Mary Dillon
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Education and Career Background: I received my Bachelor of the Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Psychology from Seattle University in 2019. Throughout my time in undergrad, and after, I assisted in facilitating and writing forensic mental health assessments and evaluations. After undergrad, I worked as an office manager at a private psychology clinic for one year before moving to Washington D.C. to earn my Master of the Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from the George Washington University. Alongside pursing my Masters, I worked with at-risk youth as an intensive in-home clinician as well as in a forensic clinic facilitating court-ordered group therapy for adult sex offenders.
Year Started the Program: 2022
Advisor: Dr. Ashley Batastini
Research Interests: My primary research interests include mental health effects of punishment strategies among incarcerated individuals, cultural competency in forensic assessment, teleassessment, and assessment of justice involved individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Current Research Team Membership: Correctional & Forensic Psychology Lab at the University of Memphis (Dr. Ashley Batastini)
Graduate Assistantship: I am currently serving my GA with Dr. Mueller and Dr. Xu.
Why you chose UofM: I chose the University of Memphis for its commitment to training the scientist-practitioner model through the lens of diversity, advocacy, and commitment to human welfare. Our program highlights the importance of how systems impact individuals’ ability to heal and progress, which I find to be of particular importance as I navigate the forensic mental health field.
Interests Outside of Academics: Outside of school, I spend most of my time reading, camping, listening to podcasts, playing video games, and spending time with loved ones (including my senior cat Bean).