By Jonah Grinkewitz
At Old Dominion University, students can access research opportunities from the start of their Monarch experience.
For Kaytlin Armitage, those opportunities ignited what she hopes will be a lifelong passion for research and real-world applications to help others.
“I was here when we got the designation of a Research 1 institution, and that made me really proud because I was doing research at Old Dominion University,” she said.
After completing her associate degree at Tidewater Community College, the Virginia Beach resident transferred to Old Dominion University to pursue her bachelor’s degree in psychology.
She knew that research experience as an undergraduate student would set her apart when applying for master’s and doctoral programs. She asked her professor, Sage Hawn, Ph.D., how she could get involved.
Dr. Hawn, director of the Hawn Trauma, Resilience and Comorbidities Lab, invited Kaytlin to join the research team that was focused on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related factors.
“I have had the pleasure of working with many talented students, and Kaytlin easily stands out as one of the most exceptional undergraduates I have taught and mentored,” Dr. Hawn said.
In addition to leading four independent research projects at the lab, Kaytlin pursued a thesis through the Perry Honors College focused on the relationship between autistic traits and PTSD. Kaytlin also balanced multiple jobs — including substitute teaching for Virginia Beach City Public Schools and serving as a member of the Virginia Army National Guard.
“Throughout all of this, she has been a conscientious, warm and collegial presence — thoughtful in her communication, generous with her peers and a genuine pleasure to mentor,” said Dr. Hawn. “She represents the very best of Old Dominion University’s undergraduate scholars.”
In December 2025, Kaytlin earned her bachelor’s degree and graduated as the Outstanding Scholar for the College of Sciences. Now, she will soon continue her education and research through Old Dominion University’s clinical psychology program to pursue her master’s and Ph.D.
Kaytlin hopes to complete what she calls the “trifecta” of being a professor, conducting research and having a clinical practice on the side.
Her main motivation for research is seeing the life changing impact it can have on people living with psychological disorders.
“We can think all we want about these things that happen in our brains, but unless we have the empirical evidence to show it, it’s just a thought that you have,” Kaytlin said.
Kaytlin’s journey is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when curiosity meets opportunity. At Old Dominion University, she found more than a place to learn – she found a community that recognized her potential, supported her research ambitions and gave her the tools to succeed.
As she pursues her master’s and then doctoral degree, Kaytlin serves as an inspiration for first-year Monarchs that research is not reserved for later — it begins the moment you are ready to ask the big questions.