Prospective Undergraduate Researchers.

We are currently no longer accepting undergraduate students to join our team for the Fall 2025 semester. Please proceed to fill out the questionnaire to be reviewed for the Spring 2026 semester.

Prospective Ph.D. Students

Are you accepting new graduate students for admission in Fall 2025?

To be transparent, Dr. Mahony-Atallah has not yet determined whether she will be accepting a new doctoral student in Fall 2026. However, she strongly encourages interested applicants to apply, as she will be reviewing applications this cycle and making decisions based on interviews and overall fit with the C.E.D.A.R. Research Team.

Can I reach out to your current grad students?

Yes, their names are listed on our PhD students page, where their email addresses are provided. However, please make sure to do your homework first by reading this page and reviewing our School Psychology PhD Handbook (linked here: https://tinyurl.com/NCSUSPHandbook).

What should I do in my application to signal that I want to work with you and your lab?

Start by reviewing the application steps on this website: https://psychology.chass.ncsu.edu/graduate/school/. During the application process, you’ll have the opportunity to select me as the faculty member you’re interested in working with. In your personal statement, be sure to mention your interest in joining my team and explain your reasons for wanting to work with us.

What is your best advice for how to approach grad school applications?

  1. Research Thoroughly: Make sure to carefully investigate the programs, labs, and mentors that interest you to confirm they align with your academic and career goals.

  2. Craft Strong Application Materials: Dedicate enough time to writing a thoughtful personal statement and creating a detailed, well-organized CV.

  3. Choose Recommenders Wisely: Select recommenders who can provide strong, detailed letters that speak specifically to your abilities and fit for the programs you're applying to.

  4. Seek Early Feedback: Get input from trusted individuals on your program choices, personal statement, and CV. Do this well before application deadlines to allow time for revisions.

Communication prior to application deadline:

I receive many inquiries each cycle and want to ensure that all applicants are treated equitably. For this reason, I do not meet individually with prospective students prior to the official application deadline.

If you are considering applying, you are welcome to email me your CV along with a brief note about your research interests to ask whether they align with the work of the C.E.D.A.R. Research Team. Please note that this will not influence how I evaluate applications—all applications are reviewed solely through the formal admissions process.

If I am unable to respond to your inquiry, please do not take it personally. The volume of emails is high during application season, and I greatly appreciate your understanding.

What characteristics do you look for in graduate students?

I’m looking for graduate students who are curious, motivated, and genuinely passionate about research. I appreciate those who bring a strong work ethic, a love for learning, and a collaborative spirit. It’s also important that your interests align with the research team’s focus.