Harmony Switzer-Tryon ('26, Psychology)

Harmony Switzer-Tryon exemplifies the strength of resilience and the vision to transform adversity into opportunity. As a third-year Psychology major and McNair Scholar—a federal program that prepares underrepresented undergraduates for doctoral study—she has overcome life's challenges with determination. Choosing to stay connected to her roots in Humboldt, she has crafted a life rich in academic success, artistic expression, and community leadership.

Switzer-Tryon's journey is marked by impressive milestones, including leadership roles in the Psychology Club and Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, original research, and national and state conference presentations. With her sights set on a Ph.D., she envisions carving a path as a professor and researcher, inspiring those around her. She is driven, passionate, and resolutely focused on achieving her dreams.

"College isn't just about discovering who I want to be, it's about building a future for myself and my family," she says. "I'm determined to get ahead by asking the right questions and seizing every opportunity. Life is short, and I'm ready to work for it."

Powered by Purpose

"I've worked since I was in middle school—dishwashing, cashiering, construction. I knew I didn't want to do routine labor forever. I wanted an intellectually challenging career that also helps people. That's how I found psychology.

I'm fascinated by how early adversity shapes people. My McNair Scholar's project studied adults who were raised by narcissistic parents and found that those experiences correlated with lower emotional intelligence. I've presented this research at various conferences, like the 39th annual CSU Student Research Competition at Cal Poly Humboldt, where I won second place in my division for my research. I plan to publish it one day, and eventually, I want to become a professor—someone who teaches, leads a lab, and gives back to my community."

A Builder and an Artist

"Before college, I built my own home in a school bus. It took four years. I did everything. I designed and welded furniture, installed appliances and tile. I even built my own cabinets and cut my own marble counters. There were times when I laid on the floor and cried from frustration, but I kept going. It taught me patience, grit, and a lot of problem-solving.

I've been an artist my whole life, and I'm still a maker. I weld, paint, and create wood turned art. I've sold sculptures, had a grant-funded installation at Burning Man, and even made signs around town. My art brings me joy."

Thriving at Humboldt

"At Cal Poly Humboldt, I've had the chance to lead and grow in ways I wouldn't have at a different school. One of the best things about Humboldt is how easy it is to get involved. At a bigger school, it might take years to work in a lab or lead a club. Here, I jumped right in. I've been part of Psi Chi, the Psychology Club, Scholars of Academic Research, and Delta Phi Epsilon, and led the Aviation Club as president because I want to get my pilot's license someday.

I also work in Psychology Professor Gregg Gold's lab, where he's helped me design and present my research. He's taught me not just about research but also the unspoken rules of academia: how to navigate it all, understand the unwritten expectations, talk to faculty, and what to expect in professional situations. I didn't grow up learning any of this. His support, along with the support of my McNair and Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) mentors, has helped me see myself as a future professor, which has been pivotal to my growth and confidence as a scholar."