Psychological science back-to-back alumni of distinction

Psychological science back-to-back alumni of distinction

Raisa Martinez, BS ('13) was honored as an Alumnus of Distinction at the Department of Psychological Science's annual recognition ceremony, PSYC-CON, held this past Friday. Last year, Dr. Rebecca Free, BS ('14) received the same distinction. Notably, both alumni were recognized as high-performing undergraduates, and, in their senior year, each earned the prestigious Bill McDaniel Undergraduate Research Award, named for Professor Emeritus Dr. Bill McDaniel.

Martinez went on to earn her master's degree in Human Development and Social Intervention from New York University, where her graduate research examined the impact of meditation and stress-reduction practices on student well-being. She serves as Regional Director of the David Lynch Foundation in Washington, D.C., where she leads efforts to increase access to evidence-based meditation programs for underserved communities, advancing resilience and well-being through her work. She has taught Transcendental Meditation to more than 1,200 individuals in schools, healthcare settings and community organizations.

Free earned her Master of Arts in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University and Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration degree at the University of West Georgia in 2025. Free serves as a full-time lecturer in the Department of Psychological Science, further reflecting the strength of our alumni community.

Together, their accomplishments reflect the strength of our alumni network and the meaningful community we continue to build, support and celebrate.