Natalie Portman inspires 'Stranger Things' Gabriella Pizzolo to pursue psychology degree

Stranger Things star Gabriella Pizzolo shared that Natalie Portman inspired her to embark on a psychology degree.

At age 23, Pizzolo, known for her role as fan-favorite Suzie Bingham on the Netflix sci-fi hit, recently connected with PEOPLE at the Broadway debut of Beaches in New York City on April 22.

During the chat, the actress revealed she holds two college diplomas.

“I hold a degree in psychology and music,” she mentioned, before noting that Portman, 44, influenced her decision to study psychology.

“I recall deliberating on what to pursue academically when I discovered Natalie Portman studied psychology, a field outside conventional drama,” Pizzolo recounted.

“And I thought, ‘That’s genuinely clever.’ It's a route alternative to drama and theatre, yet one still learns extensively about individuals and their interactions,” she detailed.

Portman attended Harvard University from 1999 to 2003 while juggling her role in several Star Wars movies during breaks.

Pizzolo also mentioned she sustained her acting career while attending college.

“I was constantly filming during nighttime and attending classes during the day. I think the most rewarding aspect was doing it all on campus instead of remotely,” she elaborated.

Pizzolo expressed that living on campus broadened her exposure to various people and experiences she might not have encountered if she had focused solely on acting.

“I was able to meet new people whom I wouldn't have met otherwise, and they shared their experiences with me while I was exploring and doing all those things,” she expressed.

“I feel like following a ‘Suzie’ path by going to school mirrors my character's experience as others save the world, facing challenges with demogorgons and such,” she added, referencing her academically inclined character on Stranger Things.

Pizzolo additionally relayed to PEOPLE that she continues to maintain contact with multiple former Stranger Things cast members since the show concluded — an experience she describes as “wonderful.”

“I've connected with folks from the show, and it's been fantastic to reunite and reflect on it all after the show wrapped up, remaining as friends who aren’t on the same series anymore but still share that bond,” she explained.

She also mentioned that she and Gaten Matarazzo, who portrayed her on-screen romantic interest Dustin in the series, “are in regular conversation.”

“He's delving into theater now, making it incredibly exciting to witness,” she remarked.