Alumni Spotlight: Chris’Shariea Hardy

Chris’Shariea Hardy graduated from Florida State University in May 2025 with dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology through the Department of Psychology, part of the College of Arts and Sciences, and human development and family science through the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. At FSU, Hardy served in various roles from April 2023 to May 2025 with the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Suicide-Related Conditions and Behaviors led by Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology Thomas Joiner. She also volunteered with Big Sister Little Sister at Florida State, a registered student organization and mentoring program created to encourage fellowship among all female students regardless of age, race, religion, creed, economic status, personal doctrines and/or beliefs.

Tell us a little about your background, where you’re from and what brought you to FSU.

I’m from Clewiston, Florida, and FSU was my first choice. It had the perfect blend of rigorous coursework, research options, leadership opportunities and financial support. I felt like FSU would assist me in pursuing a career in psychology, especially in achieving my initial dream of wanting to work as a clinical psychologist and potentially pursuing a doctorate.

What inspired you to pursue dual degrees in psychology and human development and family science?

I originally wanted to be a clinical psychologist who worked with communities suffering from suicidal thoughts and behaviors, so I felt both majors would give me the necessary background. I’m eager to further pursue psychology with a different career goal of becoming an industrial organizational psychologist.

How did your time at FSU prepare you for professional success?

An industrial organizational psychologist focuses on the behaviors of individuals, groups, and organizations to reach solutions for problems in the workplace. While my current career goal is different from what I entered college intending to pursue, my time at FSU exposed me to an array of professional experiences that pointed me in the right direction. FSU emphasizes the importance of networking and making lasting impressions through the FSU Career Center, which has helped me connect with others in my field.

Tell us about an important experience during your time at FSU.

My most impactful experience was in 2024, when I worked as a psychology extern at the state’s largest psychiatric hospital, the Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee. I consulted with licensed psychologists and psychiatrists about patient care and learned about patients’ lives and everyday experiences while they live with different psychiatric disorders that stem from post-traumatic stress disorder and clinical depression. During this experience, I observed dynamics and procedures between patients and their therapists as well as among patients. This role was great clinical psychology field experience that helped me decide whether I wanted to continue in that specialization.

Tell us about being named to the 2024 Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement’s Illuminate Scholars and Enrichment Program.

This scholarship helped cover my transportation and housing costs during my externship at Florida State Hospital. Having the support to solely focus on my tasks as a psychology extern allowed me to take advantage of this important clinical field experience.

Tell us about your experience volunteering with the Big Sister Little Sister program.

I gained a deeper understanding of community, fellowship and service while volunteering. This organization introduced me to a broader understanding of how to support those in your surrounding areas through community service events like clothing drives and food distributions. Serving as the diversity and inclusion chair from August 2023 to May 2024, while the role was relatively new, I was able to maximize the opportunity to create a more representative and outspoken organization that emphasizes mental health outreach, the utilization of FSU’s student resources and diversity within your life. I would love to join a graduate chapter someday.

Tell us about your involvement with the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Suicide-Related Conditions and Behaviors.

My time with the lab inspired me to continue helping communities affected by maladaptive behaviors and those unable to adjust to environments or situations, which can lead to cognitive illnesses such as brain injuries. I began as an undergraduate assistant in April 2023, and in May 2024, I was promoted and served as a study coordinator until graduation. I oversaw operations of studies covering interpersonal physiological synchrony and suicide, as well as suicidal ideation, minority stress and trauma studies. Being on calls with study participants who had histories of mental illnesses from suicidal behaviors, PTSD, trauma, and anxiety-related disorders made me realize how much I’d want to be treated with compassion if I were in their position.

I learned that many participants’ highest areas of concern were their work lives, but I felt like not much attention was given to that aspect. I saw people who could benefit from specialized assistance, and I realized I wanted to assist employees by being a resource in helping them resolve concerns they may have in their workplace through industrial organizational psychology work.

What faculty or staff members inspired you?

Stefany Moncada, the program manager of FSU’s CARE Quest Scholars Program, always displayed compassion and dedication toward students. She maintained a high level of tenacity and wasn’t afraid to face difficult situations.

What are some upcoming goals you’re working toward?

I’m looking forward to transitioning into a full-time position as a psychology research assistant or human resources assistant. I’m also preparing required materials to apply for industrial or organizational psychology graduate programs.

What advice do you have for current students?

You’re exactly where you need to be. In college, it’s easy to feel like you’re not performing as well as your peers or seem to be doing things wrong. Reach out to others, join organizations, and do things that may cause you to be frightened at first; we’ll never be as young again as we are now, and it’s crucial to formulate these experiences while we have the chance.