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Across the state of Michigan, there are hundreds of advocates who help victims of crimes during their darkest days. But the turnover in victim advocacy roles is high. MSU Psychology's Katie Gregory and her team at the Michigan Advocacy Network (MiVAN) are working to combat this by offering evidence-based training and resources that empower and support victim advocates.
Meet Hannah Hurd, a third-year neuroscience and psychology major and a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI), a program at Michigan State University that was designed to support and empower women students with leadership aspirations.
Jessica Saucedo is an ecological/community psychology graduate student whose research focuses on how cultural and language experiences support the well-being and development of three to five year-old Indigenous children. Much of Saucedo’s work supports Indigenous children and families right here in Michigan.
How do people form a mental timeline of what happened in their lives? To help answer that question, Dr. Karl Healey uses Michigan State's supercomputer to do computational models of memory and recall.
Did you know that MSU Psychology has six main areas of research? Our department organizes their expertise into six areas of research: Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Science, Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience, Ecological / Community, Organizational, and Social / Personality.
Meet Dhwani Rakesh Bagrecha, a fourth-year psychology major with a double minor in Leadership of Organizations and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Dhwani is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI), a program at Michigan State University that was designed to support and empower women students with leadership aspirations.
A new study from the MSU Autism Lab analyzes the effectiveness of training early-intervention providers to use play-based intervention called Reciprocal Imitation Teaching, or RIT, when working with young children showing signs of autism.
Laura Wiklund (she/her) is a 2024 graduate of the MSU Department of Psychology Clinical Science program. Her dissertation and research while at MSU was centered around the sexual health and wellbeing of individuals from marginalized communities, in particular queer women of color. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow, Reproductive Health Psychology in the RUSH University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Kalei Glozier (he/him) is a fifth-year clinical science doctoral student in the Department of Psychology at MSU. His research interests include sexual behavior, drug and alcohol use, and protective/resilience factors in the trans and gender diverse community. Through his program, he is a graduate student clinician at the MSU Psychological Clinic and receives specialized training supervised by MSU faculty who are licensed psychologists.
Jae Puckett (they/them) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology as well as a member of the MSU Sexual and Gender Minority Health Consortium and the Center for Gender in Global Context. Their research focuses on the lived experiences of transgender and gender diverse individuals and the experiences of stigma and marginalization encountered by these individuals, particularly in the realm of healthcare services.
Meet Chip Shank, the IT Lead who has been a part of the Department of Psychology since 1997! Read on to learn what Chip likes most about his job, how he describes himself, and more.
Meet Lily Wenkel, psychology and political science pre-law major and a 2024 Homecoming court member!
Briana Coleman, PhD, graduated with a psychology degree from Michigan State in 2015. During her time at MSU, Briana was involved with the Adolescent Diversion Program which fueled her to help change the lives of youth heading towards the juvenile justice system. Briana sat down with us to talk about how ADP impacted her life and what advice she would give to students considering getting involved with ADP.
Josh Pearman, a PhD student specializing in Organizational Psychology, interned with Roblox as a People Science intern where he developed a situational judgement test. Continue reading to learn more about Josh, why he likes organizational psychology, how his education helped prepare him for this role, and more!
The MSU Twin Registry and the Detroit Pistons are partnering for the second annual Twin Day on Sunday, November 10 at Little Caesars Arena.
The Michigan State University Psychology Department welcomes Dr. Henry (Raffles) Cowan as a new assistant professor in the Clinical Science research area.
The MSU Department of Psychology's J-DEI Committee is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 graduate Student J-DEI Reserach Grant. Applications are due October 18th, 2024.
The MSU Department of Psychology's J-DEI Committee is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 Faculty/Staff Award of Outstanding Contributions to J-DEI. Applications are due October 18th, 2024.
The Michigan State University Psychology Department welcomes Dr. Alexandra Castillo-Ruiz as a new assistant professor in the Behavioral Neuroscience research area.
Do close friends or casual acquaintances help you stay the most informed? Contrary to a long-standing social science theory, new research from Michigan State University suggests that having people in your life who expose you to other social circles helps you stay most informed.
Organizational psychology graduate student, Rachael Pyram, interned with Google over the summer. Learn about her experience and how it helped shape her career path.
Giselle Figueroa, a junior double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy, is the new vice president of the MSU Criminal Psychology Club. Giselle recently shared about her experience with Criminal Psychology Club, what new members can expect this year, and more!
Demetri Clanton graduated from Michigan State in 2014. During his time at MSU, Demetri was involved with the Adolescent Diversion Program which fueled his passion for social work and getting resources to youth. Demetri sat down with us to talk about how ADP impacted his life and what advice he would give to students considering getting involved with ADP.
