Name: Hiranmayi Sreenivas | Institution: Avila University | Course: Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (Mental Health Track) | Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Key Highlights
- Second international degree: After completing a postgraduate degree at Brunel University London, Hiranmayi is now pursuing an MSc in Clinical Psychology (Mental Health Track) at Avila University.
- Research-focused learner: Building expertise through coursework in cognitive psychology, literature reviews, research presentations, and academic discussions on behavioural health, addiction, and public health.
- Career in mental health research: Plans to pursue a PhD in Behavioural Science or Public Health, with research interests centred on addiction recovery, mental health, and behavioural interventions.
- Global perspective: Studied in both the UK and the US, choosing Avila University for its personalised learning environment, supportive faculty, and opportunities to develop as a researcher.
When Hiranmayi Sreenivas began her master’s at Avila University in Kansas City, the subject that intimidated her most wasn’t clinical psychology but research methods and statistics. What initially felt overwhelming gradually became a lesson in resilience. Stepping outside her comfort zone helped her grow into a more confident and independent learner.
“Avila University stood out for me because of its personalized learning environment and the encouragement students receive from professors,” Hiranmayi tells The Global Indian.
Joining Avila University
Hiranmayi applied in early 2024, submitting her academic transcripts, English proficiency scores, recommendation letters, and statement of purpose.
“I received my admission offer a few weeks later, completed my visa process, and joined the Fall 2024 intake,” says Hiranmayi, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (Mental Health Track).
Hiranmayi Sreenivas with a friend
A warm welcome
Landing in the United States was both exciting and emotional. Everything felt new, from navigating the airport to adapting to a different culture and daily routine. “My first day at Avila University was welcoming, and I immediately noticed how approachable the faculty and students were.”
Like many international students, Hiranmayi dealt with homesickness, cultural adjustment, financial management, and adapting to a different academic system. With time, those initial challenges became stepping stones in her journey. The university’s multicultural campus brings together students from across the world, making classroom discussions engaging and diverse.
Learning beyond the classroom
“A typical day includes lectures, discussions, reading research articles, group work, and practical assignments,” says Hiranmayi, adding that the university encourages curiosity, independent thinking, and applying psychology to real-world situations.
Spread across a 50-acre campus near the Missouri-Kansas border, Avila University has 13 buildings, including four residence halls, a library, theatre, student union, fieldhouse, and academic facilities.
Building research skills
At Avila, Hiranmayi has participated in research webinars and academic discussions on behavioural health, addiction, and public health. Her coursework includes literature reviews, research presentations, and cognitive psychology laboratory exercises.
“These experiences have strengthened my interest in pursuing research focused on mental health and substance use recovery.” Beyond academics, she attends university events and networking sessions, reads psychology literature, works on developing her research skills, and stays connected with faculty members. Regular workouts have also become an important part of her routine.
The programme, she says, has deepened her understanding of psychology while strengthening her critical thinking, communication, and research abilities. These skills, she believes, will prepare her well for pursuing a PhD.
Hiranmayi plans to pursue a PhD in Behavioural Science or Public Health in the United States. “My research interests focus on addiction recovery, mental health, and behavioural interventions,” she says, hoping her work will improve treatment outcomes and contribute to public health policy in both India and the United States.
“My ultimate goal is to become a researcher and academic working in mental health and addiction recovery, contributing to evidence-based research that creates a positive impact on society.”
Hiranmayi Sreenivas with a fellow student at the Avila University
A second international degree
Studying abroad was not a new experience for Hiranmayi. Before joining Avila University, she completed a postgraduate degree at Brunel University of London, a campus-based institution known for its international outlook, strong graduate outcomes, and industry-integrated programmes.
“While exploring my options for further study, I considered several universities in the UK and the US. I wanted a programme that offered a strong academic foundation, supportive faculty, smaller class sizes, and opportunities to grow as a researcher.”
An unforgettable London experience
One memorable experience from her time in London came through an organisation she discovered on Instagram called Seed Talks.
She attended one of its public sessions held at a local bar. “The discussion explored dream psychology and the emerging research around psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and mental health. It was fascinating to see scientific topics being discussed in such an accessible way.”
Hiranmayi during her days in London, UK
Growing up in Andhra Pradesh
Born in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, Hiranmayi grew up in a family that valued education and learning. Her father served in the Indian Air Force before moving into the healthcare sector. “My mother has always been my biggest source of encouragement.” Alongside academics, she developed interests in dance, fitness, music, psychology, and understanding human behaviour.
Although emotional about her moving abroad, her family encouraged her to pursue opportunities that would help her grow. “They always encouraged me to pursue opportunities that would help me grow personally and professionally. Their constant support and belief in me gave me the confidence to study abroad and follow my dreams,” she says.
Life outside academics
Student life at Avila is vibrant, with more than 40 student organisations offering opportunities to engage beyond academics.
Weekends are reserved for cafés, exploring new places, exercising, reading psychology and neuroscience books, listening to music, dancing, and meditation. “I also spend time reading research papers or attending webinars to continue learning outside the classroom,” she signs off.
