Aniya McFadden, BS, was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. From an early age, she has been observant and deeply interested in the nature of people, particularly their emotions, behaviors, and how life experiences shape who individuals become. Her interest in psychology began in high school after taking an AP Psychology course and has continued to grow ever since.

Aniya earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from North Carolina Central University, where she was a Cheatham-White Scholar. She also began her Master of Science program in Clinical Psychology at NCCU through an advanced program that allowed her to complete her first year of graduate coursework during her final year of undergraduate study. Throughout her academic career, Aniya has developed a strong interest in sports psychology, which is reflected in her current research examining athletic identity, conformity to masculine norms, and emotional suppression in athletes. She expects to graduate in December 2026 and hopes to pursue a doctoral degree and work as a psychologist for a major sports team in the future.

Along with school, Aniya also currently works as a Registered Behavior Technician at an autism clinic in Cary, NC. In her free time, Aniya enjoys cooking, doing hair and makeup, and hosting gatherings with friends.