Meet the new faculty in the Marion Turpan College of Psychology and Counseling
Learn more about the new faculty members in the Marion Turpan College of Psychology and Counseling!
FDU: What do you see as the most pressing issue facing our world today?
Christina Christodoulou: I see today’s most pressing issue as the overabundance of easily accessible information — all begging to be consumed. In many situations, we no longer have to think critically or abstractly to gather data and form our opinions. Instead, we are surrounded by other people’ conclusions, and the world moves so quickly that we don’t get much time to evaluate them before the next notification comes through. We are constantly stimulated from all directions, and, because of this, speed of information retrieval has replaced depth of thinking.
This is problematic for everyone, but even more so for students who are building their identities while developing critical thinking skills. As a result, it is particularly important that educators help students slow down, question what they observe and intentionally focus on one issue at a time.
FDU: Who was your favorite teacher when you were a student?
CC: My favorite teacher is Jill Cermele. Cermele was my first psychology professor at Drew University and my advisor all through my undergraduate career. She is a world–class educator who is admired by every student that has the privilege of sitting in her classroom. On a personal level, my first thought when I met Jill was, “I want to be like her when I grow up.” She first saw me as a shy freshman and patiently encouraged me to come out of my shell and confidently share my ideas. She has been my strongest mentor from my freshman year seminar to stepping into a teaching role for the first time and all the way through defending my dissertation. I am so grateful to be able to learn from her and can only hope to be able to replicate the support and guidance she has given me with my own students.
FDU: What brought you to FDU?
CC: I was drawn to FDU by its mission to provide students with a personal and transformational education. From my own experience, I know just how impactful a close faculty mentorship can be in shaping a student’s identity and confidence, and I’ve always wanted to settle at an institution that genuinely values that personal touch. FDU offers expansive resources and connections while maintaining a supportive environment where professors invest in student success—and its beautiful campus and location were certainly a welcome bonus. I’m thrilled to join the community.
FDU: What excites you the most about clinical psychology?
Thomas DiBlasi: I love helping people. I consider myself very fortunate and privileged that clients allow me into their lives and give me the opportunity to help them shape their futures. Relatedly, working with students has offered me that same privilege, and I am grateful for their attention, passion and commitment to the field.
FDU: What is the best dish you can cook?
TD: Most of my family and friends would tell me that I cannot cook and the best “meal” I can make is hard boiled eggs (moved up from cereal). Also, my sense of portions tends to be off. I once made 13lbs of chicken cutlet parm and 2lbs of penne a la vodka for six adults and one four-year-old child.
FDU: What brought you to FDU?
TD: I am excited to be at an institution that is student-focused and cares about their employees. The leadership team seems to walk the walk and are person-centered.