You're invited to a special event during Mental Illness Awareness Week on October 2.
Meet Grace Stys the new president of the Neuroscience Club at Michigan State University. We chatted with Grace recently about why she’s involved with the Neuroscience Club, who the club might be a good fit for, and what she wishes she did more of as a first-year student.
Announcing new Master’s in Work & Organizational Psychology program at Michigan State University!
Meet Lakeia Alasad-Craig, the vice president of the MSU Black Girls in Social Science Club. Lakeia shared recently about the Black Girls in Social Science Club, what new members can expect this year, and more!
Career fit assessments are a common tool used to help people know which jobs they are well suited for. But how well do they work? A new study from Michigan State University evaluated five types of assessments and found that not every assessment was equal in its predictions.
Izza Peeran and Bri Klopp are the co-presidents of the Psychology Club, a campus group for anyone interested in the field of psychology. We reached out to Izza and Bri to learn about their lives, the benefits of being involved on campus, and their goals as co-presidents.
Meg Roney, a senior studying Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies, is the new president of Psi Chi at Michigan State University. We chatted with Meg recently about why she wanted to lead Psi Chi, what interested students can expect out of getting involved this year, and her advice for incoming first year students.
The phrase “childless cat ladies” has been all over the news thanks to resurfaced comments made by VP candidate Sen. JD Vance. But just how many childless cat ladies are there?
Aldo Barrita is a Queer Latinx Mexican Immigrant and Social Psychologist who is a new Dean’s Research Associate in the MSU Department of Psychology. Barrita sat down with us to discuss the Dean’s Research Associates Program, what his first year will look like, and what he hopes his impact will be.
Dr. Blair Burnette, assistant professor in the MSU Department of Psychology, released her new book, The Intuitive Eating Treatment Manual, on September 1, 2024.
Meet Kaylie Wright, a senior psychology major and student athlete for the MSU rowing team. This summer, Kaylie interned as a summer coach where she got hands-on experience applying her psychology education to athletics. Read on to learn more about Kaylie's internship, her experience as a student athlete, and what advice she has for other student athletes.
A study out of Michigan State University found that non-deceptive placebos, or placebos given with people fully knowing they are placebos, effectively manage stress — even when the placebos are administered remotely.
A team of researchers at Michigan State University has discovered a set of methods that enabled the first successful CRISPR-based genome editing in Nile grass rats.
Meet Jiaming Shi, an incoming graduate student in the behavioral neuroscience research area.
Meet Hanna Dobson, an incoming graduate student in the behavioral neuroscience research area.
Meet Melody Zakarian, an incoming graduate student in the ecological-community research area.
Meet Noelle Martin, an incoming graduate student in the ecological-community research area.
Meet Takatso Sibanda, an incoming graduate student in the ecological-community research area.
Meet Parryss Carter-McGee, the new Academic Program Coordinator for the Department of Psychology. Parryss has been working at MSU for over 5 years—most recently in the Department of Sociology. Read on to learn a bit more about Parryss!
Meet Joohee Lee, an incoming graduate student in the Clinical Science research area.
Meet Ashley Hayden, an incoming graduate student in the Clinical Science research area.
Meet Elizabeth Eberlin, an incoming graduate student in the Clinical Science research area.
Meet Lauren Duvall, an incoming graduate student in the Clinical Science research area.
Meet Reid Davis, an incoming graduate student in the Clinical Science research area.
Meet Emma Crumby, an incoming graduate student in the Clinical Science research area.
Meet Anna Benedict, an incoming graduate student in the Clinical Science research area.
Meet Naomi Alvarado, an incoming graduate student in the Clinical Science research area.
A recent study by William Chopik found a dramatic decline in people’s desire to stand out from other people over the past 20 years. Learn more here.
Meet Bailey Rann, an incoming graduate student in the Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience research area.
Meet Seoyeong Jeong, an incoming graduate student in the Organizational Psychology research area.
Meet Ethan Wright, an incoming graduate student in the Organizational Psychology research area.
Meet WooJin Jeong, an incoming graduate student in the Organizational Psychology research area.
Meet Aislinn Low, an incoming graduate student in the Social/Personality Psychology research area.
Meet Josephine Fealy, an incoming graduate student in the Social/Personality Psychology research area.
Aymin Triki, a senior psychology major on the pre-med track, is an undergraduate researcher in the Belief Systems Lab. This year, he received a PURI Award from the College of Social Science to help fund his research with Dr. Mark Brandt. Read on to learn more about Aymin's research experience, what it's like presenting at UURAF and Mid-Sure, and more.
