Julia McLawsen, PhD

08/11/2026

While some mentors train students, Dave Hansen builds communities. And this weekend, twenty years' worth of that community braved Nebraska's sweltering late July heat to say thank you 😂

Celebrating the incomparable Dave's retirement made clear just how many generations of psychologists he has shaped, not only through his scholarship and mentorship, but just as much through his kindness, his inclusivity, and his ability to build genuine community wherever he goes.

Twenty years after I arrived at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a starry-eyed grad student, I loved reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, celebrating Dave and his equally wonderful wife Mary Kay, and seeing just how far that community has reached 💓

Congratulations, Dave. We're grateful for everything you taught us, and we'll keep on paying finding ways to pay it forward.

06/04/2026

The longer I work as a forensic psychologist, the more I appreciate that our field depends on people investing in one another.

I certainly didn’t get to where I am today on my own. Throughout my education and career, generous and patient mentors shared their time, wisdom, encouragement, and much-needed reality checks. I’m grateful for opportunities to pay even a small part of that kindness forward.

As evidenced by this kind note and gift from a clinical/forensic psychology graduate student whom I’m fortunate to mentor, the future of forensic psychology is bright. And today, I’m feeling especially grateful to have a front-row seat 💞💖✨

05/04/2026

While a surprisingly polished version of me ended up on the cover, the real story is the collaboration behind it: the fabulous forensic psychologists who make FAST what it is, the talented editorial and photography teams who brought this piece to life, and April Votolato's inspiring art starring in the background.

📸 J. Garner Photography

An urban retreat located in the heart of Bellevue, Washington

04/18/2026

Turns out that if you stand very still and let professionals handle lighting, angles, and everything else, even a forensic psychologist can look almost… polished.

I'm still wrapping my head around the news that one of these will be a forthcoming magazine cover.

These images are a few of the many winners from a magazine photo shoot with the legendary 📸 J. Garner Photography. All painting credits go to April Votolato.

Sending so much gratitude to the team who made this such a fun experience.

Paintings: https://www.aprilvotolato.com

Photography: https://jgarnerphoto.com

03/17/2026

Exhibit A: Adorable terrarium ecosystems to improve ambiance and reduce existential dread.

Exhibit B: Subject demonstrating clear bias toward plant-based interventions.

Gratitude goes out to my patron saint, St. Planthony of The Plant Store, for the impeccable plant curation and for designing this iconic 🌿Plantifa🌿 shirt -- worn proudly (and, I'm told, historically) for the first time in-store 🫶

03/13/2026

❄️ The FAST pivot 🌨️

Today’s plan: Easy nonstop ✈️ from Seattle → Reno for the American Psychology-Law Society conference.

Today’s reality: cancelled flight, last-minute reroute through LAX, a snowy sprint to Sea-Tac… and a delay that meant the LA → Reno connection would’ve required a time warp 😵‍💫

I’m sad to miss tonight’s dinner with the Forensic Assessment Services Team followed by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Law & Psychology gathering, though grateful for the reminder that resilience and flexibility matter just as much in travel as they do in forensic work 🫶

12/02/2025

Gummy bears: The (formerly) secret habit of highly effective forensic report writers

11/23/2025

If you’ve been craving artwork that’s as beautiful as it is meaningful, now’s the time! April’s paintings are the kind you'll feel as much as you see. Code: THANKFUL for 10% off + free shipping.

April Votolato Original Art Abstract Painter and Grief Merchandise This Is Grief Product

11/21/2025

It doesn’t get any better than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ local music for a good cause! Here’s a way to boost Northwest Immigrant Rights Project on 12/19

10/13/2025

“How do you turn what is lost
into something worth it to carry on?”
- Suzzallo

This line from “Keep It Together” resonates with me, personally and professionally. As a forensic psychologist, I have the privilege of working with people who shoulder unbearable truths: finding moment-by-moment ways to keep it together, and sometimes even inching forward. Resilience doesn't erase loss; it teaches us how to hold it. And as we do, absence metamorphoses into a retextured presence we braid into our lives, carrying forward the legacy of what we loved.

And that, friends, is a huge part of why I felt proud to lift up Suzzallo’s message on their West Coast tour.