Anna Sherman: PhD Journey in Behavioral Science at URI
Anna (AQF ‘12) has shifted her creative energy from the visual arts into groundbreaking research at the URI, while continuing to nurture her artistic practice.
After obtaining her bachelor’s degree from URI in 2017, she spent four and a half years working running studies at Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Now in her fourth year of a Ph.D. program in Behavioral Science at the University of Rhode Island, Anna’s research focuses on substance use risks associated with impulsivity, as well as the impact of stigma-related stress on substance use risks for bisexual women.
Outside of her academic and professional endeavors, Anna continues to nurture her love of the visual arts. Over the past decade, she has refined her skills in charcoal portraiture, colored pencils, and painting, often producing commissioned portraits. She notes that the lessons learned during her time at RISD continue to inform her artistic practice today.
Anna’s path reflects a rare and inspiring blend of scientific inquiry and creative expression. We look forward to seeing the impact of her research in the field of behavioral science, as well as the continued evolution of her artistic practice.