Miami University is now accepting applications for their third annual Diversifying Psychology Weekend being held virtually, May 1st, 2021. This weekend is designed to help students from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds learn more about research and graduate school in psychology, prepare to apply for a doctorate in psychology, network with graduate students and faculty, and learn more about what their department has to offer. The event is supported by Miami University’s Psychology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, and Graduate School, and Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion. Students who are early in their college careers and/or who are less familiar with doctoral degrees in psychology are encouraged to apply.
To receive full consideration, successful applicants should:
Demonstrate a strong interest in learning more about a doctoral degree in the following areas of psychology: clinical, cognitive, community, developmental, social, or neuroscience.
Identify as a racial or ethnic minority traditionally underrepresented in psychological science AND/OR identify as an individual who will enhance the diversity and inclusivity of psychological science. Examples include (but are not limited to): first-generation college students, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, individuals from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, etc.
To apply, follow this link. Applications are due April 7th, 2021.
More information about their psychology department can be found here.
A current Psychology student at Roanoke College, Grace Page, is completing an internship with Thriving Families Counseling, so we decided to highlight this local organization and share her experience and story. Thriving Families Counseling is a counseling center that provides services for adults, children, and adolescents.
Their services include individual, family, and group counseling sessions, and creative therapeutic modalities to address psychological distress (such as depression or anxiety), substance abuse, stress, family problems, grief, and much more.
The mission statement for Thriving Families Counseling (TFC) is: “to provide support, encouragement, compassion, and unconditional positive regard to adults, children, adolescents, and families while guiding them to find their inner resources and true Selves so that they may heal, grow, and learn to thrive in life”.
Grace Page is the first undergraduate intern TFC has ever had and sets a great example of how students can seek out engaging opportunities in the Roanoke Community. Grace had previously been a part of Roanoke’s Career Services’ Maroon Mentor program, and her mentor happened to work at TFC. After getting to know the Mentor, she was able to talk to her boss to work out an internship for Grace, creating the position based on Roanoke’s internship criteria.
“My favorite part about doing an internship is getting real-life experience working with someone in a position I hope to be in someday in the future.” – Grace Page
While TFC may not have other positions available for students, Grace sets an amazing example of what can happen when students step outside of their comfort zone a bit and independently search for meaningful opportunities. If struggling to find a place to start, students can always reach out to faculty members or the department’s head of internships, Dr. Findley-Van Nostrand.
Congratulations to Alumnae Alex DiFelice ’17 and Dr. Powell on their recent publishing in the Journal of Sport Behavior, titled “Self-Efficacy of Female Youth Athletes in An Intensive Training Camp”. This paper is based on DiFelices’ Honor in the Major Project and specifically, examined how sport-specific self-efficacy, as well as sources of sport-specific self-efficacy, changes post attending an intensive training camp. They found that intensive training camps are in fact effective for increasing both sport-specific self-efficacy, as well as sources of self-efficacy. For more information refer to the graphic below, and once again congratulations to DeFelice ’17 and to Dr. Powell for their recent publication!
Hopefully, this is not the case for you, but if you are feeling stressed with how quick mid-terms have approached, definitely check out our tips/tricks to get through this week below!
As we approach the mid-way point to this semester, hopefully, you’re feeling less like Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell (as pictured above) and rather, prepared to tackle all your assignments in this coming week! While it may come as a shock to some that we are already half-way through this semester, we are here to help guide you through this stressful time, with some tips, tricks, and advice to make mid-terms more doable and less stressful. If you’re feeling the weight of mid-terms knocking you down, then keep reading to learn ways to get through these coming weeks successfully.
Planning ahead and looking to see when assignments are due or when tests/quizzes are coming is a good place to start. Once you have your schedule, begin by tackling one assignment at a time. For some, that may be going in order of what is due first, for others, it may be tackling the hardest/most time-consuming assignment first. Whatever it may be, try to minimize your point of view from focusing on every assignment all at once, to focusing your attention on just one at a time. Remember, you will get everything done and if you’re feeling overwhelmed with how much you have, then keep reading to learn some additional tips/tricks to ease this feeling.
