A Drive to Promote Well-Being
Student Snapshot: Emily Laden ’26
Whether making fresh, healthy food available through Farm Works or supporting survivors of abuse and trauma, Emily Laden ’26 finds meaning through giving back. Her natural curiosity is another big motivator, and it drives her studies as a Dickinson psychology major. Below, Emily discusses how and why she chose Dickinson, the class that pushed her way out of her comfort zone, studying abroad in Denmark, working at the College Farm and more.
Hometown:
Paoli, Pa.
High school:
Great Valley High School.
Major:
Psychology, with a minor in women’s, gender & sexuality studies.
On choosing Dickinson:
Dickinson met all of my criteria: small class sizes, close student-faculty relationships, opportunities for study abroad, a cozy town feel and so on. What ultimately made me choose Dickinson was the financial support I received.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
Close connections with professors. Discussing academic interests and sharing meaningful life updates with my professors has added to my sense of belonging at Dickinson.
Best thing about my major:
Getting to ask really interesting questions about humans and animals—why they do the things they do. Seeking the answers to these questions allows us to serve a greater good and promote well-being all around.
Favorite class:
Music and Mental Health with Visiting Associate Professor in Psychology Nancy Farber. This class pushed me outside of my comfort zone in ways I never would have expected. It taught me valuable research, reading and presentation skills—leading me to do one of my all-time favorite projects, working on a music therapy program for children with autism. It also helped me grow on a personal level. From playing bongos at the beginning of every class to singing in front of my classmates (anyone who knows me knows this is very out of the ordinary), I learned how to be vulnerable and put myself out there in order to foster valuable conversations.
Favorite professor:
Visiting Associate Professor in Psychology Emily Brown is particularly inspiring to me because of her deep knowledge and contagious passion. She's deeply immersed in her field, and she's enthusiastic about sharing what she knows. She has also been incredibly supportive of me, going above and beyond to push me to be my best.
My iconic Dickinson experience:
One of my favorite experiences at Dickinson has been my involvement with the College Farm, and as a student-employee at the Dickinson College Farm Works, I have gained a major appreciation for agriculture and the farm’s missions of sustainability, health and responsible food sourcing. It’s been a huge part of my life over the past four years.
On studying abroad:
I studied abroad during the spring 2025 semester in Copenhagen, Denmark. The highlight of my experience was getting to explore and learn about a new culture. Living with a local Danish student (now a friend), I learned so much about what it means to be a Dane and live in an environment that’s different from the one I knew.
About my internship:
This past summer I interned at Hope Recovery, a nonprofit organization that supports survivors of abuse and sexual trauma. This opportunity taught me active listening skills, empathy and how to be a strong source of support for those struggling. I still volunteer with Hope Recovery, and it brings me a great sense of value and meaning, knowing that I am making an impact on individual lives every week.
About my research:
For the past three years, I have been a volunteer research assistant in Assistant Professor of Psychology Paula Yust’s developmental psychology lab. I have worked on a number of projects investigating the friendships of preschoolers and college students. I was able to take this experience further during my junior year by conducting a student-faculty collaborative independent study, through which I wrote a literature review for our research on college friend groups. These opportunities with Professor Yust taught me all about the rigor that goes into conducting academic research and have helped me feel more prepared for my plans post-graduation.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is no need to try and figure it all out on your own.
Clubs and organizations:
Psychology Club, Psi Chi (president), College Farm, women’s club soccer, Alpha Lambda Delta and American Association of University Women.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
1783 Scholarship and Dean’s List.
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Published February 23, 2026