Melyssa Zurasky

student ambassador melyssa zuraskyName/Pronouns: Melyssa Zurasky (She/Her/Hers) 

Major: Psychology 

Mentor(s): Katie Witkiewitz, Ph.D., Psychology Department, Ikela Moniz-Lewis, M.S., Psychology Department

Current Research Title: Understanding Mechanisms for Substance Use Treatment: The Role of Locus of Control in Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention and other Traditional Approaches

Description: The research lab I am part of focuses on mindfulness-based interventions for substance use disorder, mechanisms of change, and addressing stigma. Our current focus is on evaluating the effectiveness of online Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) groups. My personal research involves a secondary analysis of Bowen et al. (2014), which examines Locus of Control as a mechanism of behavior change within MBRP.

When, how, why you got involved in research:

I had limited knowledge of research when I began exploring my options for graduate school. I was uncertain whether to pursue a master's degree in social work to become a therapist or to seek a PhD in Clinical Psychology. To make an informed decision, I talked with my professors about their experiences and recommendations. They highlighted that in order to make a decision, I needed to determine if I was even interested in research. I discovered the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAD), where Jennifer Payne provided me with invaluable guidance on how to approach potential research projects, including what a 499 project might entail. Moreover, I was fortunate to have a current PhD student in Clinical Psychology as my instructor. I frequently sought his advice, which proved immensely beneficial. After the semester, he invited me to serve as a research assistant in his lab and assist with his dissertation. In Spring 2025, I was also accepted into the McNair Program, which offers the opportunity to conduct a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. 

Piece of Advice:

My biggest piece of advice is to ask and look for opportunities continually. If you want to do research, there are plenty of opportunities, but you cannot wait for them to come to you. Actively seek them and be willing to get out of your comfort zone.