From Research to the FBI: Chloe Powell's journey from USCA to a career in behavioral analysis

Chloe Powell’s decision to attend the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) was rooted in a deep interest in psychology and the school’s strong program in the field. “I had heard so many great things from alumni and online, and it was close to home,” Powell explained.

Little did she know, her time at USCA would lead to groundbreaking research, an internship with the FBI, and a future dedicated to behavioral analysis and criminal justice.

Powell will graduate this December with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. But her aspirations don’t stop there. She aims to pursue a PhD and one day contribute to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Behavioral Analysis Unit.

A native of North Augusta, Powell enrolled at USCA in 2021, eager to dive deeper into her passion for understanding human behavior. Her academic journey became even more rewarding when she was selected as one of only seven students to receive the prestigious Magellan Scholar Award in the Fall of 2023, which funded her independent research project on how clothing color and skin tone influence perceptions of aggression and criminality.

“Dr. Pazda’s class inspired me to explore this idea,” Powell shared, referring to Dr. Adam Pazda, an associate professor at USCA. Powell’s project, titled The Black Clothing Effect and Perceptions of Aggression: Impacts of Gender and Race, tested the hypothesis that people may judge someone as more aggressive or guilty based on their clothing or skin tone.

The research, which involved altering images of two men wearing different colored shirts, found that skin tone had less of an impact on judgments than expected. Powell plans to present her findings in the future, with hopes of publishing her work.

But Powell didn’t stop at research. This past summer, she seized an opportunity to intern with the FBI, a dream she had long harbored. “I applied online and was fortunate enough to be one of the 200 selected from over a thousand applicants,” Powell said. The internship gave her the chance to witness the inner workings of the criminal justice system, contributing to real cases and helping with data analysis.

Throughout the experience, Powell’s passion for criminal justice only deepened. “I want to make a difference in children’s lives, especially those who are victims of violence. I also want to fight for fairness for those who’ve been wrongfully convicted,” she reflected.

In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Powell is a member of USCA’s Honors Program, where she had the chance to explore new interests, like Tai Chi. “I never would have thought to try Tai Chi if it weren’t for the Honors Program,” she laughed.

When it comes to what she’ll miss most about being a Pacer, Powell is quick to mention the supportive faculty, particularly in the psychology department. “They’ve been incredibly encouraging, and I’m so grateful for them,” she said. “I hope to come back and visit someday.”

Powell, along with her graduating classmates, will participate in the Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. the USCA Convocation Center located at 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, SC 29829.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.