colin powell school
When reflecting on their academic journey, Aislin “Ash” Bass-Adams is reminded of how much their background and passions have shaped their path. Born in the Western desert of Australia and having lived in Johannesburg, South Africa for several years before moving to New York City, Ash now proudly calls themselves a New Yorker after twelve years in the city. Despite their deep connection to New York, their love for their hometown remains strong.
Currently in their senior year at the Colin Powell School, Ash is completing their BA/MA in Psychology, with a research focus on mental health. Their work has taken on even more significance as they have connected their background to their research, specifically examining the mental health effects of climate change.
A Personal Mission: The Mental Health Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is a deeply personal issue for Ash. Their home, like many places around the world, is increasingly threatened by pollution and the global shifts caused by climate change. For their BA/MA thesis, they focused on the mental health effects of climate change, recognizing that understanding the psychological drivers behind how people perceive climate change is just as critical as the environmental science itself. Ash aims to uncover the factors that influence our thoughts and behaviors around climate change and to explore strategies that could inspire action to address this global challenge.
Throughout their time at CCNY, Ash has taken time to reflect on the many opportunities provided by the Colin Powell School. The school’s open-door policy, with faculty willing to engage in drop-in meetings or casual chats, has been instrumental in their growth. These connections have shaped their academic trajectory and sparked an interest in pursuing a PhD in eco-psychology.
Looking Toward the Future: A PhD and a Career in Eco-Psychology
Post-graduation, Ash hopes to combine their passions for research and counseling within the field of eco-psychology. They are currently exploring PhD programs in both Australia and the U.S., particularly in exciting locations such as California and New York City. As eco-psychology continues to grow, Ash sees a vast potential for impactful research and is eager to contribute to the field’s development.
Advice for Current and Future Students
Ash offers one key piece of advice to current and future students: apply for a fellowship. As a Climate Policy Fellow, Ash expresses that their only regret is not applying for a fellowship earlier in their academic career. Fellowships provide unique opportunities for networking, mentorship, and forming meaningful connections with faculty and peers who share similar interests. Beyond the professional benefits, fellowships are invaluable in shaping the direction of an academic journey.
Three Words to Describe the Colin Powell School
When asked to describe the Colin Powell School in three words, Ash chose: Interdisciplinary, transformative, and welcoming. These words reflect the essence of the Colin Powell School, an environment that encourages personal and academic growth, fosters diverse perspectives, and ensures every student feels supported.
As Ash approaches graduation, they feel both excited and prepared for the future. Their time at the Colin Powell School has been a pivotal part of their academic journey, and they look forward to the next chapter in their career.