Aashna Aggarwal (she/hers) grew up in Mumbai, India, and did two years in boarding school in Singapore before making it over to the U.S. for undergraduate studies in theatre and psychology and graduate studies in counseling psychology. Aggarwal actually attended a liberal arts college and can’t wait to be on the other side of the classroom.

Primarily, Aggarwal’s research focuses on understanding how racialization impacts identity development and well-being for international students of color in the U.S. In addition, she conducts research related to creating nuanced understandings of South Asian and South Asian American identity. Aggarwal deeply believes in the scientist practitioner model of practicing psychology, and thus her final research focus is program evaluation (e.g. effectiveness of courses in meeting stated objectives), particularly as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Areas of Expertise

International students, critical race theory, program evaluation

Education

2023 — Doctor of Philosophy from Purdue University

2018 — Master of Science in Education from Purdue University

2016 — Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College

Courses Recently Taught

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. In this introductory course, we explore a variety of areas in which psychologists conduct research: the biological foundations of behavior, sensory and perceptual processes, cognition, learning and memory, developmental psychology, personality and social psychology, psychological disorders, and variability in behavior related to culture. This course is open only to first-year and sophomore students. This counts toward the foundations requirement for the major. No prerequisite. Offered every semester.

This course provides students with an overview of the classification, causes, pathways and treatment of adult mental disorders, including anxiety, mood disorders and personality disorders. Included is discussion of critical issues and controversies in this field, such as the definition of abnormality, as well as an extended emphasis on cross-cultural issues in psychopathology. This counts toward the clinical issues and health requirement for the major. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 110 or AP score of 5. Generally offered every year.

This course introduces students to the helping professions in psychology. Through readings, videos, discussion, role-plays, and presentations, students are exposed to the major therapeutic orientations as well as newer schools of interventions. Case studies from the instructor's experience as a therapist will be used throughout the course to further highlight the material. This course is best suited for students who are considering applying to graduate school in helping professions in psychology. This counts toward the clinical issues and health requirement for the major. Prerequisite: PSYC 221 and 250.