What’s next for the Class of 2025: Catherine Cheng

Catherine Cheng (Photo by Adam Atkinson)

“What’s next for the Class of 2025” is a series that features Lafayette grads—where they’re headed, and the mentors, resources, and experiences that inspired their future path. Stay tuned for more stories throughout April and May.

By: Abby Miles ’25

Major/minor: Psychology, anthropology and sociology, with a minor in religious studies

Destination/future plans: Attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s Master in Forensic Mental Health Counseling program in Manhattan

Involvement on campus:

Catherine Cheng ’25 is president of the International Honor Society of Psychology chapter at Lafayette College, Psi Chi. The chapter conducts a variety of research focus talks, but her favorite events remain the movie nights. Furthering her involvement, Cheng is a member of the President’s Advisory Council, Pard PAC, where she helps in advocating for student wellness and inclusivity throughout campus. 

She also currently serves as president of OUT Lafayette, spearheading educational workshops such as Surviving the Holidays (a mental health initiative supporting LGBTQ+ students preparing to return home to potentially non-affirming environments), along with continuing annual club events such as Condom Bingo and Pride Drag Show. 

She supported research of the Gender-Based Violence Research Lab with Prof. Susan Hannan and Prof. Dana Cuomo. She worked with Hannon on her study “The Impact of Institutional Responses on Unwanted Sexual Experiences on Campus,” examining how students’ perception of institutional betrayal or support might change over time after an unwanted sexual experience on campus. The aim was to explore perceptions surrounding psychological outcomes, like PTSD and depression symptoms. 

She is furthering her research with Hannon outside of her time at the lab through an Advanced Resource course. Cheng describes the course as, “focusing on synthesizing empirical findings that establish the link between childhood sexual trauma and dissociation, while also exploring how dissociative patterns may interact with and inform the development of trauma-related nightmares.”

The mentors and experiences that mattered most:

Cheng notes the close bonds built at Lafayette College with peers, professors, and her partner. The human connections, more than other titles or accolades, defined her Lafayette experiences and shaped the woman she is today.

“Coming from years of home instruction due to a chronic illness, I entered college having experienced profound isolation,” Cheng says. “I had once feared that making meaningful connections might be out of reach for me. But Lafayette changed that.” 

From the first day on campus, the community welcomed her with open arms. This openness allowed her to grow into leadership roles, forge transformative relationships, and explore academic passion. 

She expresses gratitude for supportive and inspiring friendships, and professors who empowered her and provided a sense of belonging. Cheng also describes the importance of finding community at Lavender Lane. “Even meeting my long-term girlfriend (now a Lafayette alum) while living in Lavender Lane together is a reflection of how deeply this campus has impacted my personal life.”

Cheng says her professors and advisers were influential throughout her time at Lafayette. She notes Prof. Robert Blunt was critical in her work as a religious studies minor. Cheng actively looked to take more of his classes and learn from him, saying his teachings helped her to understand that what you study matters. 

Cheng says Blunt is the sole reason she has a religious studies minor. The deeper lessons in his class have taught her about critical thought, humanity, and culture—all of which will stay with her for life, she says.

She also notes gratitude for Prof. Abbey Mann, who became an influential professor and mentor. Cheng took nearly every class Mann teaches, noting her steady presence.

“Regardless of whether I was actively in one of her classes or not, she has remained a constant during my time at Lafayette, checking in on me academically and in terms of my involvement with the queer community.” 

Mann will award her the Lavender Celebration regalia in May.

Cheng credits Prof. Caroline Lee and Prof. Jennifer Talarico, both her major advisers, in her success. The enthusiasm in advising meetings and genuine interest in personal growth and academic success from both professors served as a constant reminder she was never navigating her journey at Lafayette alone.

“Each of these individuals helped me not only reach my goals, but also believe in my ability to surpass them.”