Driven by family and ambition: ASU’s New College rising leader shaping the future of forensic psychology and communication

Emma Huang is a dedicated and passionate student majoring in Forensic Psychology and Communication at ASU's New College, deeply committed to exploring the psychological factors that drive criminal behavior. Her academic journey was ignited by her participation in ASU's SummerUp camp, leading her to switch from Forensic Science to Forensic Psychology. Emma has thrived in the supportive community at New College, which she describes as being integral to her success. She has been recognized as November's Student of the Month by West Valley's Undergraduate Student Government. This acknowledgment highlights her dedication to academic excellence and community involvement. She remains motivated to continue making a positive impact and excelling in her studies.

Known for her impressive ability to balance her studies, multiple jobs, and leadership roles, Emma credits her success to her family’s influence and her commitment to hard work. She is involved in campus organizations like the Programming and Activities Board and Devils’ Advocates and works with New College, demonstrating her enthusiasm for leadership and community-building. Her future goals include pursuing a master's degree in Communication Studies and working in higher education to guide and support undergraduate students, an area where she has already made her mark as a leader on campus. Emma’s story exemplifies how ASU's New College provides students with not only a quality education but also a nurturing community that helps them achieve their personal and professional aspirations.

Question: Why did you choose Forensic Psychology?‬

‭Answer: I chose forensics because of a SummerUp camp I did at ASU West the‬ summer after my freshman year of high school. I fell in love with the‬ forensics program and the West Valley campus. I initially started as a‬ Forensic Science major, but quickly realized that Forensic Psychology‬ aligned better with my interests, so I made the switch. I used to watch‬ Forensic files with my mom growing up, and I’m pretty sure that’s where‬ my interest stems from.‬‭

Q: What made you choose ASU’s New College?‬

‭A: I chose New College because of the programs, but I’ve become a loyal fan‬ because of the community. New College is such a great support system,‬ everyone I have met on my journey has been on my side and has helped‬ me achieve my goals. I truly feel like everyone from New College is in my‬ corner, and I know I can trust them to help me through any problem I may‬ face in my academic journey.‬

‭Q: What’s something you learned at New College that surprised you or‬ changed your perspective? Why?‬

A: The study of communication surprised me. I knew communication was a‬ thing of course, but I never realized the extent to which it is studied and‬ researched. I have learned since then about the many different ways‬ communication is grouped and identified, and how different types of‬ communication affect everyday interactions. New College has many‬ different communication classes available such as Small Group‬ Communication, Communication and the Workplace, and Communication‬ in Business and the Professions to name a few.‬ 

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson during your‬ college experience?‬ 

A: Professor Kunkel changed my life! He was my public speaking professor,‬ and his enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion unlocked my passion for‬ communication. Speaking eloquently is incredibly important, in academics,‬ work, and day to day life. The most important lesson that he taught me,‬ however, was not an in-class lesson. He educated me on the importance‬ and impact of emotional intelligence in interpersonal communication. All‬ communication is interpersonal, and you can’t control how people will take‬ what you say. Professor Kunkel took the time to sit with me and show me‬ that what people say about you does not dictate who you are, but how you‬ respond and treat them. He gave me the tools to regain my confidence‬ and self-worth during a difficult time in my college career.‬ 

Q: What is the best piece of advice you would offer someone considering‬ applying to college?‬

‭A: Just go for it- Apply! Even if you are unsure of a program that you are‬ interested in, there are exploratory programs to allow you to try different‬ areas. ASU is really awesome because they accept people from many‬ different walks of life, and have the resources within the University to get‬ you to where you need to be. What you learn in college is irreplaceable, it‬ is so much more than just what you learn academically. You learn how to‬ connect with others, network, and trust yourself.‬ What would you say to someone considering Forensic Psychology?‬ What makes a good candidate?‬ I love Forensic Psychology because it meshes Criminology & Criminal‬ Justice and Psychology perfectly. If you’re interested in psychology and‬ law, this is the perfect degree for you, forensic psychology is literally‬ psychology in the application of law. If you’re into the “Why” behind crime,‬ this is the degree to pursue. A good candidate is someone who has an‬ interest in crime and psychology! The classes are so interesting that it‬ hardly feels like a real class. All my professors have done an amazing job‬ at making course content interesting and captivating that studying does‬ not feel like studying- I feel as if I’m getting a degree just by reading and‬ learning about things that I like.‬

‭Q: Besides being a student, what other activities are you involved in at the‬ West Valley campus?‬

‭A: At this time I am currently involved in the Programming and Activities‬ Board, Devils’ Advocates (tour guide), Student Connection & Community,‬ and I work for New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences! I have‬ previously been a part of Inferno Insiders, Admission Services, and‬ CommLab ASU. I am always looking to meet new people and connect at‬ events on campus.‬ How do you manage to do so much, and what keeps you thriving?‬ Honestly, it’s really hard. It is seriously so hard being a full time student,‬ four jobs double majoring, and maintaining a high GPA all while keeping a‬ social life. I manage to do so much because I am passionate about‬ everything I am involved in, and I have a great support system that keeps‬ me going. My parents helped me get to where I am, instilling hard working‬ values from a very young age. I saw my mom study hard, so I do too. My‬ dad is disciplined and always completes his duties, so I do too. My‬ younger sisters keep me going - I want to make them proud and show‬ them that they can do anything they set their minds to. Seeing them‬ growing up while I am in school just makes me work harder, I am so proud‬ of them. The friends that I have made in University keep me sane, we‬ work on school work and regular work together which makes the mountain‬ of tasks not as daunting. We push each other to improve. I’m incredibly‬ lucky to have jobs that I enjoy, majors that I find interesting, and a‬ community that encourages and pushes me to improve. I drive myself to‬ achieve more everyday in any way that I can, and that goal keeps me‬ going.‬

‭Q: What is your biggest accomplishment that you feel most proud of‬?

A: My biggest accomplishment that I am the most proud of is my leadership.‬ When I came into college I had very little leadership experience, but now I‬ am proud to say that I have grown into a leader, and have had the‬ opportunity to help incoming students become student leaders as well. I‬. feel the proudest when I watch a new student leader confident in‬ themselves, their abilities, and their leadership. Seeing that makes me feel‬ like my hard work has paid off, and that I have truly left an impact and‬ made a difference.‬

Q: What are your plans after graduation?‬

A: I hope to continue my education with New College in the Communication‬ Studies Master’s program! I would like to work in higher education.‬ 

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years or more, and how do you feel‬ New College has helped you get there?‬ 

A: I see myself working in higher education, specifically with undergraduate‬ students. New College helped introduce me to the world of higher‬ education outside the classroom. I’m passionate about helping students‬ through their college journey, and New College has shown me that there‬ are countless ways they support undergraduate students.‬