
Graduating Spiders share their special memories and future plans
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Six members of the Class of 2025 reflect on their UR experiences.
Alicia “Ally” Martinez – School of Arts & Sciences

Hometown: New York City
Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Creative Writing
After-graduation plans: Pursue a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology at The George Washington University
What activities did you get involved in at UR?
For most of my time here, I worked for The Messenger, UR’s literary magazine. I served as a prose editor for three years and as treasurer since my junior year. I also worked at Boatwright Memorial Library since my first year and worked my way up to being the Lead Student.
What do you like to write about?
As a psychology and creative writing double major, I loved blending the two disciplines in my work. Poetry has always been a personal outlet for me to process experiences and explore emotions. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with collage poetry, using dense academic texts as source material and transforming them into something lyrical and surprising.
Did you study abroad?
While I didn’t do a traditional semester abroad, I had the incredible opportunity to intern in Brisbane, Australia, this past summer. I worked as a research assistant at the University of Queensland in Professor Eric Vanman’s lab. I spent the summer developing a study on emotional contagion through social media and learning how to collect psychophysiological data.
What will you miss about the University of Richmond?
The faculty. The mentorship and support I’ve received from my professors have shaped my academic path and who I am today. I’m especially grateful for Professors Adam Stanaland and Brian Henry, whose guidance has meant so much to me during my time here.
What is one thing you’ll remember about UR?
One of my favorite memories is sitting at the Greek Theatre with friends, just talking and playing Bananagrams. It may sound like a very simple memory, but it really was the understated, spontaneous moments of connection that defined my time here.
Meet some of our 2025 graduates




