Yuko Okado, assistant professor of psychology, joins the College of Humanities and Social Sciences after a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
Okado earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Pennsylvania State University and previously taught courses at Penn State.
Why did you pursue the opportunity to join the Titan community?
The Psychology Department had an opening that was a great fit for what I was looking for, which is to teach and conduct research in a scientist-practitioner, clinical psychology program. I really loved the department and CSUF when I interviewed here, and that sealed the deal.
What do you most look forward to now that you’re here?
Getting to know my students and supporting their learning and growth, working with talented colleagues, and establishing my own research program.
What areas of continued scholarship and research are of particular interest to you?
I study the way people’s ability to regulate negative emotions interact with stressful experiences to influence their long-term well-being. Combining my research findings and my clinical experience as a psychologist, I am working to develop cost-effective behavioral interventions that foster resilience to stressors and prevent later mood and anxiety problems.
What are some of your outside activities, hobbies or interests?
I enjoy running, classical and choral music, baking, being out in nature, and hanging out with friends and family.