Martyna Wasilewska

Hi everyone! My name is Martyna Wasilewska. I am currently pursuing my Master of
Arts in Psychology here at UNC Charlotte , specializing in cognitive science! I am a Research
Assistant at the Cognition and Interaction Laboratory, where I have been assisting with data
collection and management, as well as training undergraduates in our laboratory. My current
research explores the “intent vs. impact” of communication in sports, merging cognitive science
with sport psychology. I am incredibly passionate about understanding how we interact and
align with one another to build healthier, more supportive team environments.
Before moving to Charlotte , I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of
Central Florida with a Bachelor’s in Psychology (Clinical Track) and a minor in Fitness Training.
Moving to the U.S. from Poland as an international student-athlete—competing on an NCAA
Division I and national rowing team—has shaped me into the person I am today, and even
though I no longer train competitively, I still apply what I learned every day. Balancing a
demanding training schedule with academics taught me the true meaning of grit and resilience.
Beyond my athletic roots, I have also worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT),
providing therapy to autistic children from diverse cultural backgrounds, which has deeply
reinforced my commitment to advocacy, inclusivity, and a holistic approach to mental well-being.
In my first semester at Charlotte, I served as the Secretary of Health Affairs for the
Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG), where I advocated for graduate
student health policies, campus lactation spaces, and improved access to mental health
resources. I also helped in organizing the 2026 Graduate Research Symposium. I also
participated in the Graduate Life Ambassador (GLA) program, which paved the way for me to
become a Graduate Life Fellow (GLF). I would truly recommend being a GLA to any and every
Graduate Student, if only for staying updated on all the helpful and fun events. This year, I will
also be a part of the GPSG as the current Chief of Staff. Beyond this, when I am not buried in
datasets or student advocacy, you can usually find me staying active or fueling my creative side.
I am an avid weight lifter, runner, and hiker (always scouting out the next trail!), but I also love
slowing things down by drawing and painting or playing with my lovely dog!
As a GLF, my mission is to help you bridge the gap between academic survival and a
genuinely thriving lifestyle. You can think of me as your go-to resource for navigating grad
school funding and grants—especially for outside scholarships and tailored options for
international students facing unique funding barriers. I am also exploring peer initiatives,
including Graduate Workout Groups (with either easy-to-follow or high-intensity workouts for
students wanting a sweat-filled community), local hiking trips to Crowders Mountain, or shelter
volunteer days. Please let me know if one of these would be of most interest to you! I would also
love to help organize tailored mental health workshops with CAPS at the beginning of the
semester and around midterms, as well as aid in organizing socials, such as the Halloween
social, while blending in some traditional Polish games from Andrzejki (St. Andrew’s Day). I
can’t wait to connect with you all and make this year active, supportive, and incredibly fun!