A Q&A with Psychology, Music and Statistics Major Lucas Bellaiche

Lucas Bellaiche 
Undergraduate Majoring in Psychology, Music and Statistics

In this conversation, Bellaiche talks about his love blending multiple fields of research and trying new things, how studying abroad can open up a world of new possibilities and adventures, how he hopes to one day work in the field of music information retrieval, and how running with his father and Goldendoodle is a weekend tradition.

Q: Tell us a little about your academic passions, research and/or what you’re studying within the college. What excites you about this?

I am majoring in psychology, music and statistics, researching with Dr. Elizabeth Margulis on how music affects the brain and human psychology.

Specifically, I look into cross-cultural cognitive processes underlying the formation of stories that occur while listening to music, including what musical elements (e.g., timbre, tempo, cultural relativity) affect the creation of these stories.

This area of research in psychology is quickly developing and is extremely interesting to me – the fact that Fulbright College and the psychology and music departments offer such a specific, yet intriguing field of research is incredible.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

This is my third semester at Fulbright College. I started as a solely a psychology major, but upon discovering all of the opportunities available, my interests have grown into the three majors I currently pursue under Fulbright College.

My favorite part about Fulbright College are the legitimate bonds between myself and the professors in all departments, as well as the availability of such interesting research.

In addition, the Sturgis Fellowship, offered through Fulbright Honors, has helped me realize my passions by funding music equipment and study abroad opportunities, including my most recent study abroad trips to Barcelona over the summer and to Sicily over the winter intersession.

Q: What has your favorite class been so far and why?

I have sincerely enjoyed every class I have taken since the beginning of my time in college.

Within my music major, my favorite course has been saxophone studio. I am able to refine my saxophone skills with a fantastic professor (shout-out to Dr. Troiano), but more than that, I am part of a very tight-knit group of students that share common interests and musical goals.

Within psychology, I loved abnormal psychology. It provided an objective approach to mental diseases, breaking down social stigma and allowing for open discussion of issues that face or affect everyone. This course was especially relevant to me, as I plan on applying clinical approaches from my music-psychology research through music therapy.

Lastly, within the math department, my favorite course has been statistics methods, as this was the first time I was able to combine statistical analysis with real-world examples through computer coding. I am taking a colloquia next semester, however, entitled “Brain and Music” that will probably be the most interesting class I will have taken, as it will cover topics that are exactly what I wish to pursue as a career.

Q: What advice would you give to new students about to join the college?

Take advantage of the amazing opportunities this college and the university in general offer.

I am a member of the Society of Physics Students, I am going on a trip to Sicily through the Honors Passport program studying art and archaeology, while also taking classes ranging from saxophone to religious studies to Spanish.

There are so many opportunities, so never limit yourself to one sole field!

The best way to have the most fun across all of these opportunities is to form bonds with students from all kinds of majors, professors in all departments, and other faculty members that will assist you throughout your years at Fulbright College.

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

Outside of academics, I have a wide variety of interests.

I recently finished a collection of medieval poems (surprisingly, not for a class assignment) from the recommendation of an English professor here.

I also read books, watch lots of movies across multiple genres, play tennis, and make music through computer software.

I try to run with my father, a physics professor here at the U of A, and our Goldendoodle every weekend too (see the included photo of him)!

In addition, one of my greatest life passions is traveling the world, so I plan on doing as many study-abroad experiences and conferences as possible!

Q: When do you anticipate graduating, and what’s up next on the horizon for you?

I anticipate graduating in spring of 2021, so while I do have some time, I’m excited to explore academic fields and interests in the remaining semesters I have here, as well as take advantage of the Sturgis Fellowship and study abroad as much as possible.

Following graduation, I plan on attending graduate school following the same music-psychology research. This is a field of great interest in countries like Canada and Germany, so we’ll see where it takes me!

In the end, I hope to either work in the field of Music Information Retrieval for private companies like Spotify or Google (deducing your musical interests through your playlists!) or become a professor and continue research in a more academic setting with clinical applications.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know?

If I’m being honest, I was not sure the University of Arkansas was the right fit for me at first. I see now, however, that there are incredible people here, with even more opportunities available to meet everyone’s interests than I thought.

I’m glad I made the right choice, and any prospective and current Fulbright College student should absolutely go for it, whether it be taking that one Intro to Judaism course or studying abroad in India for a summer.

In addition, as part of my “take advantage of all opportunities” motto, everyone should try to study abroad at least once. It opens up a world of new possibilities.

While in Barcelona, I ran into a local, fiery celebration called the “correfoc” (Catalan for “fire run”) in a town square (see included photo).

Your eyes truly open to the world around you when you just go for it!

Thank you to all the professors and faculty members that have helped me so far, especially Dr. Elizabeth Margulis, Ms. Jill Wheeler and Dr. Eric Troiano.