Keara Kangas

• LGBTQ+
• Individuals from a socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., individuals who were or are currently homeless or in the foster care system; were eligible for federal food and nutrition programs [for 2 or more years]; were eligible for Pell grants; received WIC; have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor's degree; grew up in a rural or low-income area)
• Other

• Student/Trainee Leader
• Student/Trainee Assistant
• Student/Trainee Scholarship
• SPS Conference Mentor

• 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)

I am submitting my first poster to AACN! And hoping to make it an annual event now that I've gotten more involved in research within the Neuropsychology community.

My interest in this position stems from a genuine desire to contribute more fully to the neuropsychology community while growing as a professional and leader. The AACN has always been an organization I admire for its dedication to advancing not only the field of neuropsychology but also the development of its trainees/learners. Although I’ve followed its work through listservs and guidance from my mentors, I have not yet had the opportunity to participate formally. Now, as a postdoctoral fellow, I feel it’s the perfect time to take on a role that aligns with my goal of gaining leadership experience and expanding my professional involvement. This position represents more than a title—it’s a chance to learn, connect, and grow in ways that align with my aspiration of becoming a training director for a neuropsychology program. I’ve always found joy in bringing people together and making systems work efficiently. As a trainee, I’ve had opportunities to organize interviews, schedule events, and communicate effectively with prospective students, colleagues, and participants. Whether it was crafting detailed interview schedules or collaborating with others to manage evolving priorities, I’ve thrived on the sense of purpose that comes from seeing an event or process succeed. I love the behind-the-scenes work that makes everything run smoothly—it’s where I feel most engaged and connected to those around me.

I recognize that positions like this can come with challenges. Unforeseen circumstances—such as illnesses, schedule changes, or miscommunication—can disrupt even the most carefully planned events. To me, these moments are opportunities to rise to the occasion. I’ve learned the value of adaptability, problem-solving, and clear communication through years of professional and academic experiences. When challenges arise, I focus on maintaining open lines of communication with everyone involved, ensuring that no one feels left out of the loop. I’m accustomed to managing complex responsibilities, balancing multiple priorities, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.

My background has prepared me well for this role. I spent 16 years in the military, where I grew into leadership roles that required balancing numerous responsibilities and collaborating across organizations. I developed skills in communication, conflict resolution, and adaptability—all of which have carried into my academic and clinical experiences. During graduate school, I served as a Graduate Student Representative, a role that allowed me to advocate for peers, organize events, and foster community within our program. I was also the lead research assistant in my lab, where I mentored undergraduate and graduate students, coordinated schedules, and addressed challenges with resilience and empathy. These experiences reinforced my passion for mentoring and creating systems that support others’ success. I approach every opportunity with heart and commitment. Being part of a well-functioning team that achieves meaningful outcomes is immensely rewarding for me. I see this position as a chance to contribute to something larger than myself while honing the leadership skills that will shape my future career. I am excited about the prospect of bringing my energy, dedication, and experience to this role.

One example that truly exemplifies my commitment to service is my time in the military, particularly during the COVID-19 response mission in Michigan. The National Guard was activated to assist the community by conducting widespread testing to assess and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. While our mission was focused on serving the community, I also prioritized the well-being of my Soldiers. I was responsible for a team of 40 individuals, managing rotations and schedules under demanding conditions. Our tasks involved traveling across Michigan to various pop-up testing centers, prisons, and elder care facilities. These responsibilities often led to long shifts, spanning multiple days, and presented significant mental health challenges. To support both our mission and my team, I dedicated myself to advocating for and caring for my Soldiers. I ensured they had adequate breaks, access to time off when needed, and support for any personal matters at home. I worked the same grueling schedule alongside them, checking in regularly, boosting morale, and fostering a sense of unity throughout this challenging time. This experience exemplifies my dedication to service, as I consistently prioritize the needs and well-being of those I serve—whether in the military, the community, research, or patient care. 

