EPCHS Alum In The Spotlight: Imani Sykes, Class Of 2019

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — A graduate psychology student who recently successfully defended her research work credits the AP Psychology class at Evergreen Park Community High School for her success.

“What stands out to me most from my time at EPCHS is the unwavering support I received from the teachers and staff,” said Imani Sykes, a Villanova University student wrapping up her Master of Science degree in Psychology this spring.

Her AP Psychology class with Mr. Matt Kovacs is one that particularly comes to mind.

“My AP Psychology class was incredibly instrumental in getting me to where I am today,” Sykes said. “It was the one class where everything just seemed to click for me — I understood the material easily and genuinely enjoyed learning it. That was a new feeling, especially since I had struggled at times in subjects like math. It felt amazing to find something I excelled in, and that experience really solidified my desire to pursue psychology further.”

Sykes did just that, majoring in Psychology at the University of Missouri, where she graduated with honors in the spring of 2023. Now, as a graduate student at Villanova, Sykes uses psychological frameworks to study childbirth satisfaction — specifically within the context of Black maternal health and the disparities that exist in maternal care.

“So, in a full-circle way, that high school psych class truly sparked the passion that led me to the work I’m doing today,” she said.

In her role today, Sykes puts a focus on examining how childbirth satisfaction can serve as a strong predictor of postpartum depression, an area she says is often overlooked in current research.

“I use psychological frameworks to measure and understand birth satisfaction, a connection that traces back to my early exposure to psychology at EPCHS,” she said. “That class sparked my initial interest in how human behavior and mental health intersect, and it continues to influence the way I approach my work today.”

Mr. Kovacs’ class isn’t the only one that stands out nearly six years after her EPCHS graduation. Mrs. Harte (Algebra), Mr. Enstrom (History) and Mr. Schellenberger (Guidance Counselor) “all played such an important role in shaping my confidence and academic journey,” she said.

“Their encouragement, guidance, and genuine belief in me helped create the foundation for me to realize that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Having people who truly care and want to see you succeed makes all the difference, and I’m so grateful to have had that at EPCHS.”

Also involved in the newspaper club at EPCHS, Sykes said that experience “kind of sparked my interest in writing and made me realize that it was something I genuinely enjoyed doing,” pointing to the success of her recent thesis.

At Villanova, Sykes also serves as the vice president of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology for Villanova’s chapter, and as a graduate teaching assistant, helping lead discussions, giving guest lectures, grading assignments, and supporting undergraduate students in their coursework. She’s also an intern at the Breastfeeding Coalition in Philadelphia, where she helps facilitate maternal mental health workshops for expecting moms.

“These roles have really allowed me to grow not only as a researcher but also as a mentor and leader, further preparing me for the next chapter of my academic and professional journey,” she said.

After she earns her master’s next month, Sykes says she will continue on her educational path by attending the University of Maryland–College Park to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Health, with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health.

In the long term, she hopes to take her research centered around Black maternal health and childbirth satisfaction “and use those findings to inform policymakers.

“I’m really passionate about bridging the gap between research and real- world impact, and I’d love to contribute to initiatives that improve maternal healthcare systems and outcomes on a broader scale.”

Advice for Current EPCHS Students

“Don’t be afraid to dream big….even if your path looks different from what others expect. I’ve learned that your background, your identity, and even your struggles can become your greatest strengths. Take the time to discover what excites you, and once you find it, lean into it wholeheartedly. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, ask for help when you need it, and never underestimate the power of your own voice and perspective.

Whether you’re aiming to change the world or simply find your place in it, know that you’re capable of more than you think.”