Dr. Ahmar Zaman is a clinical and forensic psychologist and a professor at the University of Oregon. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2020 from the University of Detroit Mercy. He completed his Postdoctoral Fellowship in Adolescent Forensic and Addiction Psychology through the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in 2021.

Dr. Zaman has conducted forensic evaluations for juvenile justice courts in Detroit, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Rhode Island; and across the state of Oregon. He has extensive training in utilizing various assessment measures, addressing psycho-legal issues, providing diagnostic, educational, and mental health recommendations, and working with youth, young adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. He has also provided clinical and therapy services to adults and adolescents in justice and hospital settings. Dr. Zaman specializes in providing culturally sensitive care.

In his role as a professor, Dr. Zaman has taught undergraduate and graduate psychology courses and chaired many doctoral dissertations. Previously, he served as the Director of the Forensic Emphasis and Director of Clinical Training for the Psy.D. Clinical Psychology program at Pacific University. Dr. Zaman is currently an assistant teaching professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Oregon. He teaches undergraduate courses on psychopathology and forensic psychology and teaches doctoral clinical psychology students courses on psychological assessments. Dr. Zaman was the 2024 recipient of the Majorie Taylor Art of Teaching Award.

Dr. Zaman has a passion for teaching and mentoring. He has worked individually with undergraduate students and successfully helped them navigate career options in the mental health field and apply to graduate programs in clinical and forensic psychology. Dr. Zaman has also mentored and advised numerous doctoral clinical psychology students through the Internship/Residency and Postdoctoral Fellowship processes. His doctoral students have been very successful in obtaining internships/residencies and postdoctoral fellowships at many of the most renowned forensic psychology training institutions across the United States.

Dr. Zaman is dedicated to advocacy in the areas of criminal justice, mental health, education, and social justice. Dr. Zaman has been published in the Washington Post and Portland Tribune. He has presented research and provided presentations to local community organizations and through national organizations, such as: American Psychological Association, American Psychology-Law Society, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, and Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice. Dr. Zaman serves as Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee for the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and serves on the Teaching, Training, and Careers Committee for the American Psychology-Law Society.

Ilisa Norman, B.A. - Clinical Psychology Doctoral Practicum Student

Ilisa Norman is a doctoral student in Pacific University's Clinical Psychology PsyD program, specializing in Child Psychology. She holds dual B.A. degrees from the University of Texas at Austin—one in Psychology with a minor in Educational Psychology, and the other in Plan II Honors. Her undergraduate thesis, "The Uses and Misuses of the Term Narcissism: An Inquiry into the Meaning of Narcissism in Contemporary American Society," reflects her early interest in the intersection of psychological theory and cultural discourse.

Ilisa brings a strong foundation in psychological assessment and forensic work. Her prior assessment experience includes work at the Pacific Psychology and Comprehensive Health Clinic and in the Vernonia School District. Ilisa also serves as a teaching assistant for a doctoral-level child assessment course, further deepening her expertise in developmental assessment. Before entering graduate school, Ilisa spent three years delivering intensive direct care in a residential treatment center for foster youth with severe emotional and behavioral challenges. She also worked alongside forensic psychologists and psychiatrists, gaining exposure to criminal, civil, and family court cases. Ilisa is committed to advancing her training at the intersection of child psychology and the legal system, with a focus on promoting equity and developmentally informed care for vulnerable youth.

Giselle Westerdahl, B.A. - Psycholegal Support Intern

Giselle Westerdahl graduated from the University of Oregon’s Clark Honors College with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Ethics. During her time there, she developed a strong interest in forensic psychology, which culminated in her Honors Thesis, “An Evaluation of Juvenile Competency to Stand Trial Within the United States Justice System.”

Her research on juvenile competency sparked a deep commitment to improving outcomes for justice-involved youth. Looking ahead, Giselle aims to advance juvenile justice through research that informs policy and supports meaningful legislative reform.