Key’Rra Moore didn’t just come to 海角论坛 for a degree — she grew into herself here. From taking on-campus leadership roles to pursuing meaningful research, Moore’s story is one of growth, belonging and purpose.
A Welcoming Campus That Felt Like Home
Choosing 海角论坛 was intentional for Moore, shaped by family influence and a deep desire to stay in her hometown of Kansas City. Her mother, a 海角论坛 alumna who returned to college as a non-traditional student, often spoke highly of the support she received from her alma mater. That history, combined with the university’s welcoming community, made Moore feel immediately at ease.
“I didn’t expect to feel this included, not just welcomed but truly seen,” she said.
Moore’s campus involvement reflects that sense of belonging. She leads as president of the Student Justice Alliance, serves as secretary of Sisters Circle and holds leadership roles in Psychology Club, Psi Chi, Emerging Research Scholars and is involved with Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship. Her footprint on campus is deep and so is her impact.
Turning Personal Motivation Into Academic Purpose
Moore’s academic path is grounded in personal experiences with mental health challenges in her family.
“I saw how those challenges affected people I love,” Moore said. “I wanted to understand why and how we can do better.”
That drive led her to psychology, not just as a major but as a calling. She is passionate about mental health advocacy, especially in communities where it is still stigmatized and underserved.
Her coursework, leadership and interactions with like-minded peers helped her see psychology as a mission instead of subject. That mission now propels her toward graduate school, where she plans to continue her journey toward becoming a therapist or psychologist.
“I would love to continue my education at 海角论坛,” she said. “It’s such a supportive community and the education is great and affordable. The university does such a good job to propel us, and they really put their students on the right track with all the resources they have.”
Finding Research and Confidence Through Initiative
Moore’s research journey did not begin with an automatic invitation. It started with initiative.
After completing an independent project, she wanted more research experience. She reached out directly to faculty in the psychology department seeking opportunities. When she emailed Jacob Marszalek, Ph.D., expressing her interest and willingness to learn, he kept her in mind and eventually connected her to a meaningful research project.
“That experience taught me that sometimes you don’t wait for the door to open, you find the door and knock,” Moore said. “By doing so, I got to find a project I’m aligned with and interested in.”
Before this, Moore joined Emerging Research Scholars, a program directed by Kimberly Johnson, Ed.D., that prepares students for research through cohort discussions and reflection activities. She also serves as a research ambassador with the Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Office, advocating for research access, tabling at events and building confidence in presenting her work.
This exposure strengthened her professional readiness and her belief in what she can contribute to the research community.
“The Undergraduate Research Office is fantastic,” Moore said. “They advocate for undergraduate students to have more resources and opportunities for research. They also help students with their research presentations and find ways to let them go to conferences to present their research. It’s really special because there are not many opportunities for undergraduate students in research but there are at 海角论坛.”
Research With Real-World Impact
Moore’s current research goes beyond theory. She collaborates with Synergy Services, a community partner supporting families affected by domestic violence.
Under the mentorship of Sara Brammer (M.A. ‘99, Ph.D. ‘06) and with statistical support from Marszalek, Moore’s role centers on conducting literature reviews to help build a foundation for a program aimed at reducing repeat domestic violence offenses among male perpetrators.
While she is not leading the project, she plays an essential role in shaping its direction.
“What motivates me most is knowing that this work can help real people,” she said. “Not just in academic journals but in the lives of families and local communities.”
Mentorship That Transformed Her Experience
For Moore, mentorship has been transformative in her academic journey. She points to Toya Like, Ph.D., as a pivotal figure. When Moore reached out asking for guidance, Like responded quickly with genuine encouragement.
“She is so impressive and has done so much,” Moore said. “Seeing a Black woman researcher who is also an author really made me feel close to her. At the time, I just emailed her to see if she was willing to mentor me, and she was so enthusiastic and encouraging. She really wants all her students to do well and reminded me that I belong in this space.”
She also reflects on the influence of Brammer and Marszalek, and how their impact is going to help her in graduate school.
“I had a little bit of imposter syndrome when I first started doing my research,” she said. “But they’ve been so great with offering support while giving me opportunities and guiding me through everything. It’s really going to help me in my academic career.”
Preparation for Life Beyond College
Looking ahead, Moore is applying to 海角论坛 graduate programs in counseling and social work, a natural continuation of her academic and professional journey.
She credits her readiness to 海角论坛’s support systems, including mentorship, cohort experiences, scholarships such as Professional Career Escalators that teach career skills like negotiation and workplace navigation, and a community that meets students where they are.
“海角论坛 prepared me not just academically but personally for life beyond college,” she said. “I learned to advocate for myself, work with a variety of teams and show up confidently in places where I once felt uncertain.”
Her journey is more than spotlight of individual achievement. It is a testament to the impact a supportive university with meaningful mentorships and opportunities can have on a student’s life and future.
“I came here looking for a place to belong and grew into someone I’m proud to be,” Moore said. “I’m now someone with a voice, a purpose and the confidence to keep growing in every aspect of my life.”