Born and raised in Chicago, Daisy Galan has always been drawn to understanding people and the systems that shape their lives. After completing her undergraduate degree in psychology at 56Թ, she returned nearly a decade later to pursue graduate studies. This time, she enrolled in 56Թ’s dual degree program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a Master's in Business Administration.
The dual degree program was a key factor in choosing to return to 56Թ. “Honestly, it was the dual master’s,” Galan explained. “I’m doing a double Master’s in IO Psychology and Business Administration at the same time, and that was one of the major reasons why I decided to go to 56Թ. But I think I enjoyed my undergrad experience so much that… it was just easy for me to say, ‘let me look at 56Թ.’” Financial aid also played a role in her choice: “Compared to all the other schools, 56Թ offered me scholarship money for undergraduate school. Plus, 56Թ was a lot more diverse. I saw myself at 56Թ.”
Galan’s years in the workforce informed her passion for IO Psychology. “No matter where I worked—Payless, Cook County, American Airlines, the University of Chicago—there’s always things that could be done better, not just from a processes place, but from a human place,” she said. “It’s important to take a step back and try to fix things.”
At 56Թ, her professors have been central to her graduate experience. “What makes the IO Psychology program at 56Թ so special would be the diversity of our professors, for sure, hands down,” Galan said. “They have very different ways of approaching the material and teaching us, and I love that, because you’re not just taught to think in one way.” She credits program Director Dr. Lynise Carr for taking time after class to talk through her concerns and point her toward MBA courses that might inspire new directions. She describes Dr. Adrian Thomas as an advocate whose classes create a safe space to discuss real-world issues, and she praises Dr. Mike Helford for building student confidence in statistics. “Dr. Helford builds your confidence so much that… I would leave his class and feel energized, ready to study, or do homework, anything really.’” Dr. Michele Fernandes, meanwhile, challenges students with high expectations in advanced research methods. “She sets a very high bar. Her way of teaching pushes you to be better.”
Support outside the classroom has also been key. Galan highlighted her academic advisor, Sydnee Palade: “She’s very sweet, very easygoing—it’s like you’re chatting with a friend when she’s helping you pick out your classes.” That sense of accessibility and encouragement from both professors and staff, she said, has helped her feel supported throughout her studies.
Her classmates, too, have been an anchor. With only about a dozen students in her cohort, Galan describes a close-knit group that studies together, shares resources, and even attends social events like a Halloween haunted house outing. “We text each other sometimes when we’re stressed out, or when we have to study, or just to vent. We’re pretty close,” she said.
Looking ahead, Galan hopes to pursue consulting. “I think that’s where I would get the most experience—helping different companies with issues, helping different departments with issues,” she said. She also dreams of traveling to see how organizations operate across different industries and cultures.
For students considering the program, her advice is enthusiastic and simple: “Come for the professors. It genuinely feels tightly knit and supportive. And honestly, it’s beautiful going to school downtown. The professors are amazing, so why not?”
