For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025, we asked Dr. Richelin Dye to participate in a Q&A about her career and research.
Dr. Richelin Dye
Assistant Professor, School of Medicine; Department of Psychiatry, Associate Professor; School of Behavioral Health, Department of Psychology; Clinical Supervisor, The Memory Training Program; Neuropsychologist; Mentor; Researcher
Q: What are your credentials? What inspired you to pursue this degree?
A: I completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology followed by post-doctoral training in Geropsychology and Neuropsychology. Interestingly, during my undergraduate years, I had also considered other career options and was even accepted into an Allied Health program. However, as a 19-year-old, I realized I wanted to pursue a career that truly intrigued me and would sustain my interest in my studies and daily work. After some reflection, I discovered my strong interest in studying psychology and understanding human behavior and emotions. Once I decided to major in psychology as an undergraduate, pursuing a PhD in the field felt like the logical next step.
Q: How has your position has influenced your research interests?
A: My clinical training was in clinical neuropsychology, so I was fortunate as a post-doctoral trainee at UCLA to be exposed to research opportunities in the field. One of the research areas that I had the opportunity to be involved was a computerized brain training program in which healthy older adults who lived in retirement homes in Southern California were recruited to participate, and whom I helped to evaluate at baseline, two-months, and at six-months. The findings showed that those who were exposed to a higher number of computerized sessions (as compared to those who were in the waitlist control) improved in verbal fluency and in memory at the two- and six-month follow-up. It was through these findings, which were published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in 2013, that I was introduced to research examining lifestyle behaviors. This research highlights how staying physically and mentally active can help older adults maintain their quality of life as they age and potentially prevent further decline in individuals who are at risk for dementia.
Q: What inspired you to become a professor, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?
A: My journey began with my psychology professors at my undergraduate Christian liberal arts college. They not only introduced me to the field but also entrusted me with teaching responsibilities, which were incredibly formative. Later, my professors here at LLU provided invaluable mentorship throughout my thesis and dissertation, and their guidance during my graduate studies was essential. In fact, it was my LLU professors who recognized my potential and offered me a faculty position, creating the opportunity for me to return. I am also deeply grateful for the leadership in both departments where I work (Department of Psychology and the Department of Psychiatry). Their willingness to include me in initiatives and recognize my contributions has been truly meaningful.
Q: As an educator, what do you find most rewarding about teaching and mentoring students in your area of study?
A: I have found it most rewarding to help students refine their interest in clinical neuropsychology and discover their passion within the field. Witnessing students embrace a passion for clinical neuropsychology and achieve their clinical training goals has been particularly fulfilling. My journey to becoming and continuing to work as a clinical neuropsychologist is a direct result of the support and mentoring I have received over the past 25 years. To this day, I deeply value my female mentors for igniting my passion for this field, for serving as ongoing role models in my career, and for demonstrating how to enjoy and embrace this work. My hope is to pass this on, not only to younger women aspiring to become clinical psychologists or neuropsychologists but also to contribute to closing the gender gap and normalizing the representation of minority women as educators and mentors.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of this field?
A: I love to travel. Given that my kids are now ages 9 and 11, I want to show them a different country each year. Last year, my partner and I took them to Portugal. This year, we took them to the Philippines. I find it enjoyable to watch them take in the sights of a new place, try the foods, and learn aspects of the culture. In addition to travel, I also enjoy food and dining at new restaurants (and at old favorites).
Q: What advice would you give to students who are aspiring to pursue a career Clinical Psychology, based on your own experiences and insights?
A: The advice I would give to younger students who are aspiring to be Clinical Psychologists is this: It is worth pursuing a higher education degree in a field that one enjoys. My advice to students who are pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology is to keep at it and to not give up. What I appreciate most about the field is its wide breadth of applicability. I also appreciate the field of neuroscience and the significant overlap and contributions that clinical psychology continues to make in understanding brain and behavior relationships. The field keeps evolving and advancing, and while one can never know all of it, one can stay engaged by continually reading the scientific literature and by attempting to contribute to the academic conversation, either by conducting clinical research and/or by teaching.
Q: How do you approach self-care and maintaining your own well-being while working in a demanding field?
A: Prioritizing self-care and scheduling it in my weekly routine is crucial to my well-being, whether it is waking up early to get in a workout, going for a run several times a week, or engaging in a few minutes of mindfulness. Self-care can also include setting boundaries by not responding to email on the weekend (or maybe just on Saturdays) and spending time with my family.
Q: What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Month mean to you?
A: Growing up several decades ago, we did not have designated cultural months for recognition and celebration. Therefore, I truly appreciate the opportunity to feature individuals from the AAPI community. I believe that highlighting individuals from diverse cultures is beneficial. It helps individuals within that community, such as myself, feel seen and valued, which can positively impact morale in the workplace. For younger individuals, seeing members of their community represented in leadership roles can nurture a stronger sense of identity and self-esteem. It can also serve as inspiration for pursuing higher education, such as in clinical psychology or neuropsychology, as they may see aspects of themselves reflected in these leaders.
Q: How do you stay connected to your cultural roots and heritage?
A: It has been a joy to pass down cultural traditions to my kids, such as Filipino traditions and foods, especially during the holidays. I also enjoy experiencing good food, so sharing Filipino cuisine with my partner by going to my favorite restaurant—where the executive chef, a Filipino American, was recently recognized with a distinguished culinary award—is a way I can feel pride in my cultural heritage. Most recently, we took our kids to the Philippines during spring break for a family wedding, and it was so fun to see them experience and embrace the Filipino culture. It was a meaningful experience to revisit the Philippines and share it with my partner and our kids.
Q: How has your identity shaped your personal and professional journey?
A: As a first-generation Asian American and the first in my family to obtain a doctorate degree, I recognize that my degree in higher education is an opportunity made possible by my parents' immigration from the Philippines. In fact, my family established a foundation a few years ago to support the education of children and young adults in the Philippines who lack the financial resources. This personal history reinforces my understanding that my own education is a direct result of my parents' decision to build a life in this country. I share this background because I know many of our LLU students are also first-generation post-college graduates, and I deeply appreciate the perseverance and dedication required to pursue a higher education. Because of this, I view my ability to work as both a privilege and a chance to give back, whether through my clinical work with patients or in training future clinical psychologists.
Interview conducted by Gelsey Aldana, Clinical Psychology PhD student.