Brad Osuna
By Juliana Scheiderer ’16
Although only a sophomore, Brad Osuna is diving into his passion for psychology. With fieldwork, research experience, and a graduate-level course under his belt, Osuna is committed to getting all he can from the psychology program at Ohio University.
Part of his persistence in finding opportunities and furthering his knowledge so early in his college career comes from a genuine passion for his field.
“Being able to understand human nature is one of the best applications of our cognitive capacity,” Osuna said.“We feel like we understand the world around us through physics, biology, chemistry, zoology, but to understand us, as a species, I think that’s the most important thing. It’s a self-awareness, a collective self-awareness.”
An Interest in Morality
Osuna got his first introduction to psychology through a high school class.
“I first really started questioning human beings, and human nature around that time,” Osuna explained. “I discovered [comedian] George Carlin, and he really inspired that interest.”
Although Osuna started out in abnormal psychology, he switched to social psychology after becoming interested in the study of morals. His primary focus now is moral psychology, including moral foundations, obedience to authority, and social conformity.
After graduation, Osuna hopes to continue his education through a Ph.D. program. Due to the department’s competitive social psychology program, Osuna is already considering OHIO for his graduate studies.
Although Osuna says he’s enjoyed many of the Psychology Department’s courses, one, in particular, stands out. He credits Dr. Gary Sarver’s Child & Adolescent Development class with piquing his interest in moral psychology.
“Dr. Sarver just made the class so enjoyable, which I think solidified my interest even more.… His teaching style is just the best,” he said. “It’s hard, it requires effort, but I still remember everything from that class.”
Osuna is further exploring his interest in the subject of moral psychology through a graduate-level seminar with Dr. Mark Alicke. He is also planning on completing a thesis through the departmental honors program.
“I’m so lucky I was able to get into that program so early,” Osuna said. “I am very thankful for all the connections I made since I’m just starting my second year.”
The Importance of Making Connections
Osuna cites the connections he’s made, both inside and outside of the department, as a secret to his success. His connection to Dr. Mark Alicke (through his adviser, Dr. Susan Tice-Alicke) gave him a chance to explore his interest in social psychology through both the graduate seminar and Dr. Alicke’s social psychology lab.
“It pays off to get to know your professors,” Osuna said.
Connections with the Cincinnati Police Department helped Osuna secure a fieldwork experience right after his freshman year. Osuna’s father, who is an officer with CPD, reached out to the department’s mental health response team. Osuna then shadowed first responders who answer calls about suicide, or other mental health issues. According to Osuna, the experience was life-changing.
“To see different disorders play out in life, and to see them really affect people is eye-opening and sometimes saddening,” he said. “You can read about things in a textbook, but when you see it in life, it affects you in a different way.”
When he’s not studying social psychology through classes or fieldwork, Osuna is putting his people-watching skills to work as an RA in Bromley Hall. Although he’s only a few weeks into the job, Osuna already loves it.
“I just love studying human beings,” he said. “Human nature is fascinating to me.… I’ve always loved people watching, and studying psychology has given me official terms to define it.”
When asked what he’d say to a student considering the field of psychology, Osuna responds enthusiastically.
“I think it’s really important to understand who we are, as a species,” he said. “To build off that, with social psychology specifically, it’s important to understand the social constructs that we create.”
“To know somebody on the individual level, and what makes the individual work,” Osuna continued. “I think that’s the most important starting point. Start with the individual and you can build from there.”
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