded her.

"I was interested in counseling and teaching so the doctoral program at Saint Elizabeth University offered me the best of both worlds," says Appleton. "I could focus on therapy while also pursuing teaching at a collegiate level."

Learn more about studying psychology at SEU here: www.steu.edu/psychology.

Deja Ingram, '19, has been playing basketball since she was just eight years old. While she excelled in the sport all throughout high school, her confidence wavered when contemplating playing collegiately.

"I was so worried that I wouldn't perform well in college that I lost my love for playing ball," explains Ingram. "But meeting the players and coaches at SEU encouraged me to keep going."

Fortunately for the Eagles, Ingram's passion returned and her talent on the court has grown exponentially. In fact, she's become the first person in SEU history to earn 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds.

Despite this impressive accomplishment, Ingram has never allowed her athletic prowess to obscure her sense of humility.

"You're nothing without the whole team," says Ingram, who plays as a small forward. "You need everyone working together to succeed."

After graduating, Ingram plans on enrolling in SEU's master of arts in counseling psychology program. She's particularly interested in becoming a school counselor and helping high schoolers uncover their passions.

"I had great counselors at SEU and they helped me figure out exactly what I want to do with my life," says Ingram. "So, I'd like to return the favor."