Sarrah Ali

Why FSU?

I chose Florida State University because of its outstanding research program and the collegial, supportive environment I felt from the very beginning.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I was inspired to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology because I knew I wanted to make a meaningful impact in the field and improve our understanding of eating disorders. I was drawn to a career that would allow me to conduct research, contribute new knowledge, and teach and mentor future students.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research focuses on understanding the psychological and social factors that contribute to the development and persistence of eating disorders, with a particular interest in differences across ethnoracial groups. I aim to identify disparities in eating disorder symptoms and better understand the factors that may explain why these differences occur. Ultimately, I hope this work contributes to a more inclusive understanding of eating disorders and helps ensure that research better represents the diverse populations affected by them.

Who has been influential in your graduate journey?

My advisor, Dr. Pamela Keel, and my lab have been incredibly influential throughout my Ph.D. journey. I’ve been fortunate to learn from people who have supported and challenged me, celebrated my successes, and helped me grow into the researcher and educator I am today.

Career aspirations

My goal is to become a faculty member at a research university where I can lead my own lab and continue studying eating disorders across diverse populations. I hope to build a meaningful program of research while teaching and mentoring the next generation of students and researchers.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and remember that your unique experiences and perspective are valuable.

Accomplishments during graduate career

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is publishing my master’s thesis in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science. This work identified important differences in the persistence of bulimic symptoms across ethnoracial groups and helped shape the direction of my broader research program on improving our understanding of eating disorders in diverse populations.

P.E.O. Scholar Award