Set up a meeting with your professor
Are you having trouble understanding the assignment? Are you experiencing something else in life that is making it hard for you to complete an assignment on time? No matter what it may be regarding, professors offer a lot of advice, and odds are good that they understand their own assignments better than anyone else. That said, do not fear reaching out to your professors to get a better understanding of the assignment, for advice on how to move forward with it, or to discuss with them why you may be behind. Professors want to help in any way they can, and by planning ahead and looking over the assignment early, you can reach out and gain clarification before you too closely approach the deadline.
Meet with other classmates
If the option is there to meet with your classmates, then take it! While meeting with a professor is best practice, if you still find yourself struggling in a course, and happen to know some others in the class, reach out to see what tips/tricks they have to best tackle and complete an assignment, or ways they have found success in studying for an exam/quiz. Before doing so though, consult your course syllabus for the professors’ policies on meeting with other classmates, and as always, keep Academic integrity policies in mind.
Study with friends
Create study sessions with friends! Whether you set up hammocks on the back quad, head to Mill Mountain Coffee, or meet in the library, studying and completing assignments alongside friends can sometimes lead to greater productivity, or at least can take some stress off.
Yoga has been linked through research to a reduction in stress and enhanced relaxation. Roanoke College group fitness currently offers two yoga classes
Virtual Yoga: Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 PM (Must RSVP online to receive Zoom Link https://today.roanoke.edu/14491)
In-person Yoga: (Bast 138) on Thursdays from 8:15-9:00 PM.
If neither of these dates and times works for you, there are also various resources online where you can follow an instructor on your own time.
Do something you enjoy
Whether it be reading a book, listening to music, getting exercise, playing an instrument, or playing video games, make sure you take time between completing assignments and studying to do something you enjoy!
Above all else, make sure you practice self-care during this time. Simple things such as getting a good night’s sleep, showering, eating well-balanced meals, and taking time to do things you enjoy will make the world of difference during mid-terms. While some days it may seem impossible, there is always some time you can take for yourself to take care of yourself.
We hope this blog helps you get through mid-terms with a bit more ease and as always, the psychology department will be cheering you on through these next few weeks!
Each student at Roanoke College is required to take the Intensive Learning (IL) or May Term which provides the opportunity to learn in an immersive environment. For 2021, several psychology professors are offering classes to meet this requirement. Currently, there are four seats for Dr. Findley-Van Nostrand’s and Dr. Carter’s INQ 177 course Psychology of Teams. This course will last for 3 weeks (June 1st to June 18th) and will be in-person on the Main Campus.
The goal of this course is to examine what makes teams effective, drawing upon classic and modern research in psychology. What changes when individuals must function as part of a team? How do effective teams solve problems and make decisions? What group dynamics lead to challenges in effectively solving problems? What kinds of team environments foster cooperation and allow for successful communication? What makes for a good team leader? What kinds of personality traits make for the most (and least) effective team members? We will attempt to answer these questions through a combination of readings and daily activities, including a number of cooperative and competitive team-based games and local field trips.
Other ways to satisfy the IL requirement are through an IL Independent Study or an IL Internship. Students must apply for these 400-level projects to satisfy the IL requirement. These projects are usually within the student’s major and must meet the requirements of the department in addition to those specific to IL. The project must be undertaken when the student is not enrolled in other classes meaning that many projects may start in May but will continue through part of or all of the summer. Students will work closely with a faculty mentor who supervises the project to provide one or more final products (ex. paper, portfolio, oral presentation, artistic works, etc.).
The deadline for the application for using an independent study, research project, or internship to fulfill the IL requirement is May 6th for May Term/Summer projects in 2021. Completed applications (cover sheet, description of internship/project, and signatures of a faculty mentor and department chair) must be submitted to Dr. Dave Taylor, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs by the deadline.
