Five-Minute Feature: Taylor Allen, Winter 2025 Graduate

Get to know the Empire State University community through these special-edition Five-Minute Features celebrating our Winter 2025 graduates. What makes Empire State University exceptional? The diverse stories, achievements, and dreams of the students crossing the stage. Five minutes—starting now! 

Meet graduate Taylor Allen, who is receiving a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis.  

How has your experience at Empire State University shaped who you are?   

SUNY Empire has made me more confident, focused, and resilient. It helped me discover my strengths and take control of my education and future. 

Who supported you on your educational journey? 

My advisor, Noor Syed, supported me throughout my entire program by offering consistent guidance, clear feedback, and encouragement at every stage. She helped me navigate coursework and stay focused when challenges came up. Her expertise and genuine investment in my success made a significant difference and helped me grow both academically and professionally. 

What are your future plans?   

My end goal is a position as a Behavior Specialist in a school setting where I can support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral growth. 

What kept you motivated as you pursued your degree? 

I stayed motivated by focusing on the future I wanted—both for myself and the people I hope to support in my career. I want to make sure every student has the support they need to be successful. 

What is a good resource for fellow students?   

The SUNY Empire library is an excellent resource because it provides access to research databases and e-books.