Cal Poly Psychology Assistant Professor Awarded APsaA Fellowship

Cal Poly assistant professor of psychology Aaron Estrada was awarded a fellowship with the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA).

APsaA annually awards fellowships to approximately 17 early-career professionals across the nation. Benefits include an all-expenses-paid invitation to present clinical research at the biannual meetings of APsaA, a mentorship with a leader in the psychoanalytic field, subscriptions to industry publications, and library privileges.

Estrada said the fellowship will provide him the resources to further his study on clinical psychoanalysis, as well as training in psychodynamic theory — all with direct application in the classroom.

 “This fellowship is exciting support for Dr. Estrada's professional aspirations,” said Gary D. Laver, Psychology and Child Development Department chair. “Not only will it afford him the opportunity to deepen his facility with psychoanalysis, it will also pay dividends in the future work he does with our students.”

Returning to his Central Coast roots, the Atascadero native joined Cal Poly’s Psychology and Child Development Department in fall 2012. He completed his doctorate in counseling, clinical and school psychology from UC Santa Barbara with a pre-doctoral internship at Montana State University and a post-doctoral fellowship in mental health promotion at Stanford University.

Estrada’s current research efforts focus on underserved and underrepresented populations and the psychological services provided to these populations. This focus has led to further study of these populations, specifically in regards to achievement gaps and the success and retention of college students.