For Krista Bebis, the path to graduation has been more than a checklist of courses, it’s been a deeply personal and rewarding journey fueled by curiosity, mentorship and a passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

A master’s student in Human Development and Family Science, Bebis will graduate this May with a clear vision for her future: pursuing a career in academia where she can inspire students, collaborate on meaningful research, and contribute to the growing field of developmental psychology. This fall, she will begin a doctoral program in Developmental Psychology at UC Riverside, a milestone she’s both excited and deeply grateful to the College of Education and Human Development for.

“I found such fulfillment in working on research projects during my time at the University of Nevada, Reno,” Bebis shares. “Whether conducting my own studies or collaborating with others, those experiences helped me realize how much I love asking questions that matter and working toward answers that can truly help people.”

That passion first came to life during her undergraduate years when she joined several research labs and discovered how impactful academic inquiry could be. In recognition of her exceptional undergraduate work, she earned the Nevada Undergraduate Research Award in 2021 and 2023.

As a graduate student, her interests became more focused, centering on early life development, caregiver-infant interactions, and the support systems that empower families. She was awarded a $10,000 Graduate Dean's Merit Scholarship to support her transition to graduate school. Most recently, she was recognized for her academic excellence with the College of Education & Human Development's Outstanding Master's Degree Student Award during the College's 2025 Spring Award Celebration.

One of the most pivotal moments in her graduate journey came through a course that unexpectedly sparked a lifelong interest. “Dr. Jen Mortensen’s Advanced Infancy course completely changed the game for me,” Bebis recalls. “It inspired me to join her research group, and since then, she’s been a steady source of encouragement and growth. She’s not only helped shape my research but also helped me believe in myself.”

Bebis’ research centers around nurturing early relationships, supporting caregivers facing life stressors or mental health challenges, and identifying practical ways to promote healthy infant development. Her ultimate goal is to produce research that can positively impact real families, offering insight, empathy and support.

“The Human Development and Family Science department has truly felt like home,” she says. “The sense of belonging, the faculty’s support, and the diversity of research topics all made me feel like I was in exactly the right place.”

Like many students balancing life, school and ambition, Bebis faced her share of adversity. But in those moments, she found strength not just in perseverance, but in connection. “I’ve learned that bouncing back doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine,” she says. “It means allowing yourself to feel the tough stuff, focusing on what you can control and leaning into your support system.”

That mindset, resilient, reflective and deeply human, is exactly what Bebis will carry with her into the next chapter of her academic and professional life. She hopes to one day return the same support and mentorship she’s received by guiding her own students and contributing to inclusive, family-centered research.

As she leaves the University, Bebis does so with gratitude for the people who believed in her and the opportunities that shaped her. Her story is a testament to the power of mentorship, passion-driven research, and what it means to truly grow, both in the classroom and beyond, that embodies the core values of The Wolf Pack Way.