Meet Nancy Perkins, the new face in the Department of Psychology’s main office!
Cole Parker, a senior psychology major, is an undergraduate researcher in the Veenema Lab where they focus on social play behavior. This summer, Cole received a PURI Award from the College of Social Science to help support his research with Dr. Alexa Veenema. Read on to learn about Cole's research, what has been surprising along the way, and what his hopes are for the future.
Meet Alex Carron, a junior psychology major with minors in Human Behavior and Social Services and a minor in graphic design. This summer, Alex is interning with The Disability Network in Flint, Michigan.
After 19 years of service at MSU, Nikki Bindschatel retires.
Meet Nicole Bommarito, a senior psychology major who is interning with Serenity House Communities through the Flint Study Away Internship Program.
Meet Izzy Kupe, a 4th-year psychology major who is interning in the youth services department at Peckham through the Flint Study Away Internship Program.
After over 30 years of service, David McFarlane retires. Learn more about David's time at MSU and what his retirement plan are.
Meet Cordelia Rutter, a fourth-year psychology major who is interning at the Voices for Children Advocacy Center through the Flint Study Away Internship Program.
Meet Albiona Beka, a psychology major interning at Origami Rehabilitation Center, a facility that treats clients who have sustained brain injuries. As a clinical intern, Albiona takes part in client interaction with the residential and outpatient programs and has also observed therapy and shadowed a physiatrist. Read on to hear more about Albiona's internship experience.
Bre Lind graduated in ‘22 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After graduating, Bre began working as a lab manager for the Clinical Psychophysiology Lab. She’s now wrapping up her time at MSU as she prepares to head to graduate school for a PhD in clinical psychology. We sat down with Bre recently to talk about her time at MSU, the importance of a gap year, and where she’s heading next.
Randomized controlled trials, or RCTs, are believed to be the best way to study the safety and efficacy of new treatments in clinical research. However, a recent study from Michigan State University found that people of color and white women are significantly underrepresented in RCTs due to systematic biases.
Given the many sources of stress and anxiety individuals encounter each day, its not surprising that people often wonder if they are happy or not. Yet, how do people define happiness and well-being? What are some ways to view and conceptualize happiness? Michigan State University researchers can answer this question.
Meet Madison Williams, a psychology major interning at Saline Parks and Recreation Kid’s Camp this summer. As an assistant camp director and a camp counselor, Madison is busy with program planning and training junior counselors. Read on to learn more about Madison’s internship experience.
Justin Crouch is a recent graduate who earned a degree in psychology with minors in history, international development and leadership in organizations. He was a PURI Grant recipient and the inaugural winner of the Henderson Family Award, a scholarship established in 2022 by Harold and Franzine Henderson.
Melatonin is widely used but little is actually known about it. Dr. Elle Wernette, a Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience alum, shares about her research project examining if melatonin supplements are good for young adults to use.
Psych alum, Qi Huang, is now a fourth-year doctoral candidate in Human Development and Family Studies. Learn more about Huang's journey from undergrad to a doctoral candidate, her dissertation research on international students facing academic dismissal, and what advice she has for international students navigating higher education.
What is known about resilience in transgender and nonbinary people? How can gender affirmation play a role in better health outcomes? Jae Puckett, PhD, shares about their research focused on the health and well-being of transgender and gender diverse communities.
Experts see increasing diversity among police as a key solution to reducing racial bias in traffic stops, arrest rates and officer-involved shootings. But while police agencies have invested in recruiting more racial minorities and women, progress in diversifying police forces has been slower than the public wants. As a researcher who works with police agencies to improve their hiring processes, Organizational Psychologist Ann Marie Ryan, PhD, shares her insights into how to accelerate this progress.
Congratulations to Noël R. Lugo, psychology academic advisor and coordinator of undergraduate diversity programs, on receiving the 2024 Initiative of the Year Award from the Office of Undergraduate Studies within the College of Social Science.
Can parents counteract a violent neighborhood? Does green space have an impact on brain development? Dr. S. Alexandra Burt shares about her research on under-resourced neighborhoods and its impact on mental health and brain development.
Congratulations to Dr. William Chopik for receiving the 2024 Gerald R. Miller Award for Early Career Achievement from the International Association for Relationships Research (IARR).
Congratulations to Connor Eichenauer, a 5th year graduate student specializing in Organizational Psychology, on receiving the 2024 Joseph L. White Award for Outstanding Graduate Contributions to JDEI.
