Lena Etzel

Personal Information
Applicant NameLena Etzel
Applicant EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Training LevelPostdoctoral Resident
City of ResidenceGainesville, FL
Distance to Chicago, IL> 2 hour flight
Age30
Gender identity and pronounsfemale (she/her)
Have you ever attended an AACN annual meeting?Yes
The following list includes characteristics of historically underrepresented groups. Please select all characteristics that represent you and/or describe other diverse facets of your identity in the “Other” option.
  • International/immigrant students or workers
  • Bilingual/multilingual
  • LGBTQ+
Funding Opportunitites
I would like to be considered for the following funding opportunities.
  • Student/Trainee Leader
  • Student/Trainee Assistant
Application for Student Assistant
By applying to be a student assistant, you agree to the following responsibilities/commitments: I carefully reviewed the above responsibilities/commitments and agree with all of them.
Would you like to be considered for complimentary lodging?Yes, please.
In-Person Volunteer Slots
  • Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Afternoon)
  • Thursday, June 12, 2025 (Morning)
  • Thursday, June 12, 2025 (Afternoon)
  • Friday, June 13, 2025 (Morning)
  • Friday, June 13, 2025 (Afternoon)
  • Saturday, June 14, 2025 (Morning)
Application for Conference Leader
By applying to be a conference leader, you agree to the following responsibilities/commitments: I carefully reviewed the above responsibilities/commitments and agree with all of them.
Are you actively involved (e.g., leadership/service position, volunteer at annual meeting(s), poster presentations) in AACN?Yes
Please specify.

I am the current trainee co-chair of the mentorship subcommittee as well as a member on the TCN paper competition subcommittee. I also presented a poster at AACN in 2022 and 2023 and volunteered at both conferences.

Personal Statement

Over the years, AACN has played an important role in my development as an aspiring neuropsychologist, and I believe that serving as the conference leader represents an ideal opportunity to grow professionally while giving back to the AACN community. My first in-person neuropsychology conference, held by AACN in 2022, offered a welcoming environment that allowed me to immerse myself in the field. Through volunteering, attending talks and trainee-focused events, and presenting a poster, I was able to form meaningful connections with other attendees who have since become trusted colleagues and friends.
Having had the privilege of volunteering twice at AACN conferences, I am eager to take on greater responsibility at the upcoming conference. In collaboration with the co-coordinator, I would be excited to support student assistants, ensuring they feel confident and have clear guidance throughout the process to meet volunteer needs. I am committed to helping promote a collaborative environment that allows for a seamless and positive conference experience. By stepping into this role, I hope to further develop my leadership skills while contributing to the success of a community that has profoundly impacted my professional journey.

Coordinating volunteer activities for a large group inevitably comes with challenges, particularly with respect to managing changing availability and scheduling conflicts. To address this, I would take a proactive approach by initially scheduling extra coverage for sessions anticipated to have higher attendance and confirming volunteers’ availability closer to the conference dates. Additionally, I would encourage open communication so that volunteers inform me and my co-coordinator promptly if their availability changes.
Despite these efforts, some degree of scheduling “chaos” is to be expected. When conflicts arise, I would remain flexible, promptly rearranging volunteer assignments to ensure coverage. I would not hesitate to step in personally to address any gaps and support the team in meeting volunteer needs. By staying flexible and solution-focused, I aim to create a positive experience for both the volunteers and attendees.

During my graduate training, I acted as the assistant to the program director for three consecutive years. As the assistant, one of my responsibilities involved coordinating our annual interview day. This required collaborating closely with the program director, faculty, students, and applicants to develop personalized interview schedules. I maintained regular communication to provide updates and promptly addressed any scheduling changes as they arose. On interview day, I oversaw the process and managed logistical needs to ensure applicants left with a positive impression of our program.
As the elected president of our program’s graduate student association, I was part of a team committed to making a positive impact on other students, faculty, and the local Charlotte community. From hosting professional development events to volunteering at our on-campus food pantry, our efforts have strengthened relationships within our program and supported the wellbeing of the Charlotte community. Together, I believe these experiences enhanced my ability to work effectively with others, as well as strengthened my organizational and communication skills, making me well-prepared for the responsibilities of AACN’s conference leader.

Curriculum VitaeCV-11-2024-Etzel.pdf
Application for ScholarshipTravel scholarship awardees are provided with free conference registration and reimbursement of up to $550 of travel expenses to support conference attendance, including meals, hotel stay, and airfare.
Application for Conference Mentor Award
By applying to be a conference leader, you agree to the following responsibilities/commitments: I carefully reviewed the above responsibilities/commitments and agree with all of them.
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