Congratulations to Kaeyoor Joshi on being selected as the Student Spotlight Award winner for April 2025!
Kaeyoor was born and raised in India, where he completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in psychology at Maharaja University of Baroda. As a first-generation college student he faced significant challenges—but discovered ACT as a transformative support in navigating adversity. That personal connection to ACT continues to shape both his research and practice.
After working as a school counselor for three years in India, Kaeyoor moved to the United States, where he earned a specialist degree in school psychology and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His work focuses on applying ACT with youth and adolescents, particularly refugee students and youth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Since beginning his Ph.D. in 2020, Kaeyoor has dedicated his efforts to ACT-informed emotional regulation research, spending several months each year in India promoting ACT in schools. His collaborations have led to the translation of psychological measures and the adaptation of the DNA-V model for Indian contexts. These initiatives are helping expand awareness and use of ACT across western India.
Looking ahead, Kaeyoor aims to continue promoting ACT as a culturally responsive mental health tool in LMICs, supporting professionals and helping young people build resilience and thrive worldwide. Learn more here!