Genavive Januszewski is combining her passion for psychology and neuroscience with an interest in research, finding purpose at the Edna Bennett Prevention Research Center (PRC).

Januszewski, a recent Penn State graduate with a bachelor’s in psychology, grew up in a Penn State family, and knew attending was the natural next step.

“I think it’s always been ingrained into our lives,” she said. “My grandmother worked here, so Penn State was always an option.”

Januszewski also completed a minor in biology, which allowed her to broaden her understanding of neuroscience and the way it applies to everyday life.

“Psychology and neuroscience are in our everyday lives in ways people don’t even notice,” she said. “Even the fundamental things we learn in class help you become a better learner and a better worker.”

Today, Januszewski serves as an administrative support assistant at the Prevention Research Center. She helps keep daily operations running smoothly. Her responsibilities including coordinating office supplies, managing expense reports, organizing catering and the logistics for meetings and events.

“A lot of what I do are the little things that people might not notice at first glance, ” Januszewski said.

Before joining the PRC in a full-time role, Januszewski worked there as a student employee through the federal work study program. That experience gave her a first-hand look at how educational support systems can create powerful professional opportunities.

“I think it’s really nice to see how a funded program can blossom into something like a full-time job,” she said. “These programs help students make important connections and gain experience in fields they’re interested in.”

Januszewski values the supportive environment created by colleagues, faculty, affiliates and other students at the center.

“I love everybody that works here,” she said. “Everyone is very nice and easy to get along with, which isn’t always the case at workplaces.”

During her time as an undergraduate, Januszewski participated in research through Daryl Cameron’s Empathy and Moral Psychology Lab. This experience introduced her to conversations regarding artificial intelligence and its role in the lives of young people.

“A lot of the work involves how people treat AI, whether they view it as a person or a tool,” she said. “It’s really interesting to see how people are going to navigate it moving forward.”

Her time in the lab has given her a deeper appreciation for the work done at PRC, as she recognizes all the moving parts needed to conduct research — everything from funding, grant management, event coordination, to community engagement.

“I get to see everything that goes into research behind the scenes, and all the different aspects that come together to make prevention research possible,” Januszewski said.

As she looks ahead, she wants to further explore her interest in policy and how research can be used to benefit the public.

“I’m really interested in policy and how it gets integrated into legislation and everyday use,” she said. “I care a lot about the environment, so hopefully something in that area.”