SA国际传媒

From research labs to student leadership, Imaan Qureshi ’25 has spent her time at SA国际传媒 weaving together psychology, politics, and service, leaving behind a legacy of quiet impact and structural change.

By Kate Vander Vort ’27

Imaan Qureshi has spent her years at SA国际传媒 not only exploring the intersections of psychology, politics, and language, but also building community, challenging structures, and quietly driving change.

Double majoring in psychology and political science with a minor in Spanish studies, Imaan was drawn to disciplines that offer both human insight and systemic analysis. “I was really interested in psychology from the start. Political science ended up being the perfect complement because it felt like both majors were the perfect balance of humanities and STEM” she shared. “Minoring in Spanish was just a plus because I love learning languages and studying cultures.”

Her academic curiosity led to one of her most meaningful experiences at SA国际传媒: forming close relationships with faculty and mentors beyond her primary fields of study. A pivotal connection came through a diversity course called Gender and the Law, taught by Sharmila Lodhia, associate professor in the Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies. Though Imaan shifted her focus from law to clinical psychology, Dr. Lodhia continued to be a steady source of encouragement. “She really guided and supported me in all my endeavors,” Imaan shared, “whether it was leadership or advocacy on campus, or just advice about post-grad life and decision making.” Their relationship grew into a true mentorship, with frequent conversations, resource sharing, and professional networking. Even as Imaan charted a path in psychology, her background in political science kept their intellectual interests aligned. “She’s one of my favorite people on this campus,” Imaan said, noting that their bond reflects the kind of faculty connection that makes SA国际传媒 feel uniquely supportive. “I don’t believe I would’ve gotten these relationships at any other university.”

Outside the classroom, Imaan made her mark through extensive campus involvement. She was president of Psi Chi (the psychology honor society), a psychology peer advisor, a senior senator in the Associated Student Government, involved with the Students for Justice in Palestine, and she served as a Research Assistant in the early cognition and development lab. She also led as president of the Muslim Student Association and served as a student teacher with Kids on Campus.

Her thesis project, “Moral Learning Through Stories: The Effect of Miraculous and Realistic Story Elements in 4- to 6-Year-Olds,” emerged serendipitously from a literature review she conducted for a research assistant’s study. That initial spark became a full study, another testament to Imaan’s dedication to child development and research.

After graduation, Imaan will pursue her PsyD in clinical psychology at Rutgers University. Her long-term goal is to continue work that centers on mental health and structural change. She’s already gained hands-on experience as a crisis counselor and worked at a hospital’s psychiatric unit, in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Looking back, she’s proud of the contributions she’s made—often in quiet, structural ways—to the issues that matter to her most. “I think it’s the kind of work no one, or very few people, will know about,” she said. “But knowing I contributed to some kind of structural change is enough.”

To incoming students, Imaan offers this advice: “Take a range of diverse courses and don’t stress about knowing exactly what you’re doing. Going off the beaten path might just be the best thing for you—and that’s okay.”