Emily Hester

Conducting a year-long thesis project on "Stress-Related Emotional Eating and Reward Sensitivity as Predictors of Cognitive Flexibility". Entails the creation of a study design, IRB submission, overseeing data collection for 100+ participants, running data analyses, and reporting results in a thesis paper for publication in the Texas A&M University Oak Trust Library.

Undergraduate Research Scholars Thesis Program (Honors) - Office of Undergraduate Research, Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas

(2026-08 - 2027-05)

Conducting a year-long thesis project on "Stress-Related Emotional Eating and Reward Sensitivity as Predictors of Cognitive Flexibility". Entails the creation of a study design, IRB submission, overseeing data collection for 100+ participants, running data analyses, and reporting results in a thesis paper for publication in the Texas A&M University Oak Trust Library.

Undergraduate Teacher Scholars Capstone Project (Honors) - Honors Academy, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas

(2026-01)

• Design and implement a career readiness intervention program for undergraduate psychology students
• Develop and deliver instructional modules; collect and analyze student feedback to evaluate intervention effectiveness and refine materials
• Create a centralized database of experiential learning opportunities to support student career development
• Apply evidence-based practices and NACE competencies to curriculum design and student outcomes

Undergraduate Research Assistant (Honors) - Cognitive Neuroscience of Goals and Actions Laboratory, Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas

(2025-08)

• Administer electroencephalography and computerized behavioral tasks across multiple concurrent studies investigating cognitive flexibility and task-switching
• Ensure adherence to Institutional Review Board protocols while maintaining participant safety, confidentiality, and data integrity
• Analyze datasets from over one hundred participants using statistical software and present findings through formal research presentations and poster sessions

Undergraduate Teaching Scholar (Honors) - Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas

(2026-01)

Selected through a competitive departmental process based on academic performance and faculty recommendation

• Develop instructional materials and lead review sessions to reinforce key psychological concepts
• Provide individualized mentorship and support student learning through evidence-based teaching strategies

Peer Mentor - Office of Student Success, Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas

(2025-08 - 2025-12)

• Led class sessions for approximately twenty-five first-year students on the topics of goal setting and careers, growth mindset, resilience, and time management
• Conducted one-on-one meetings to support student adjustment, goal-setting, and academic progress
• Held weekly office hours to provide guidance and connect students with campus resources

Peer Tutor - Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas

(2025-08)

• Provide individualized academic support for upper-level (300 level) psychology courses, focusing on study strategies and concept mastery
• Design personalized learning approaches tailored to diverse student needs
• Reinforce complex material through active learning techniques and structured review sessions

Student Technician - IT Help Desk Central, Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas

(2025-01 - 2025-05)

• Provide technical support across telephone, electronic mail, chat, and in-person platforms in a high-volume service environment
• Troubleshoot issues related to university systems including Net Identification authentication, Duo authentication, Microsoft Office 365, and Zoom
• Document and track technical issues to improve service efficiency and user support outcomes

College Staff Intern - Ozark Mission Project - Little Rock, Arkansas

(2025-05 - 2025-07)

• Directed and led multiple weekly teams of youth and adult volunteers in completing complex construction and accessibility projects within four-day timelines, managing workflow, delegation, and team cohesion
• Designed and oversaw the construction of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant wheelchair ramps and exterior home repairs, translating project needs into functional builds using raw materials and power tools
• Trained and supervised participants in safe and effective tool use while maintaining strict worksite safety standards and fostering leadership development among team members
• Redesigned and executed a record-breaking eighty-four-foot wheelchair ramp under budget and time constraints, recipient of the Adam Whiteman Award for outstanding leadership

Lead Roundtable Delegate - MSC Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA 71), Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas

(2026-02 - 2026-02)

• Led background research on intelligence-sharing within the Five Eyes alliance
• Directed early-stage project development, helping structure the group's analytical approach and policy framework
• Led editing and refinement of evidence-based final policy recommendations
• Served as lead presenter for final policy proposal
• Awarded Honorable Mention for both the Written Policy Paper and Oral Presentation

Roundtable Delegate - MSC Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA 70), Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas

(2025-02 - 2025-02)

• Collaborated on policy proposal addressing U.S. space security using DIME framework
• Conducted economic analysis of domestic and international space initiatives

Vice Chair; Women's Chair; Small Group Leader; Freshmen Outreach Leadership Team - Wesley Foundation, Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas

(2025-08)

• Elected to serve as Vice Chair, contributing to organizational leadership through strategic planning, team coordination, and development of large-scale initiatives
• Lead and facilitate both large-group (forty to sixty participants) and small-group settings, fostering engagement, mentorship, and community development
• Coordinate outreach and programming efforts for new students, strengthening recruitment, retention, and overall organizational involvement

Ranch Hand - Whistlestop Acres Ranch - Lyons, Texas

(2024-12)

• Maintain ranch facilities through cleaning, fencing, landscaping, and general upkeep
• Assist with construction, repairs, and equipment-based tasks including mowing and maintenance
• Support animal welfare through structured socialization and enrichment activities

Mission Trip Volunteer - First United Methodist Church Hurst - Multiple Locations

(2018 - 2024)

• Completed service projects including construction, painting, landscaping, and home restoration
• Built wheelchair ramps and contributed to disaster recovery and community improvement efforts
• Collaborated in team-based environments to complete physically demanding projects under time constraints

Bachelor of Science - Psychology - Texas A&M University (2027-05)

Minor - English - Texas A&M University (2027-05)

Certificate - Applied Behavioral Health - Texas A&M University (2027-05)