Dedication and abundant research opportunities have propelled Psychology major Sara Azzi to the top of her chosen field and earned her the Henry F. Barnard Distinguished Student Award.
Fresh off a recent research presentation at the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in Manhattan, and about a month away from receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University, New Fairfield resident Sara Azzi stands at a unique crossroads—reflecting on her achievements while setting her sights on the path ahead. In either direction, one truth holds: Azzi has long known that she was meant to study Psychology—and she excels at it.
"I’ve always been interested in understanding human emotions and why people do what they do," she said.
Azzi, who could have pursued her degree anywhere, chose WestConn for its value and reputation. "I wanted a quality education at an affordable price. I was also influenced by my older sister who absolutely loved WestConn’s Psychology Department," she explained.
It didn’t take long for her to discover why. She joined the Psychology Student Association immediately and served as president during her sophomore and junior years. She was inducted into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, in her sophomore year and now serves as the chapter’s president.
Her honors are numerous: Outstanding New Student in Psychology (2023), Outstanding Junior in Psychology (2024), and Outstanding Senior in Psychology (2025). She received the Willerman Memorial Award, given to an advanced Psychology major showing promise of significant contributions to the field. Additional accolades include induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success (2022), the John H. Hogan Endowed Scholarship (2023–24), Veronica Hagman Memorial Scholarship (2024–25), Western Research Day Provost’s Award (2024), a Sigma Xi Student Research Award nomination (2024), the Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award (2025), and the distinguished Henry F. Barnard Award (2025). Her GPA: 3.95
Beyond her academic pursuits, Azzi has been an active member of the campus community. She participated in the Rotaract Club during her sophomore and junior years, worked as an office assistant in the university’s Alumni Relations Office, and currently serves as a Peer Leader in the Career Success Center. She is also a teaching assistant for PSY230.
Because of her campus involvement and growing reputation, she was invited to a WCSU Foundation event by the Dean of the Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences. "At the event, I met WestConn benefactor Deno Macricostas, who owns Photronics, a worldwide leader in photomask products and services," Azzi said. That meeting led to an internship and seasonal employment in Photronics’ Human Resources Department for two years.
"I work in two labs: the Vision & Cognition Lab run by Professor of Psychology Dr. Bernie Gee, and the Neuropsychology Lab at Nuvance through an opportunity provided by Professor of Psychology Dr. Mary Murphy," she said. Azzi presented her research on spatial reasoning at the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in Philadelphia in 2023, and this year shared a study of student perspectives on online courses at the same conference in Manhattan—both conducted with Dr. Gee. Her presentation on spatial reasoning earned the Provost’s Award at Western Research Day.
At Nuvance, Azzi and fellow student Kylie Moody are the first undergraduate students to conduct research in the Neuropsychology Lab. "Since the beginning of the fall semester, we’ve been working with the computer science team to create an AI model that assesses driving ability in individuals with cognitive impairments," she explained. "Currently, there’s a year-long wait to be seen in Nuvance’s Neuropsych unit. Our goal is to reduce that timeframe by developing a tool that can reliably administer and score cognitive assessments."
Azzi sees these research presentations and experiences as crucial stepping stones to her future.
"When you want a career in research, presenting at conferences is a big part of it," she said. "Most undergraduates don’t get that chance. It’s been incredible to attend a professional conference like the EPA, surrounded by Ph.D.-level researchers. I’ve had the chance to learn, connect, and grow."
Dr. Gee, her mentor, offered high praise: "Sara is a mature student with natural leadership qualities. From her very first year at WestConn, she has elevated the campus. I think her greatest gifts are connecting with people and solving problems. She’ll continue to excel in anything she chooses to do."
Now, with graduation approaching, Azzi is focused on the road ahead. She’s applying for research positions at Yale University’s Department of Psychiatry with an eye on a funded Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests include innovative therapies for depression and early interventions for psychosis and schizophrenia.
"Clinical Psychology Ph.D. programs can be even harder to get into than med school," she said. But she is undeterred.
"The Psychology faculty at WestConn are the most supportive people I know in terms of personal and career development," she said. "Dr. Gee hired me as a freshman to work in his lab—which is unheard of—but he saw something in me and took a chance."
As she prepares to graduate debt-free, Azzi is grateful for the path she’s taken—and the people and possibilities that have shaped her journey.