Psychology Names Four Chandler Scholars
This fall, over 30 psychology majors applied to become a 2025-26 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 four scholars this year, each receiving significant financial awards. The recipients of this year's Aric Chandler Memorial Scholarship are seniors Ayush Joshi, Carter Nguyen, Haleema Shaikh, Kalyani Raghavan.
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.
Ayush Joshi
Ayush’s journey to the University of Washington was shaped by reflection, resilience, and a willingness to start again. He began college at UC Davis, but soon realized it wasn’t the right environment for him. Trusting intuition, he withdrew and continued his studies at Bellevue College with the goal of eventually transferring to UW. The experience taught him the importance of listening to himself and embracing change when growth requires it. When he finally arrived at UW, it felt like everything had aligned—both academically and personally.
His passion for psychology developed from a long-standing curiosity about how people think, feel, and grow, especially during childhood and adolescence. Through personal experiences and time spent supporting youth, he witnessed how powerful early intervention and mental-health support can be. Studying psychology became a way to help build the type of care he wishes had been more accessible to young people like his younger self.
Since coming to UW, one of his favorite parts has been experiencing the energy of Seattle and the opportunities the university offers. Coming from smaller institutions, he often felt limited—yet at UW, he feels possibility everywhere. Being on campus each day reminds him that he’s in a place where he can explore, learn, and continue becoming the person he hopes to be.
Receiving the Aric Chandler Scholarship is a meaningful milestone in his journey. The award not only eases financial stress, but also reaffirms the importance of the work he hopes to do. Knowing it is rooted in Aric’s legacy makes it especially impactful. He sees the scholarship as encouragement to continue forward with purpose, and as inspiration to one day give back with the same generosity that has been extended to him.
Looking ahead, he plans to pursue graduate studies in psychology with an emphasis on child and adolescent development and mental health. He is particularly committed to supporting queer adolescents of color who are trauma survivors—a community that holds deep personal significance and is often underserved. Ayush’s goal is to build a future centered on healing, visibility, and increasing access to compassionate mental-health care for young people.
Carter Nguyen
Growing up in Washington, Carter knew he wanted to stay close to the community that shaped him. With strong family ties, supportive mentors, and meaningful nonprofit work with local youth, choosing UW was more than an academic decision—it was a way to continue serving the people who inspired his passion for mental health.
His interest in psychology grew from real experiences working with students who faced challenges such as instability at home, food insecurity, and academic pressure. Coming from a multicultural background, he learned early on how differently people express emotions and cope with stress. Studying psychology at UW helped him understand these experiences on a deeper level and equipped him with tools to support young people with empathy and cultural awareness.
At UW, Carter has found belonging through the Brotherhood Initiative and the HEAL Initiative, two communities that have fueled his growth and commitment to mental-health advocacy. These programs have taught him what it means to create meaningful change, listen to lived experiences, and support students in crisis.
Receiving the Aric Chandler Scholarship has been both validating and motivating. Knowing it honors Aric’s dedication to helping adolescents makes the recognition especially meaningful. The award allows him to continue her involvement in community mental-health work while easing financial pressures as a student.
After completing his degree, Carter plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus on child and adolescent mental health. He hopes to return to Snohomish County to provide accessible, culturally responsive care and advocate for early-intervention programs. His goal is clear—to give back to the community that raised him by helping young people access the support they deserve.
Kalyani Raghavan
Kalyani took a nontraditional path to UW. After graduating from Skyline High School in 2021 and taking a gap year to support her family, she enrolled at Cascadia College, eventually earning an associate’s degree in biology while participating in UW enrichment programs. Originally from Colorado, she never expected to stay in Seattle—but as she explored opportunities here, she knew UW was where she belonged. She is now pursuing a double major in Biology and Psychology as a pre-med student.
Her passion for psychology is deeply personal. Growing up with experiences of poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, neglect, and mental illness shaped her curiosity about the mind and fueled her desire to help others heal. By her first year of high school, she knew she wanted to transform that motivation into a career supporting young people and communities with similar challenges.
One of her favorite parts of UW has been finding a strong community of peers, mentors, and faculty who support her growth and believe in her future. This supportive network has been a defining part of her journey.
Receiving the Aric Chandler Scholarship has been both validating and empowering. Learning about Aric’s dedication to child psychology inspired her, and she feels honored that her own passion reflects his legacy. The scholarship also helps reduce financial strain, allowing her to focus more fully on her studies and community work.
After graduation, Kalyani plans to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist. She hopes to continue working in community outreach, serving underrepresented youth and communities helping bridge gaps in mental health care and access.
Haleema Shaikh
After beginning her academic journey at Bellevue College, Haleema transferred to the University of Washington with a clear goal in mind: to study psychology. Her interest in the field was sparked after observing clinical psychologists at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where she witnessed firsthand the power of evidence-based practices in transforming the lives of young people. The impact of that experience stayed with her, inspiring her to pursue a path where she could support youth—particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Having personally experienced the challenges that come with accessing mental health support as a member of an underrepresented group, she felt determined to be the representation she once wished for herself.
Since joining UW, Haleema has confirmed her passion for psychology through courses and conversations that emphasize the importance of diversity in psychology. One memorable class, Developmental Psychology, helped her make an even deeper connection to her goals. Although she had worked with children in many settings, learning about the critical role early environments play in shaping who we become solidified by her desire to work directly with children and adolescents in the future.
As a recipient of the Aric Chandler Scholarship, the award is not only recognition of her dedication but also an opportunity to carry forward Aric’s legacy and shared passion for improving the lives of young people. She hopes to reflect compassion, perseverance, and purpose throughout her journey, both academically and professionally.
Looking ahead, she plans to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology and ultimately work with adolescents and their families to help them navigate mental health challenges. With a commitment to uplifting youth and increasing representation within the field, Haleema is well on her way to making the difference she once hoped to see.