Allison Bywater, ISA’s Graduate Research Assistant and Career Counselor, is entering an exciting and pivotal phase of her doctoral training in Counseling Psychology at the University of Iowa. This August, Allison will both defend her dissertation and begin a predoctoral internship at the University of Iowa University Counseling Service. She is on track to complete her PhD in Spring 2027 and plans to continue her training through a postdoctoral fellowship before sitting for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) as part of the licensure process.
Allison’s research centers on how systems of power and marginalization shape mental health, identity development, and belonging, with a particular emphasis on reproductive justice and ethics. Her dissertation, “Exploring How Transgender and Gender Diverse Iowans Experience Abortion Restrictions in Their Lives: A Thematic Analysis,” reflects her long-standing commitment to equity, advocacy, and ethical care. Ultimately, Allison hopes to build a career as a licensed psychologist that integrates clinical practice, research, advocacy, and policy work to advance equity within the field of psychology.
Before pursuing her PhD, Allison earned her B.A. in Sociology and Gender Studies from the University of Dubuque, where she participated in the pre-law program. She describes her academic and professional journey as anything but traditional. Her prior roles—including work as a birth and postpartum doula, a paralegal, and a social work case manager supporting families navigating the juvenile court system—have deeply shaped how she approaches her work today. These experiences, Allison notes, inform her commitment to practicing with compassion, openness, and a deep respect for the whole person.
Reflecting on her time at ISA, Allison shared, “It has been deeply meaningful. I am especially grateful for the trust students placed in me to help guide their educational paths, whether through teaching, career counseling, or mentorship. I feel humbled by my experiences at ISA and continually proud of the students I had the privilege to learn alongside. I only wish I had more time in this role.”
Hailey Odell, ISA’s Marketing and Events Assistant, is graduating with her BBA in Economics and BA in English and Creative Writing. She is from Colorado and will move back to Denver at the start of summer. Prior to attending the University of Iowa, she wrote and self-published a fiction fantasy novel, and she hopes to combine this experience with her time in the undergraduate creative writing program at Iowa to kickstart a career centered around literature. After graduation, she wants to work on opening an independent publishing firm geared toward young writers.
On her experience with the ISA, Hailey says, “I’m grateful to have worked with such a supportive group of people. The ISA is an excellent resource for undergraduate researchers, and I’m fascinated by all the accomplishments the students have made. I’m unfamiliar with the world of scientific research, but it’s been a wonderful experience to witness the type of support a program like this can provide. This role has allowed me to be creative and to build skillsets that will be helpful in any of the next steps I take toward my career.”
Kristina Venzke, ISA Associate Director, says, "It has been wonderful to work with Hailey for almost three years. She has been a tremendous help with creating our biweekly news updates and newsletters, promotional flyers, and manages our social media feeds. With her help, ISA has increased its presence online. She is a genuinely nice person and we wish her all the best for her future projects!"