Allyson S. Hughes, PhD

Allyson S. Hughes is a former editorial fellow of Rehabilitation Psychology. At the end of her term, she was invited to be a consulting editor of the journal. We asked Allyson about her experience as an editorial fellow. In August 2026, Allyson was named an APA fellow, beginning January 2027.

Tell us a bit about your background and research interests.

I am an assistant professor and health psychologist at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, within the Department of Primary Care. My research is deeply committed to improving diabetes education for people with diabetes and disabilities, examining barriers to access, racial and ethnic disparities, technology design limitations, and lack of tailored diabetes education for people who are blind or have low vision.

How has the mentorship provided by this program been valuable to you?

The fellowship provided extensive opportunities for mentorship and conversations that allowed me to engage and think pragmatically about editorial decisions. Each journal has different standards and operating procedures, and gaining insight and one-on-one mentorship from the Rehabilitation Psychology team transformed how I think about peer review and editing. The value of this program is immeasurable for not only how I view my own writing but also how I evaluate writing from others.

Do you have any words of wisdom for early career researchers?

Seek mentorship from many perspectives and areas to continue developing not only your knowledge but also to contribute innovative science to the field. Find people who will cheer you on to apply for fellowships like this one and who will treat you equitably. You deserve it!

What next steps in your career has this program prepared you for?

I am thrilled that I was named an APA fellow through Division 38’s Society for Health Psychology. My fellow status begins January 2027. 

Note from APA: Fellow status is an honor bestowed upon APA members who have shown evidence of unusual and outstanding contributions or performance in the field of psychology. Fellow status requires that a person’s work has had a national impact on the field of psychology beyond a local, state, or regional level. Fellows are nominated by their division and reviewed by APA.