Follow this link to find more information about the IL requirements and for the applications to use either an independent study or an internship to satisfy the IL requirement.
This time last year our lives were put on pause for three weeks. Little did we know, a year later, the COVID-19 pandemic would be as present as ever, and unfortunately, those active quarantine activities have turned, for many of us, to enjoying a little bit too much Netflix and various delicious snacks. Nonetheless, while a new March is upon us and many of us have experienced a year pass between with little to no change in our daily routine, during the last 12-months there have been some major accomplishments across our department and in psychology. That being said, we hope this blog helps lifts some spirits, create some laughs, and act as a friendly reminder that this is a fact a new March.
Roanoke College Psychology Department Highlights
In the spring of 2020, we had 37 students graduate from the psychology department, many of which completed an Honors in the major, went on to various graduate programs, have obtained jobs, and/or have continued contributing to the field through research and practice.
Many students have continued working through internships both in Roanoke and Salem, as well as in various other cities and states.
Six psychology students were inducted in Phi Beta Kappa.
Numerous students, alum, and faculty have published or prepared manuscripts and articles.
Eight students presented virtually at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology conference.
All students and faculty have found ways to stay connected, create cozy office spaces, and try new things to help adapt to the new normal that has been sprung upon us for the time being.
Psychology Highlights
The introduction of a new variable in research – with the COVID-19 pandemic came the opportunity to examine the effect of this major event on various aspects of research that may not have ever been addressed before.
Virtual events – while in-person events may be preferable, everyone lives busy and separate lives. Therefore, with the introduction to virtual conferences, virtual psychology meetings/forums, etc. comes the fact that more people can attend and not only contribute to the field of psychology, but also learn from all that is evolving within it.
Adaptability in practice – As all have experienced over the last year, the ways things used to “have to be done” have proven to be untrue! Whether it be in clinical assessment, research, application, counseling, therapy, teaching, etc. many aspects of psychology that used to rely on the in-person nature to run, have adapted to online/virtual formats, opening the field to future opportunities to adapt and successfully reach those that may require an online format to succeed.
As evidenced by this blog, while the last 12-months may have been a bit of a blur for many, there have been accomplishments throughout our psychology department and the field as a whole, something that should leave all proud!
While it may be shocking that March has re-arrived, just know you’re not alone. With that, have a laugh at some ways others have depicted the return of March, and let us all look forward to the new accomplishments and successes that will fill our department and field over the coming months!
Looking for ways to get involved with your community, both on and off campus? We’re here to give you some ideas how to do just that!
https://www.roanoke.edu/
Roanoke College has a ton of different opportunities to get more involved in the psychology department.
The first thing you can do is check out our recent post about research and internship opportunities. Titled, “Debating What To Do Over Summer”, this post gives you a good overview on what an internship/research opportunity is, how it can benefit you, and who to contact for more information.
Join student organizations! The Roanoke College Psychology Association and Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology have more information on membership at this link.
Our website homepage also has links for more information on working for the department as a student assistant, signing up for research studies, and following our multiple social media accounts (including a LinkedIn group)!
If you are looking for ways to get involved in the community beyond Roanoke College, one of the best ways to do so is to volunteer! Depending on what your interests are, Roanoke City and Salem have plenty of opportunities suited for you!
If you are interested in working with children, organizations like CHIP and the Community Youth Program are always on the lookout for passionate volunteers!
If your interests revolve around an older population, hospice centers are often in desperate need for volunteers. BUT, there are also other opportunities to work with this population, such as with Friendship Retirement Community.
There are plenty of more unique volunteer experiences in Roanoke and Salem that can highlight skills learned in psychology. Some of these include volunteering with Huddle Up Moms and Make A Wish of Greater Virginia.
https://www.roanoke.edu/studentlife
Besides volunteering, check out this calendar of events to stay up-to-date on what fun stuff is happening in and around Roanoke!
Whatever your passion is, we hope this gave you an idea of some of the awesome opportunities Roanoke College and the surrounding areas have to build a sense of community. Have any more ideas or great suggestions? Leave a comment below!
