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SUNY New Paltz alumna Sonakshi “Sasha” Bansal ’25g (Psychological Science) sees research as more than merely gathering data and arriving at a result – in fact, she says, it’s “a metaphor for human life.”
“At its most basic level, research is about identifying a problem and finding a solution,” she said. “You may or may not get a satisfying result, but it’s about the journey that comes with reaching a conclusion.”
That passion, the researcher’s belief that the journey is the destination, fueled Bansal’s creation of a new digital educational resource called StatPsyched. Through workshops, courses, internships and one-on-one consultations, StatPsyched helps guide students through all phases of research, from learning how to conduct research to honing their statistical skills.
“While most students have a firm grasp on the different theories and branches of psychology, the components of research aren’t always as well-known,” she said. “I believe people want to learn more about how to navigate research, and StatPsyched is here to help them.”
The platform came together while Bansal was an undergraduate and continued as a student in SUNY New Paltz’s graduate program in Psychological Science, a research-intensive program with a strong emphasis on time spent in the lab and in the field.
"The Master of Science in Psychological Science program offers multiple avenues to develop a wide variety of research skills,” said Associate Professor Elizabeth Hirshorn. “These experiences give students great preparation for their next career moves.”
At New Paltz, Bansal immersed herself in research labs on Evolutionary Studies, Developmental Psychology and Qualitative Studies, exploring a variety of thought-provoking human behavioral topics. One capstone study, focused on culturally acceptable forms of self-harm like procrastination or overworking, became her master’s thesis in the months before graduation.
“I wanted a degree that was research-focused, and New Paltz was the perfect fit,” Bansal said. “I was like a sponge in each lab, soaking in so much information.”
While conducting her own studies and picking up mentorship experience as a teaching assistant, Bansal had ample opportunities to reflect on the process of research – including the barriers that might make it seem intimidating or out of reach for some students.
“Every great researcher began as a student. One of the things students struggle with when starting a research project, myself included, is where to start,” she said. “Gaining experience in different typs of research through the guidance of talented professors gave me a stronger understanding on how to design a study.”
That understanding was the seed of inspiration which allowed StatPsyched to blossom further.
“Sharing the roadmap to research with students in classes gave me clarity on how best to optimize the work I do with StatPsyched,” she said. “Now, if you pose any question on how to conduct your research, I can give you a plan within 10 seconds on what methods to use.”
The reception to Bansal’s tool has been extraordinary. StatPsyched has expanded to serve undergraduate and graduate students in nations like Dubai, Brazil, Canada, America, and Vietnam, after starting in her native country of India.
“The growth of StatPsyched speaks to how many people around the globe are in need of this consultation,” she said. “Research is a cornerstone of the development in any country and holds an integral role in higher education.”
Bansal now plans to apply what she learned at New Paltz to both StatPsyched and the next chapter in her academic career: a move back to India to pursue a doctorate in psychology.
“I want to build on my previous studies while continuing to be of service to students,” she said.
Click here to learn more about SUNY New Paltz’s Master of Science in Psychological Science program.
