Behavioral health and cultural and social dynamics across the lifespan
The Department of Psychology at Arizona State University invites applications for two Presidential Graduate Assistantship (PGA) positions beginning in fall 2026.
These assistantships support outstanding doctoral students who are committed to advancing behavioral health and understanding cultural and social dynamics across the lifespan.
About the Presidential Graduate Assistantship
The Presidential Graduate Assistantship is a merit-based award designed to recruit, develop and mentor exceptional doctoral students whose research, teaching and service advance the ASU Charter.
The program prepares scholars to succeed in the professoriate and other research-focused careers while supporting ASU’s mission as a leading public research university with a fundamental responsibility to the communities it serves. Students are selected and appointed by their admitting academic unit.
What PGA scholars in psychology gain
Financial support
Four years of funding that includes full tuition coverage, a competitive stipend and health insurance. Continued support is contingent on satisfactory academic progress.
Mentorship and research
Specialized training and mentored research across six highly ranked doctoral areas of study. PGA students receive both a primary and secondary research mentor, with additional culturally informed mentorship when possible.
Professional development
Membership in a university-wide cohort of PGA scholars, with access to specialized training, workshops and networking opportunities through the Graduate College and the Office of Inclusive Excellence.
Research focus areas
PGA scholars in psychology contribute to research that promotes mental, emotional and social well-being across communities and throughout the lifespan. Their work focuses on behavioral health — including the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental health and substance use conditions, resilience, equity and the use of evidence-based interventions — and on cultural and social dynamics, exploring how identity, relationships and social environments shape development, decision-making and health outcomes.
Students train in leading research groups across the department and benefit from resources such as ASU's REACH Institute (Research and Education Advancing Children’s Health), the NIH-funded T32 in addiction science and cross-university partnerships that support interdisciplinary and community-engaged research.
How to apply
Applicants interested in the Presidential Graduate Assistantship should apply to one of the Department of Psychology’s PhD programs by the fall 2026 admission deadlines, beginning Nov. 17.
Students should follow the application requirements for their chosen training area and indicate their interest in the PGA program in their personal statement.
For questions, contact [email protected].
Past PGA recipients
PGA in psychology recipients are conducting research on topics ranging from addiction science (2022–23) to inclusivity and innovation in health and health psychology (2024–25).
Antonio "Tony" Gonzales
- Training area: Behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology
- Faculty mentors: Cheryl Conrad and Jessica Verpeut
Ariel Grayson
- Training area: Clinical psychology
- Faculty mentor: William Corbin
Isabella "Bella" Locklear
- Training area: Clinical psychology
- Faculty mentors: Nichea Spillane and Thao Ha
Nadia Malek
- Training area: Clinical psychology
- Faculty mentor: Rebecca Blais
Karen Aguilar
- Training area: Clinical psychology
- Faculty mentor: Leah Doane
Alexys Murillo
- Training area: Developmental psychology
- Faculty mentor: Kathryn Lemery-Chalfant
Xavier Celaya
- Training area: Cognitive science
- Faculty mentor: Gene Brewer