Student Spotlight: Sayword Kaiser

Which degree are you pursuing? Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am from Lexington, Kentucky, where I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology, followed by a master's degree in counseling psychology from the University of Kentucky.

Why did you choose the COE? The COE truly feels like the right fit for me. I was drawn to the people and the supportive environment they create. The faculty are incredibly passionate, approachable, and invested in their students' success. Moreover, my cohort and others in my program are supportive and have made this program feel like home.

What do you hope to do with your degree after graduation? After graduation, I hope to build a career that integrates both clinical practice and academic contributions. I want to work directly with aging populations while also engaging in research focused on health promotion and wellness for this demographic.

Have you participated in other activities or received awards during your time at Lehigh that you’d like to share? I've completed a Clinical Psychology Internship at the Orofacial Pain Clinic, received a Lehigh University Fellowship, and serve as a COE Student Ambassador.

Why Lehigh? I chose Lehigh because it felt like home. I value community where people genuinely care about each other and I feel that Lehigh offers that. I feel that the university's supportive faculty and collaborative culture stood out to me along with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

What’s something you like to do in your free time? I love grabbing coffee at local spots like Lit and trying new restaurants in the area. If I have time, I like going on hikes.