Psychology Names Three Chandler Scholars

This fall, over 50 psychology majors applied to become a 2024-25 Aric Chandler Memorial Scholar. Applicants were asked to demonstrate their interest in child or adolescent psychology by outlining their relevant volunteer, research, work, or personal experiences, as well as their educational and career goals. Thanks to the generosity of the Chandler family, friends, and other donors, we were able to name three scholars this year, each receiving significant financial awards. The recipients of this year's Aric Chandler Memorial Scholarship are seniors Zain Al Neema, Luján Bazzano, and Anna Fong.

In 2016, Aric Chandler had been admitted to the UW as a transfer student from Bellevue College and was on the way to fulfilling his dream of studying psychology. Just days after being admitted, that dream was cut short when Aric died unexpectedly from SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). What did not die on that day was Aric's passion and commitment to working with adolescents. Aric's parents, David and Kacee Chandler, along with his family members and friends, established an endowment to keep Aric's dream alive by providing support for transfer psychology majors who plan to work with children and adolescents.

*     *     *     *     * 

Zain Al Neema’s journey to the University of Washington has been shaped by perseverance and a deep desire to make a difference. Zain transferred to UW from Shoreline Community College where he discovered his passion for psychology and built a strong academic foundation. “Growing up in a Middle Eastern household as part of an immigrant family, I’ve faced my share of challenges,” says Zain, “these included navigating cultural shifts, adapting to new environments, and finding my footing in higher education.” Having arrived at his dream school Zain feels that being at UW is a testament to the hard work and the support received along the way.

For Zain, being at UW has been a transformative experience. A highlight was taking Social Psychology with Assistant Teaching Professor Delancey Wu, calling it a “turning point” in his academic journey. “The class deepened my understanding of how social dynamics influence mental health, which is directly tied to my interest in family systems and adolescent psychology,” recalls Zain. Working as a school-age teacher at Hazel Wolf K-8 has allowed Zain to put into practice much of what he has learned as a psychology major. “I want to use psychology to help others heal and grow in ways that feel authentic to their experiences,” he says.

Reflecting on what the Aric Chandler Scholarship means to him, Zain notes that beyond the financial support it is a reminder that his goals and experiences matter and gives him the confidence to keep moving forward in pursuit of his dreams. “Aric’s story and vision for the future of psychology are so inspiring,” Zain observes, “and it’s an honor to be part of a legacy that values innovation, compassion, and inclusivity.”

After Zain earns a BA in psychology, he plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology, specializing in working with children and adolescents. “My dream is to help families navigate challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships by offering therapy that’s inclusive and culturally informed – creating spaces where children and families feel seen, heard, and supported.”

*     *     *     *     * 

Originally from Argentina, María (Luján) Bazzano at first believed that continuing her education in the US would be nearly impossible – unaffordable and overwhelmingly challenging, especially because of the language barrier. With the help of a good friend she learned to navigate the systems, attending Seattle Central College before transferring to UW. Of her acceptance to UW, Luján recalls “I can’t put into words the joy and sense of accomplishment I felt. It was a moment that reminded me of how far I’d come, the challenges faced and overcome, and how much is possible with determination and, most importantly, with support.”

Luján describes her path in psychology as “far from linear.” Originally interested in drama and acting where she learned the importance of comprehending both the mind and the body and how emotions and experiences resonate within people. From there, working at a shelter for women and their children who had survived human trafficking and domestic violence taught her how a safe and supportive environment can empower individuals to heal and rediscover their strengths. “From Buenos Aires to Seattle, where I worked as a teacher, every step of my journey has reaffirmed my commitment to psychology and my dream of providing holistic, compassionate care to those who need it the most,” says Luján.

While applying for the Aric Chandler Scholarship, Luján took the opportunity to learn more about Aric – his story, his values, his volunteer work – and felt connected to him. She explains that receiving the scholarship has made her reflect on the importance of perseverance, of pushing oneself beyond limits, and of finding the courage to face and overcome fears. “Aric’s words, ‘all it takes is a simple change in perspective,’ are a powerful reminder that even in our most challenging moments a shift in how we see things can open doors to new possibilities and personal growth,” observes Luján. “Gracias de Corazón!,” says Luján, thanking Aric’s family for their generosity and for continuing Aric’s legacy by helping students who share his vision.

Here at UW, Luján is pursuing a triple degree, studying psychology as well as medical anthropology/global health, and social welfare. She notes that UW offers a space where students can explore who they are, what they want, and how they can grow. Looking to the future, graduate study in social work is a likely next step toward her desire to work that allows her to engage with the public in schools or community-based settings. Thinking to that future, Luján notes, “I am particularly passionate about working with minoritized and disadvantaged communities, ensuring that children and adolescents who face systemic barriers have access to the mental health support they need to heal and thrive.”

*     *     *     *     * 

Psychology Honors Program student Anna Fong transferred to UW from Shoreline Community College. Originally from Hong Kong, Anna notes “throughout my life I’ve witnessed people around me struggling with mental health challenges who did not get competent care because of barriers to access and cultural stigma.” She credits her introductory psychology class at Shoreline and learning opportunities outside of the classroom with solidifying her interest in youth mental health and in her decision to study psychology.

Anna identifies the Psychology Honors Program and the ability to join the RISE Mental Health Lab as the biggest highlights of her time at UW. Through the Honors Program she has been able to gain in-depth research experience and to work closely with her mentors Professor Shannon Dorsey and psychology graduate student Celine Lu as she builds her honors thesis. “Their ample guidance and kindness enabled me to learn how to conduct an independent study without burden,” observes Anna. She also credits her psychology classes and mentorship received through the Psychology Undergraduate Mentoring Program (PUMP) with helping her find her voice in research and in her community at UW.

The Aric Chandler Scholarship will make it possible for Anna to dedicate more time and energy to continue working on her honors thesis as well as toward a first-authorship manuscript. “The scholarship reaffirms my passion for youth mental health and my goals to become a research-informed and culturally competent child clinical psychology,” says Anna, “which further motivates me to remain tenacious in achieving my hopes and dreams.”