Dr. Dickens’ social psychology research lab at Spelman College is looking to hire an undergraduate research assistant to help with research focused on the experiences of Black women in STEM education.
During a 6-week summer program (June 7th – July 16th, 2021), students will have the opportunity for one-on-one mentorship and research experience with a faculty member. This opportunity will be virtual but working full time for the full 6-week commitment is required for the program. A stipend will be provided.
Responsibilities of the research assistant include:
Recruiting study participants
Data collection and analyses
Attend weekly lab meetings
It is preferred that interested students have the following qualifications:
Strong academic performance in psychology with a GPA requirement of 3.25 (overall and major)
Dependability and initiative
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Rising juniors and seniors preferred
Selection into the program is rolling and will last until March 19th, 2021.
If you are interested in applying, please complete the online application using this link and email your curriculum vitae/resume, and your most recent unofficial academic transcript to the lab director Dr. Danielle Dickens, at ddickens@spelman.edu.
Image from https://www.illustrationhistory.org/illustrations/summer-psychology-session
Are you still debating what to do over the summer but are interested in research? Roanoke College offers several opportunities to get involved with research this upcoming summer.
Roanoke College Summer Scholars
As the March 15th deadline quickly approaches, we will highlight Roanoke College’s Summer Scholars program. Summer scholars work one-on-one with faculty on a project that will be presented during Family Weekend (late September/early October). On-campus housing is provided and summer scholars will be paid $3000 and earn a summer course credit.
To apply students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA, have completed 8 units by the start of the grant period, and plan to return the following fall. The application consists of a cover sheet, a student application for summer scholars, and a faculty nomination to mentor a summer scholar. These forms and more information about the process can be found on the summer scholars page, here.
Below are some past psychology majors and their summer scholars projects:
2018
Aislinn Foutz. Parental and Peer Factors in Children’s Theory of Mind Development. Major: Psychology. (Faculty Mentor: Danielle Findley-Van Nostrand, Psychology)
Yipeng Wang. Gender Difference of Domestic Abuse and How Honor Culture Would Affect those Differences. Major: Psychology. (Faculty Mentor: Lindsey L. Osterman, Psychology)
2017
Sabrina McAllister. Time Perspective as a State-Based Measure. Major: Psychology. (Faculty mentor: David Nichols, Psychology)
Megan Miller. Self-driving cars as a test of the potentially harmful effects of empathy on moral decision making. Major: Psychology. (Faculty mentor: Chris Buchholz, Psychology).
Summer Research Incentive Program
As part of the Summer Experience Incentive Program, students are provided reduced summer tuition for one unit of internship, research, or independent study credit. To qualify for reduced summer tuition, approval for their project must be received no later than May 15th.
Students have the responsibility of finding a faculty member who is willing to supervise the project. It is recommended that students start working on proposals by Spring Break to give faculty members time to review the plan and give the students time to make revisions and acquire needed signatures.
Projects, required reflections, final paper, and final reflection (3-page minimum) must all be completed and submitted to their faculty supervisor by September 30th. Students in the program are also required to participate in a showcasing event.
A more in-depth description of the program, as well as the applications for the program, can be found on the Summer Research Incentive Program page, here.
Salem VA Medical Center and Roanoke College Undergraduate Research Experience
Please note that the program is currently on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic but those interested should email the director of undergrad research at research@roanoke.edu to get on the mailing list for when applications become open.
This collaboration with the Salem VA Medical center allows Roanoke College undergraduates to work in research with a Principal Investigator (PI) on current medical research and present it. Research has included topics such as “Predictors of Treatment Response Among Veterans with PTSD”, “Mental Health in Rural Veterans with and without Traumatic Brain Injury”, and “Effect of Exercise Training on Inflammation and Function in HIV Infected Veterans”.
