From Psychology to Storytelling: How USD Alumnus Zaki Alabdullah Uses Research to Shape Film

For Zaki Alabdullah ’17 (BA), studying psychology at the University of San Diego laid the foundation for a career that blends research, creativity and storytelling. Now a professional filmmaker, Alabdullah continues to draw on psychological principles to shape authentic characters and narratives.

One of the most influential courses during his time at USD was Research Methods with Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences Rebekah Wanic, PhD. “It taught me how to think critically about information, research and the world around me—skills I still rely on today as a global citizen,” he says. That emphasis on critical thinking remains central to how he evaluates ideas, both academically and creatively.

A final debate in his Evolutionary Psychology course further shaped his perspective. Tasked with defending positions he didn’t personally agree with, Alabdullah learned the importance of evidence over assumption. “That experience really opened my eyes to how complex the world is and how easy it is to fall into confirmation bias,” he reflects.

Hands-on research also left a lasting impression. While working on a honeybee research project at the UC San Diego Honeybee Lab, he experienced the impact of contributing to real science. “At the time, it felt like a field trip, but it was actually the first time I realized I was contributing to real scientific research—and that moment meant a lot to me,” he says.

After completing a master’s degree in psychology, Alabdullah realized his passion lay in expressing psychological ideas through art. “I realized that while I loved psychology, I was meant to express psychological ideas rather than study them strictly through research,” he explains. That insight led him to pursue an MFA in Film at Northwestern University, where his psychology background continues to inform his work.

Reflecting on his journey, Alabdullah encourages students to see psychology as a versatile foundation. “When psychology is combined with practical skills, hard work, resilience after setbacks and a willingness to keep learning long after graduation, it can lead to many different and fulfilling paths.”