A recent study found large gaps between people’s career interests and U.S. job demands. These gaps indicate that the interest demands of the U.S. labor market differ drastically from the supply of interested people, revealing how many people have unfulfilled interests at work.
The College of Social Science has selected Sean Hankins, an academic specialist who serves as the director of the MSU Adolescent Diversion Program, for the 2024 Dean's Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Staff Award.
Angela Hall is an associate professor in Michigan State University’s School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, and Chu-Hsiang “Daisy” Chang is a professor of organizational psychology in the Department of Psychology in the College of Social Science. Together, they answer questions about the potential effects of a reduced workweek, including labor history and potential implications.
What’s going on in your brain when you’re navigating social situations? And how exactly are social behaviors developed and regulated by the brain? Behavioral neuroscientist Dr. Alexa Veenema shares about her research on social play.
Meet Alisar Alabdullah the 2024 Psychology Outstanding Senior!
During its April 12 meeting, the MSU Board of Trustees presented the graduating seniors with the Board of Trustees' Award, recognizing their achievement of the highest scholastic average one can receive, a 4.0 GPA.
Faculty, staff, alumni, graduate students, and friends gathered to remember and celebrate the lasting impact of Dr. Deborah “Debby” Kashy who passed away on September 8, 2023.
The College of Social Science Dean’s Advisory Committee of Support Staff recently announced Shelly DeJong as the winner of the 2023-24 Matt Hansen Award for Support Staff.
Alexandra Vazquez, a psychology graduate student in the Clinical Science area, was awarded the Bob and Bets Caldwell Land Grant Values Award for her notable record of service-oriented research, mentorship, and community involvement.
First-year Social Science Scholar students, Sophia Futo from Ohio and Sumaiya Imad from Bangladesh, were awarded Provost Undergraduate Research Initiative (PURI) funding to research how people with lived experience of psychosis can be better involved in clinical psychology research. Working with Dr. Katy Thakkar, they are doing a comprehensive literature review in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other locations around the world. We met with Sophia and Sumaiya to talk about their research, what has surprised them along the way, and why this work is important to them.
Organizational Psychologist Dr. Christopher Nye has been at the forefront of addressing the intersection of AI and workforce dynamics. Recently he met with two members of the Congressional Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.
Dr. Sharon Adusei earned a PhD in Psychology from Michigan State, specializing in Clinical Science. She is now a Clinical Strategy Manager at a digital health start-up, she works clinically with children and parents in her private practice, and she services on two boards. She shared recently about her time at MSU, how it set her up for success in her many roles today, and what advice she has for current students.
Meet Dr. Kwesi Brookins, Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement and professor in the Ecological-Community Psychology program. Dr. Brookins will be delivering the keynote at the Joseph L. White lecture series on April 5th at 1:30M.
Dr. Ted Schwaba shares three myths that you may assume to be true about personalities, but current findings robustly refute.
Faculty from across MSU colleges and representatives from community organizations came together to collaborate and engage on the subject of the future of work. Expert-led interactive discussions centered on four topics, including human interaction with artificial intelligence, accessibility changes to technology, new skills in the labor market and government engagement. Additionally, graduate students presented their research on the future of work.
Associate Professor of Psychology and Core Faculty in Chicano/Latino Studies, Dr. Ignacio Acevedo has contributed greatly to the research on how young people access services and supports, especially within Latine communities. It is the basis of his Community-AID Lab which uses data to develop, disseminate and improve sustainable preventative and positive development programs for all youth.
Thanks to recent funding, Dr. Kas Anderson Jr. and a team will be scientifically studying the impact of air pollution and social detriments of health on quality of life and cognitive health for older Black Americans in rural Louisiana.
Meet Iliana Wilson, the President of the MSU Criminal Psychology Club! Iliana is pursuing dual degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice with plans to graduate in the fall of 2024. As a Spartan, Iliana has had multiple research experiences including interning with the Cold Case Unit with the Michigan State Police. Read on to learn why Iliana chose Psychology and Criminal Justice, what the Criminal Psychology Club is all about, and what some of her best advice is for other students.
Meet Darlene Dalessandro, an Academic Program Coordinator who has helped countless graduate students over the years! Read on to learn what Dar likes most about her job, how she describes herself, and more!
Dr. Jen Wessel earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from Michigan State, specializing in Organizational Psychology. Now an associate professor of psychology at the University of Maryland, Dr. Wessel reflects on her time at MSU, how it impacts her work today, and what three pieces of advice she has for current graduate students.
Congratulations to three MSU Psychology graduate students on receiving research awards from the College of Social Science to support their dissertation work!