An example of my ability to persevere despite barriers comes from my experience balancing my military service with my education. I joined the military right out of high school and continued to serve throughout my academic journey, a rewarding experience that taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, discipline, and leadership. However, this commitment often came with significant challenges. At various stages of my education, I was called away for missions, including a 13-month deployment to Afghanistan, a 3-month COVID response mission, a 3-month rotation for the presidential inauguration, and multiple additional missions and trainings to support my state and country. Each of these responsibilities required me to pause my academic progress or double my efforts to stay on track. Despite these barriers, I persevered, completing all my graduate requirements and successfully earning my Ph.D. in September 2024. While my military service demanded much of my time and energy, limiting my ability to fully engage in certain academic opportunities, I made the most of every moment I could, consistently working hard to achieve my goals. This experience reflects my commitment to pushing forward in the face of challenges, staying focused on my long-term aspirations, and finding balance between service and personal achievement. 

Attending the AACN conference would be an invaluable opportunity for both my professional growth and the broader neuropsychology community. Due to the challenges and limited time I faced throughout my academic journey, my ability to engage in neuropsychology-specific research and corresponding conferences was limited. Although I have attended the INS conference a few times and thoroughly enjoyed the networking and learning opportunities it offered, I have never had the privilege of attending AACN. At INS, I valued reconnecting with colleagues who have significantly influenced my development as a clinician and researcher, as well as expanding my knowledge in areas both within and beyond my training. I am eager to experience the AACN conference, which I have heard excellent things about, and I look forward to submitting my first abstract. I hope to not only gain new insights but also contribute to the neuropsychology field by sharing my own research, particularly on the epilepsy population. By presenting my findings, I aim to provide practical knowledge that fellow clinicians and researchers can bring back to their departments and clinics, further enriching the field and fostering collaboration. This conference represents an opportunity to both grow professionally and give back to the neuropsychology community. 

My journey into mentorship is rooted in my own background. As the eldest child of a single mother who worked three jobs to support three children, I learned early on the value of resilience and the importance of community. Neither of my parents attended college, and I joined the military to help pay for my education and to be part of something larger than myself. This decision was motivated not just by a desire to build a better future for myself but also to support my family and ease my mother’s burden. During my military service, I found a shared connection with others who faced similar struggles, which allowed me to grow into a mentor and confidant, supporting them as they navigated challenges. These experiences have shaped my path to becoming a neuropsychologist, where mentorship continues to be a central part of my professional identity. In the military, I’ve mentored new service members, helping them adapt to the demands of service life while providing encouragement and guidance. Similarly, I’ve mentored undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds or those who shared similar challenges. Whether advocating for their needs or helping them communicate with professors or supervisors, I have sought to create a space where they feel supported and empowered. 

I believe these experiences uniquely position me to serve as a mentor at the AACN Annual Meeting. I can empathize with mentees’ struggles, provide guidance on navigating hardships, and offer encouragement as they pursue their neuropsychology goals. At the same time, I see mentorship as a two-way street. I look forward to learning from mentees, listening to their perspectives, and allowing their insights to guide how I can best support them. Mentorship is a vital part of my professional aspirations. My ultimate goal is to become a training director for a neuropsychology program, a role that aligns with my dedication to supporting others as they develop their careers. I am committed to helping individuals overcome barriers, thrive in their pursuits, and contribute meaningfully to the field. 

Attending the AACN Annual Meeting would be an invaluable experience but represents a financial hardship without this award. I prioritize supporting my family and others over personal expenses.  I provide financial and emotional support to my father, who faces significant challenges, as well as to my siblings and their children. Additionally, I continue to assist Soldiers who face financial or personal difficulties. This focus has sometimes meant sacrificing professional opportunities, such as attending conferences. The cost of traveling to Chicago and staying for the duration of the conference would strain my limited budget. This award would allow me to attend the AACN Annual Meeting, where I could give back to the neuropsychology community, grow as a professional, and support mentees from underrepresented backgrounds. This opportunity is not just about what I can offer but also about the shared growth that comes from connecting with others striving to overcome barriers and make a difference in the field.