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Research to Inform Culturally Sensitive Mental Health Treatments
Heeya Ajwani ’26 studies conditions such as depression and borderline personality disorder to contribute to the development of more equitable, inclusive, and effective treatments.
Heeya Ajwani ’26
Psychology
Commonwealth Honors College
Delhi, India
What drew you to this field of study?
My fascination with psychopathology began during my junior-year psychology class in high school, where I was captivated by the complexity of psychiatric conditions and their treatments. This interest deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as I witnessed a global surge in mental health concerns. Seeing the profound need for accessible and effective mental health care solidified my commitment to pursuing research that advances understanding and treatment within this evolving field.
How do you conduct your research?
My research combines self-report questionnaires, behavioral laboratory tasks, qualitative interviews, and other neural and behavioral measures to study conditions such as depression, borderline personality disorder, and cannabis use disorder. Additionally, I use advanced statistical methods to uncover nuanced patterns and mechanisms underlying psychopathology.
What do you see as the impact—or potential impact—of your work?
My long-term goal is to inform culturally sensitive interventions for emotional disruption in mood and trauma-related disorders. Most current treatment models were developed with relatively homogenous samples and often fail to account for the lived experiences of marginalized groups. By studying conditions marked by difficulty in identifying and describing emotions (anhedonia and alexithymia) along with the impact of emotional reactivity, I aim to contribute to the development of more equitable, inclusive, and effective treatments, thereby reducing disparities in access and outcomes in mental health care.
How does your faculty mentor support your research?
My faculty mentor, Dr. Katherine Dixon-Gordon, has been instrumental in shaping my research trajectory. I joined her lab as a first-year student through the Research Assistant Mentoring Program and have since contributed to multiple projects. Dr. Dixon-Gordon fosters an environment that prioritizes scientific curiosity and skill development, whether through one-on-one meetings, guidance on research design, or connecting me with professionals across institutions. Her mentorship style is both honest and encouraging. This has empowered me to take initiative and pursue ambitious research opportunities I once thought were beyond my reach.
[Research has] allowed me to bridge classroom knowledge with practical inquiry, translating theoretical discussions about mental health disorders into actionable research addressing diagnostic and treatment gaps.
Heeya Aswan ‘26
What do you find most exciting about your research?
What excites me most is witnessing the real-world implications of our work. While the complexity of data analysis can be daunting, seeing findings translate into improved diagnostic tools or treatment strategies is deeply rewarding. Throughout diverse data collection sessions—whether it be screening adolescents and parents, observing qualitative interviews, or assisting in treatment sessions—I am constantly reminded of the meaningful impact research can have in alleviating psychological distress and expanding access to care.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my research journey as an undergraduate. As an international student entering the field of clinical psychology in the U.S. with little prior exposure, I was very overwhelmed by its breadth and rigor. Over time, through persistence and mentorship, I have been able to contribute to research across multiple prestigious institutions—including McLean Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School—through summer internships and co-op opportunities provided via the UMass Amherst Mount Ida Campus. This trajectory is a culmination of both personal growth and deep gratitude for the opportunities I have received.
How has your research enhanced your overall educational experience at UMass?
Research has added a profound depth to my academic experience at UMass. It allowed me to bridge classroom knowledge with practical inquiry, translating theoretical discussions about mental health disorders into actionable research addressing diagnostic and treatment gaps. Coursework in advanced statistics, research methodology, and cultural influences on mental health further enriched this process, creating a reciprocal relationship between my academic and research pursuits.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue investigating the overarching impact of reward and emotional dysfunction within psychopathology by pursuing a post-baccalaureate research position before entering a clinical psychology doctoral program. Ultimately, I hope to work as a scientist–practitioner, developing and disseminating culturally informed interventions targeting reward and positive affect impairments across diverse psychopathological conditions.
Why would you recommend UMass to a friend?
I would recommend UMass for its unparalleled commitment to student growth, whether it be academic, professional, or beyond. As someone who moved across the world at 18 all alone, I was ensured a community that provided consistent guidance and support through faculty mentors, academic advisors, campus clubs, and residential staff. UMass fosters an environment where students are not only encouraged to learn but also empowered to lead and, ultimately, be revolutionary.