Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, PhD

Why did you pursue a career focusing on adolescent / young adult health?

I wanted to focus on adolescent health since I was an adolescent myself.  In middle and high school, several of my peers really struggled with depression, substances, school, and other issues. I was always the one to whom my peers came to ask questions and get advice, and I naturally found myself answering their questions. To me, becoming a developmental psychologist focusing on adolescent and young adult health, especially on substance use, seemed and continues to seem like a natural extension of what I did as a teen myself.

What is a challenge you experienced in pursuing your career?

Early on, when my children were little, it was challenging to balance work and family. I never felt good enough in either space, always felt guilty, and was terrible at asking for help.  I learned to talk to my children and explain what I was doing and why it was important, so that they were a part of my career rather than separate.  They really appreciated that I was doing something to help their peers, and often gave me advice on what I should study or what risk behaviors I should prevent.   

What is the most fulfilling part of your work? 

That is a tough question as I love so much of what I do.

I am very fulfilled when one of my mentees, especially a high school or college student, enjoys research. Enjoys learning and asking questions or searching for the truth. Whether or not that student decides to continue in the sciences or in medicine, I know that they have a better appreciation for what we do. I am also super fulfilled when I reach another young person or their teachers in helping them better understand about vaping, or other substance use, and when they decide not to use drugs, or to quit, as a result of my REACH Lab’s preventions or interventions. That makes my heart happy. 

What strategies do you use to maintain your own well-being?

As my husband and I often say, you need "structured work, and structured play."  You really do need to remind yourself to have some fun. For me, that includes spending time with my family, going hiking, cooking, going to see the Warriors (go Dubs!), exercising, or reading. 

What advice would you give someone starting in the field? 

Talk! Talk to your peers, advisors, division chief, family, anyone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it is for your clinical work, research, work-life “balance” (and remember, it is never a perfect balance), deciding whether or not to take on a new responsibility, or anything else.  You are not alone in starting in your field. We were all there at some point, and are willing and able to help!  

Also, enjoy!  Find the joy in what you do and find what you enjoy most that you want to pursue.