Ethan Kinstler

Major: Psychology
Minor: Theater Arts (Directing Concentration) and Photography

Q: Why did you choose this area of study?

A: I have always been fascinated by human behavior and the neurobiology of different psychological disorders. Furthermore, I specifically hope to study genetic and environmental correlates relating to risk and resiliency in substance abuse. Addiction is a mental health disorder that is stigmatized in the media like no other, while also being one of the most damaging disorders, taking over all aspects of an individual’s life like no other disorder. I want to conduct research, and educate others to dispel these stigmas. As for theater and photography, I just love them. I have been acting, singing, dancing, etc. since I was seven, appearing professionally both onstage and in movies, TV shows, and commercials, and for photography, I’ve been pursuing it as serious hobby since I was 10. When I declared them as minors it was simply to continue to hone my crafts, there was no real career goal other than enjoyment.

Q: What are you plans after graduation?

A: I hope to go to graduate school to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology with a focus in behavioral genetics. Ultimately, I hope to become a professor conducting my own research and teaching students, as well as providing accessible mental health care to my community.

Q: Why did you choose CWRU?

A: In short, the people. As a prospective student I had the opportunity to sit-in on a Psych 101 class, and afterwards I decided to go and talk to the professor. Even though I was still in high school she spoke to me for 15 minutes, answering all my questions about the psychology department, the class, and CWRU generally. I felt so supported. Further, I toured campus 3 times and each time I saw people who looked like me; I saw campus as a place where I could thrive. I felt that campus provided an open environment where I could pursue all my various interests with like-minded people. Additionally, I knew I wanted to make research a part of my undergraduate experience, and the abundance of research opportunities provided to undergraduate students is what originally drew me to campus. Since my first-year I have been a member of three different research labs and worked on countless studies, with multiple publications under my belt. CWRU has given me an incredibly strong research foundation heading into graduate school.

Q: What is your favorite memory of CWRU?

A: During COVID-19 I noticed how students on campus were internalizing stress without a healthy outlet or the skills to manage it. So I used my platform as an opinion columnist with CWRU’s student-run newspaper, The Observer, to start a mental health centered column called “The Mental Health Minute” which I used to talk about a range of psychology and mental health topics from managing a heartbreak to dealing with a panic attack. From this column I started the “Ask a Psych Major Submission Portal” where students can reach out to me directly for advice. I was then asked to assist CWRU Counseling Services in becoming more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to students. It is perhaps my proudest accomplishment from my time at CWRU. Oh and also Karaoke Night at the Jolly Scholar, that is always fun!

Q: What is the one thing you’d like to share with incoming freshman?

A: If you are afraid of being annoying, you’ll never get anywhere in life. My adviser said that to me my freshman year when I told her I didn’t want to disturb one of my professor for fear of being annoying. I took that to mean be relentless in the pursuit of that which is important to you, make opportunities for yourself by being persistent. Don’t let anyone tell you that your ambition is an annoyance.