Doctoral Dynamic Duo: Mixing Friendship and Scholarship Is a Recipe for PhD Program Success

On their very first day as Derner doctoral students, Travis Nair and Anne-Marie Romain struck up a friendship-the start of a lasting bond that has mutually supported them through the milestones and challenges of Adelphi's nationally top-ranked clinical psychology doctoral program.

It should come as no surprise that as the first university-based professional school of psychology in the United States, the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology has long enjoyed an international reputation for excellence. Today, its clinical psychology doctoral program is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's best.

Flourishing friendships between students, according to Laura Brumariu, PhD, associate dean for professional programs and student advancement at Derner, are often a key ingredient in student success.

"Friendships based on mutual regard, affection and support are one of the best gifts of going to school together-taking classes and undergoing similar learning experiences together and sharing an understanding of life and the world," she explained. "Students develop friendships that are a source of joy, learning and reciprocal validation of their hopes, dreams and fears."

As doctoral students Anne-Marie Romain and Travis Neal look forward to earning their PhDs in May 2026, they each insist that the friendship they struck up in August 2021 on day one was fundamental to their program experience.

"A PhD is so hard and long," said Romain, who will soon be moving to Chicago to start her final, yearlong internship in college counseling at the University of Illinois Chicago. "Having this friendship was really helpful for me to not feel alone."

A "Very Close Friendship"

Looking back, Nair-who recently began a clinical internship at Montefiore Medical Center in a combined childhood/adult program-said that theirs has been "a very close friendship." Although he had also done his undergraduate work at Adelphi, being a PhD student was nonetheless a big transition. "We were just coming out of the pandemic and were the first cohort to be back in person," he recalled.

"Anne-Marie and I finished our longest class on the very first day, and we'd both gone to the student lounge, where we reflected on our day," he explained. "Right off the bat, we connected, and the rest is history."

Romain, who earned her bachelor's degree at St. John's University, reminisced that "we were both right out of undergraduate school and felt like fish out of water. We were among the youngest people in our cohort, and ended up talking and sharing not only similar experiences, but similar worries and fears about starting grad school."

Though their research is centered on different areas-Nair studies empathy and meaning-making in life while Romain focuses on topics related to racial identity-their interests intersect with the study of parent-child relationships. Regardless of their topics of study, according to Romain their friendship allowed them to share ideas when they started clinical work for the first time to support each other in their journey through program milestones, like applying for intern- and externships and working on their dissertations.

Over the years, Dr. Brumariu has seen firsthand how Travis and Anne-Marie's friendship has challenged and brought out the best in each of them. "I think their closeness allowed a genuine curiosity, generosity, helpfulness and humor to emerge, adding a dimension beyond their academic and citizenship excellence. They challenged each other to dream high and stay focused when the work was hard, and to trust who they are and can be."

Growing Together

"It's been really interesting to grow together during our doctoral studies. Anne-Marie is an amazing clinician and teacher. We both started out saying 'oh my gosh, what are we doing?' yet we were excited to be there," Nair said.

Both quickly assumed leadership roles that included mentoring undergraduates from historically underrepresented communities in the future psychologist program founded by Dr. Brumariu, and served as co-chairs of the Derner Student Action Committee (SAC), a form of student government that advocates for student rights, enhances the student learning environment, and facilitates relations between faculty and students.

"I was proud to be there and reflect students' voices, represent my cohort well, and create a space where people felt they were heard, while fostering a space of mutual respect between faculty and students," Romain said. For his part, Nair was especially proud of helping to develop a constitution for SAC.

Moving Into the Future

While Nair, a recipient of the Stricker Fellowship Award which has funded his fourth year, is still uncertain of his postdoctoral plans, he said he eventually hopes to go into academia while maintaining a small private practice.

Romain intends to stay in college counseling, whether in Chicago or back in New York.

One thing is certain for the two of them: their friendship will continue. "We'll be in each other's lives for a long time," Romain insisted.

Nair agreed. "What I really value in our friendship is that we are very honest with each other-and that comes with time and trust. Anne-Marie's been a true friend throughout, and I hope I've been the same," Nair said. "She's been there through challenges with the doctoral program and challenges with life. She's not getting rid of me."