Meet the Alumni: Bill Kanasky
Program/Year
of graduation: Ph.D., Clinical and Health Psychology, 2003
What I’m doing now: I am a Litigation Consultant (a.k.a. “Jury Consultant”) in Chicago IL, the greatest city in the world. I am an expert in analyzing and predicting jury decision-making. While challenging and difficult, it has turned out to be a very rewarding career choice that never has a dull moment. I usually consult on cases in which millions, or sometimes even billions, of dollars are at stake. When I am not working, I am spending time with the family, and watching “da Bears, da Bulls, da Cubs…etc.”
My favorite UF memories: Bringing my newborn son (Billy) into the Clinical Psychology department so all the students and faculty could meet him. I also enjoyed throwing parties with my classmates — we were a very fun group of soon-to-be psychologists.
My least favorite UF memory: September 11, 2001. I was teaching in the Health Science program and had to tell 65 UF undergraduate students that terrorists had hijacked planes, crashed them into the World Trade Center, and killed thousands of people. I had just learned of the news myself 15 minutes before that, and the students had no idea.
Best lesson learned at UF: Don’t beat yourself up for making mistakes…as mistakes are normal. In fact, they are critical for personal and professional growth. However, if you make the same mistakes repeatedly…then yes, you should beat yourself up…repeatedly.
People would be surprised to know: That I eventually want to become a radio talk show host in my next career. I love to talk, listen, solve problems, and make people laugh.
Family: My wife (Kim) and I have been married 10 years, and our son (Billy) is in kindergarten.
