Graduate School of Professional Psychology - University of Denver

Nyah Cubbison did not just graduate from DU’s Kinesiology program—she helped shape its future.

After discovering the powerful connection between exercise and mental health, Nyah advocated for DU’s kinesiology minor to become a major. She went on to build an interdisciplinary path focused on physical activity access, community-based research and meaningful impact.

This spring, she graduates with both a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in research psychology, completing DU’s 4+1 program in just four years. Next, she will pursue a fully funded dual PhD in exercise psychology and behavioral neuroscience at Penn State.

Nyah’s story is a testament to curiosity, persistence and the power of creating the path you hope others will one day follow.

Read her commencement profile here: https://bit.ly/3SovweU

For Zainab Alyasseri, graduation from GSPP represents far more than a personal milestone—it reflects the sacrifices, resilience and hopes of her family and community.

Through GSPP’s Master’s in International Disaster Psychology: Trauma and Global Mental Health program, Zainab deepened her commitment to culturally and faith-informed care rooted in language, dignity and belonging.

Her goal is to help create spaces where people can name their experiences, access care in ways they understand and feel truly heard, understood and included.

Read Zainab’s commencement profile here: https://bit.ly/4uAjOLK

🎓 GSPP grad Danielle Seljeskog came to forensic psychology through curiosity and leaves the program with a clearer sense of purpose.

Through clinical training, research, mentorship, and her work with Denver FIRST’s Brain Injury Screening program, she found a path shaped by teaching, neuropsychology and client-centered care.

This fall, she will begin GSPP’s PsyD program.

Read Danielle’s full commencement profile here: https://bit.ly/4xja230

Dr. Jamie Shapiro, Professor and Director of GSPP’s Sport and Performance Psychology program, was quoted in GQ discussing the psychology behind “forbidden pre-workout”—the trend of using anger, heartbreak, or jealousy as motivation in the gym.

Dr. Shapiro explains that while anger can sometimes help with short-term activation, it is important to recognize whether that emotional fuel is actually supporting performance—or taking over.

“You are giving a lot of energy to this act, so you are giving a lot of energy to the person who cheated on you, and that becomes unproductive,” Shapiro said.

Her insight highlights a key lesson from sport and performance psychology: sustainable motivation matters.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/49pMiA4

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we’re reminded that caring for our mental health includes noticing how the world around us affects us.

From economic uncertainty and geopolitical conflict to climate concerns and constant news exposure, collective stress can feel overwhelming.

In a recent news story, Dr. Gwen Mitchell, Co-Director of our Master’s in International Disaster Psychology: Trauma and Global Mental Health program, shared a few ways to manage the strain:

Set boundaries around what you consume.
Create routines that bring comfort and grounding.
Find purpose through giving back or supporting others.

Taking care of our mental health can start with small moments to pause, regulate, and reconnect.

Watch the full segment here: https://bit.ly/4dQ5UP6

ICYMI: Dr. Katy Barrs, Associate Professor and Director of the Sturm Center, was featured nationally on news outlets discussing why Memorial Day can bring up complex and heavy emotions for active-duty military members, Veterans, and their families.

While Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who died while serving, it can also bring grief, trauma, and reminders of sacrifice for those connected to military service.

Dr. Barrs shared how global conflict, deployment, loss, and the unique stressors military and Veteran families face can contribute to increased symptoms of depression, PTSD, substance use, and other mental health challenges.

At the Sturm Center, we are committed to supporting Veterans, service members, and their families through trauma-informed mental health care, training, and community partnership.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

➡️ Watch the full segment here: https://bit.ly/430xmoo
➡️ Learn more about the Sturm Center here: https://bit.ly/3DtT6vq

Pressure doesn’t just show up on game day—it builds over time.

In a new episode of The Pressure Lab, our alum Dr. Alec Baker (PsyD ’11) joins host Keith Wilford and Sébastien Le Toux for an honest conversation about what pressure really does to athletes.

From comparison and social media to coaches, parents, and the weight of expectations—they unpack:

• Where pressure starts
• Why vulnerability is often misunderstood
• What actually helps when the game is over, but the emotions aren’t

🎧 A powerful listen for athletes, performers, and anyone navigating high-pressure moments.

🔗 Podcast available here:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4n9qwX3
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4nc4anL
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4tVcbQx

Meet Bridger Nicholson, a third-year PsyD student whose practicum journey reflects the value of exploring diverse clinical settings.

From ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to integrated primary care, Bridger’s experiences highlight how generalist training can build foundational skills, broaden clinical perspective, and support a flexible, patient-centered approach before specializing.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4v0cCsY

Dr. Jonathan Jenkins (PsyD ’13) is helping redefine what it means to thrive in sport and in life.

In our latest alumni profile, Dr. Jenkins reflects on how GSPP helped shape his path from clinical psychology to sport and performance psychology, his work supporting athletes with the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox, and the importance of caring for the mind with the same intention as the body.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, read more about Dr. Jenkins’ approach to mental fitness, performance, and peace here: https://bit.ly/42BarQl

On April 23, DU hosted the Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council’s monthly meeting, bringing together military leaders, community advocates, and partners committed to supporting service members, Veterans, and their families.

The meeting highlighted DU’s growing community partnerships in this space, including military-affiliated work through GSPP’s Sturm Center, presented by Dr. Katy Barrs; PTSD and service dog research from GSSW’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection; and support from DU’s Office of Veterans and Military Resources.

We’re proud to help strengthen connections and support for military and veteran communities across Colorado.