You might have noticed a new face in the Department of Psychology this week! Meet Joy Pond, the new PSY department administrator.
Dr. Patricia M. Carey graduated from MSU with a degree in Psychology and most recently served as Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Associate Vice Provost for Diversity Programs at New York University. She is a constant advocate for Black women in higher education and the pursuit of racial justice for all individuals.
Dr. Lee June, an MSU Psychology professor, has been involved in advocacy for racial justice his entire life, inspiring students to be ‘justice fighters' in their own right. He is an award-winning author, has taught in the Honors College and the African Studies program and has served in a variety of advisory positions for university multicultural and diversity issues.
Mariella Battley is a senior pursuing a Psychology Bachelor of Science degree. During her time at MSU, she has been involved with the Adolescent Diversion Program (ADP) first as a student and secondly as an undergraduate assistant. Read to learn how ADP impacted her, what she hopes for the future, and what advice she has for current students.
A multidisciplinary team, including Organizational Psychologist Dr. Ann Marie Ryan, receives a $5 million NSF award to make voice-activated AI accessible and fair to people who stutter.
Congratulations to Dr. Lucy Thompson on authoring a chapter in The Palgrave Handbook of Power, Gender, and Psychology. Dr. Thompson’s chapter addresses the critical need for feminist perspectives in psychological understandings of workplaces and organizations. Read on to hear her approach as a critical feminist psychologist, why this framework is vital to work and organizational research, and what advice she has for students entering the workplace.
Throughout Fahim Safi's travels around the world, Fahim is pursuing a graduate degree through MSU’s Program Evaluation online program. Hear from his own words about the impact he’s having in the world, why he chose program evaluation, and what advice he would give to people looking to make a difference in the world.
Jessica Bryson is a Psychology and Criminal Justice major with a minor in Youth and Society. As a sophomore, Jessica participated in the Adolescent Diversion Program (ADP) an experiential learning course that involves training undergraduate students to work with local youth who are involved in the juvenile court system. Jessica shared recently about how ADP impacted her, how it has helped shape her goals for the future, and what advice she has to future psychology majors.
Students from MSU College of Social Scientists brought home a wide variety of awards at this year’s Diversity Research Showcase hosted by MSU Honors College. This annual university-wide showcase features MSU undergraduate student work or work in progress on issues of diversity that advance inclusion.
Congratulations to MSU Psychology professor Dr. NiCole Buchanan on her reappointment to the Michigan Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention & Treatment Board.
Sam Barans, a senior majoring in psychology and mathematics, has worked hard over the years to acknowledge what he’s interested in and pursue what he’s most curious about. He received the Dean’s Assistantship Award which is allowing him to explore his research interests of better understanding barriers that individuals involved in the American justice system or are experiencing serious mental illness face in getting help. Sam shared recently about his research experiences, how his path led him to this point, and where he hopes to go in the future.
Meet Mindy McLouth, a friendly face in the MSU Psychology Clinic since 2005! Read on to learn what Mindy’s favorite thing about her job is, what she likes to do outside of work, and more!
Jo Alanis received the MSU Psychology Department’s Graduate Student J-DEI Research Grant. Jo recently shared about her work researching immigrants in the workplace, why this type of work is important to her, and what she wishes that she had learned earlier.
When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, it created uncertainty for Americans’ access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care. This uncertainly may have led to an increase in the number of Michigan adults who said they never want to have children, according to Michigan State University researchers.
The MSU Department of Psychology's J-DEI Committee is now accepting applications for the 2024 Joseph L. White Award for Outstanding Graduate Contributions to J-DEI
The MSU Department of Psychology's J-DEI Committee is now accepting applications for the 2024 Joseph L. White Award for Outstanding Staff/Faculty Contributions to J-DEI.
Age is but a number, right? Look at any birthday card aisle in the store and you are sure to see “50 is the new 30” or “You’re only as old as you feel.” A new study from Michigan State University explored age perceptions over the course of the lifespan of over one million people across 13 countries.
Lia Moore, a senior MSU psychology major, recently launched a new vegan cooking show, TheGreenCuisine. In the pilot episode, Lia and her guest, Maliq Carr, recreate his favorite food but with plant-based ingredients. We sat down with Lia recently to talk about her pivot after a medical retirement from volleyball, her love of learning, and what led her to her new cooking show.
Congratulations to Jeneia Dinglasan, a psychology major with minors in social science qualitative data analytics and cognitive science, for receiving the MSU Psychology department’s Undergraduate Award for Outstanding Contributions to Justice, Diversity, Equity, and/or Inclusion.