Many undergraduate students in the Department of Psychology gain experience in research laboratories. Playing a role in the design and implementation of research studies contributes to the professional growth of these students and provides a valuable complement to their classroom experience. Working with their faculty mentor and other members of the research group, undergraduates can become very involved in a particular research project, and may have the opportunity to present study findings at a major national conference.

Attending such conferences can be a transformational experience since it allows students to see the range of questions being addressed in their field, and it provides opportunities to make connections that may be valuable for pursuing graduate study in their discipline. However, the expenses related to attending conferences can be prohibitive for many students, who may be discouraged from submitting conference presentations on account of the cost.

Meet Our Students

Jeb Taylor

Jeb is a junior Psychology major who will be presenting a poster at the Eastern Psychological Association conference this Spring. His research is part of an honors project on factors that influence people's reaction to interacting with robots. Jeb is also co-author on a poster examining brain responses during human-robot interaction that will be presented at the Cognitive Neuroscience Society meeting in Boston.

Lillian Ham

Lillian is a senior Psychology major who will also be presenting a poster at the Eastern Psychological Association conference this Spring. Lilian's poster is based on her Honors thesis in the Temple Cognition and Learning Lab. Her research is focused on the early learning of mathematical concepts and what teaching methods are best for helping children learn them. In October, Lillian received a stipend to travel and present similar research at the conference of the Cognitive Development Society. She said that being able to attend conferences and present research, " has played an integral part in my academic and personal development. With my newly acquired skills, I have been able to secure a 2-year post-baccalaureate position at the National Institute of Mental Health."

Ross Divers

Ross is a senior Psychology major working with Dr. Thomas Olino. In April, Ross will be travelling to Washington, DC to present a poster at the annual meeting of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Ross will be presenting findings from a neuroimaging study examining victimization by peers across adolescence.

Help these transformational experiences continue

Your contribution would support and encourage more students like those above to present at major conferences, allowing them to see the importance of their research and providing them with important exposure to the wider field in which they’re working. Reaching our goal of $5,000 will allow us to provide 10 psychology undergraduate students with stipends for travel and conference expenses.

 

Donor Honor Roll