It is recommended interested students meet with the Director of Undergraduate in the fall semester or early in the spring semester to discuss the program. To apply, students must submit a cover letter (with research interests), a curriculum vitae, an unofficial transcript, and two letters of recommendation to the Director of Undergraduate Research by the deadline.
More information about expectations and other important information can be found here.
On February 9-13, eight students attended the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) Conference virtually, to present research through poster sessions and to attend presentations. The students included Sophie Bacon ’20, Carolynn Bructo ’21, Ben Campbell ’22, Sydney Caulder ’21, Kira Hunt ’21, Abbie Joseph ’21, Naomi Painter ’22, and Carly Schepacarter ’21.
This blog post will highlight reactions to presenting and attending the SPSP conference virtually.
Sophie Bacon ’20
While presenting a poster at a virtual conference was a different experience, I ended up finding a silver lining! Something that I ended up enjoying about the virtual format was having all of the information about the conference and the research that was being presented at my fingertips. I think I ended up reading and viewing more posters on the SPSP app than I did at a different conference that I attended in person!
Carolynn Bructo ’21
It was exciting to have my independent study project accepted for presentation at the SPSP convention. SPSP is the biggest organization of social psychologists and personality psychologists globally, and it is an achievement to have my work displayed. A benefit of the online format of the conference was that it was low pressure. Instead of a formal presentation, attendees can look at the poster and post any questions they may have. The online format also provided flexibility. I did not have to miss any classes, and I could look at other presentations in my free time. Although the experience of an online conference was undoubtedly different from getting to travel, I enjoyed the opportunity.
Ben Campbell ’22
I thought the conference did the best it could to make it interactive and interesting for presenters and attendees. I uploaded my poster and then added a 4-minute recording of myself presenting my study. I saw that several people watched and liked my poster/presentation. I however did not receive any questions for my Q&A, so I hope that the attendees found my work to be interesting and easy to comprehend. Though being online was a bit disappointing, I found it to be a great experience for me to present my work.
Sydney Caulder ’21
My experience at the SPSP conference this year was a true reflection of these uncertain times. Although the way that it was conducted was unconventional, I was still met by a few professionals in the field that were supportive and interested in my work. I appreciated the organization into subsections of research and those who conducted the conference were able to keep a personalized feel. Overall, I enjoyed the experience of getting a taste of what conferences are like!
Kira Hunt ’21
Presenting at SPSP this year was certainly different because of the online format. I felt less pressure about having an audience because I recorded a video of me presenting the poster but I did miss the exhilaration from being around other people. However, I didn’t feel as though I missed seeing any posters I wanted to see, and having access to so much information for several days was nice.
Abbie Joseph ’21
Presenting at SPSP was a great experience, even though it was completely virtual. People from all across the country (and even across the world) were able to see the research I was doing and ask me questions. I was able to view as many posters as I wanted to on the app, and I still learned about a lot of the research that was going on, just like I would have if the conference was in person.
Naomi Painter ’22
Presenting virtually at the SPSP 2021 conference was an eye-opening experience. I greatly enjoyed the freeform aspect of a virtual conference that encouraged exploration and illustrated increased accessibility I had not experienced in past conferences. With the online platform, I was able to view multiple posters and recorded presentations at my own pace and convenience. As a presenter, I appreciated the various means by which questions and comments could be communicated in addition to the expanded time for individuals to view the poster and materials beyond a limited time period.
Carly Schepacarter ’21
Presenting at SPSP was a really positive experience. While I was skeptical at the beginning about an online conference, I feel like it was easier to navigate and find talks/posters I was interested in, as well as for others to engage with my work more than just for the hour that my presentation was scheduled. There was a whole host of topics to explore and I really enjoyed taking the time to listen to a few presentations and enjoy the conference environment (and the psychology meme group!). I would definitely present at another virtual conference and recommend the experience to others.
Congratulations once again to all those that presented at SPSP!
Dr. Dickens’ social psychology research lab at Spelman College is looking to hire an undergraduate research assistant to help with research focused on the experiences of Black women in STEM education.
