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5 easy Halloween costumes for psychologists
October 24, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Not sure what to be this year for Halloween, PSY Spartans? We've got you!
MSU Twin Registry and Detroit Pistons Team Up for an Expanded Third Annual Twin Night
October 22, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
The MSU Twin Registry and the Detroit Pistons are partnering once again for the third annual Twin Night on Friday, December 5th at the Little Caesars Arena—this year with even more offerings for fans!
PSY Student Athlete Spotlight with Dolan Gilbert
October 21, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Hockey player Dolan Gilbert transferred to Michigan State University in 2023 to focus on his goal of being a sports psychologist. One day, he emailed the MSU hockey team to see if they needed a back-up goalie, and they did! Ever since, Dolan has been balancing his academics and being a student athlete at MSU.
Meet Jennifer Renick, MSU's Newest Community Psychologist
October 20, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Michigan State University's Department of Psychology welcomes Dr. Jennifer Renick as a new assistant professor in the ecological-community research area. Dr. Renick brings a passion for community psychology and youth engagement to Michigan State University.
Researchers lead $3.7M study to shed light on perimenopause and psychosis
October 16, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
For decades, women's midlife experiences have been largely overlooked by medical research. A study at Michigan State University is changing that by diving into the understudied period of perimenopause and its potential impacts on mental health.
Meet Elisabeth Silver, MSU’s New Organizational Psychologist
October 13, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
The Michigan State University Psychology Department welcomes Elisabeth Silver as a new assistant professor in the organizational psychology research area. Dr. Silver's research focuses on how organizations and individual employees respond to changes in workplace demographics.
Access Torch: Jessica Tschida
October 13, 2025 - Emily Jodway
Jessica Tschida, a fifth-year PhD student in the Clinical Science research area, is the College of Social Science's Access Torch during the month of October, as they recognize World Mental Health Day on October 10 and the importance of mental health care practices and access for all.
Access Spotlight: Barbara and Mark Gerson
October 13, 2025 - Emily Jodway
The College of Social Science's Access Spotlight for the month is on Barbara and Mark Gerson, two longtime Michigan State supporters and mental health advocates. As we celebrate World Mental Health Day on October 10, we want to acknowledge Mark and Barbara’s role in the creation of the Gerson Family Mental Health Initiative (GHFMI) 2016.
From 8 Mile to Grand Marshal — Paul Rosenberg Comes Home
October 9, 2025 - Aimee Klevorn
From psychology major to music industry mogul, Paul Rosenberg’s path has been anything but conventional. Now, the Spartan alum returns to MSU as the 2025 Homecoming Grand Marshal, reconnecting with the place where his journey began.
Meet Carol — 2025 Homecoming Court Member
October 9, 2025 - Anna Ludlow
Carol Massey is a Criminal Justice and Psychology student whose commitment to service, restorative justice and student support reflects the heart of the Spartan experience.
Social psychologist Dr. Gwendolyn Seidman joins MSU Psychology
October 7, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
The Michigan State University Department of Psychology welcomes associate professor Dr. Gwendolyn Seidman to its faculty. As a social psychologist, Dr. Seidman’s research focuses on romantic relationships, social media, and personality traits like narcissism.
Meet Meltem Yucel, MSU's New Moral Psychology Researcher
October 3, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
The Michigan State University Department of Psychology welcomes Dr. Meltem Yucel as a new assistant professor in the social/personality research area. Dr. Yucel's research focuses on how children and adults understand rules, group identity, and moral development.
Building Belonging: MSU Event Highlights Community and Mental Health
October 3, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
To recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week, Mental Health Research Connect will partner with NAMI Lansing to host a special event bringing awareness to mental health and the importance of collective support.
Graduate student Beau Zhang helps shape MSU’s 2nd Annual Disability Summit
September 26, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
On October 3, 2025, MSU's 2nd Annual Disability Summit will highlight the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities and explore ways to create more accessible practices. Among the student leaders helping shape the event is Beau Zhang, a PhD candidate in cognitive neuroscience in MSU’s Department of Psychology.
Two PSY nominees for Marshall Scholarship
September 25, 2025 - Anneliese Mackel and Kristin Janka
A current PSY student and a PSY alumnus have been nominated by Michigan State University for the Marshall Scholarship, which provides support to approximately 50 of the most outstanding undergraduates in the country to study at any university in the United Kingdom. MSU has produced 20 Marshall Scholars to date.
New Peer Mentoring Program Brings Student Success to Department of Psychology
September 22, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
This semester, 14 psychology majors have become PSY Student Success Mentors, supporting fellow students in the Department of Psychology.
Psychology’s Ted Schwaba Awarded Early Career Trajectory Award
September 19, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Congratulations to Dr. Ted Schwaba for receiving the SAGE Early Career Trajectory Award from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP)!
MSU researchers address gap in substance use disorder treatment
September 8, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
A team of researchers from Michigan State University and community partners has conducted critical research to address gaps in treatment of substance use disorder in Michigan’s St. Clair County and the city of Port Huron. This research, culminating in support resources, comes in time for September: National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
Student view: From struggle to advocacy, my journey to help others with mental health
September 8, 2025 - Andelina Grossi, Shelly DeJong
After losing a friend to suicide and experiencing her own struggles with mental health, PSY major Andelina Grossi decided to write a book to process her own experience and to help others.
Balancing tennis and psychology: Luke Baylis on thriving as a student athlete
September 5, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
As a MSU student, Luke found a way to thrive on the court and in the classroom. Now in his second year at Michigan State’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, Luke shares about his experience as a psychology major and student athlete, what tips he has for other student athletes, and more!
Psi Chi Spotlight with President Hannah Hurd
September 2, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Hannah Hurd is the new president of Psi Chi at Michigan State University. Recently, Hannah shared about her new role as Psi Chi president, what attendees can expect out of getting involved this year, and her advice for incoming first year students.
MSU study finds tiny microbes shape brain development
August 27, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
New research from Michigan State University finds that microbes play an important role in shaping early brain development, specifically in a key brain region that controls stress, social behavior, and vital body functions.
Psychology Club Spotlight with Co-Presidents Paz and Moon
August 26, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Moon Tran and Paz Bonaventura are the 2025-2026 co-presidents of the Psychology Club. Hear from Moon and Paz as they describe the club, share their goals as co-presidents, and tell why this club is important to them!
Six Student Clubs for Psychology Undergrads
August 25, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Finding your community is key here at MSU! Here are six groups for PSY students to consider!
PSY Internship Spotlight with Alina Acosta
August 19, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Alina Acosta, a senior majoring in psychology with a minor in Youth and Development. This summer, Alina is an outreach intern at End Violent Encounters. Continue reading to see how psychology plays a role in Alina’s internship, what has surprised her the most, what advice she has for others, and more!
Jason Moser named New Associate Dean of Research for the College of Social Science
August 18, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Congratulations to Jason Moser on being named the new Associate Dean of Research for the College of Social Science.
PSY Internship Spotlight with Katelyn Kraemer
August 11, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Katelyn Kraemer, a 3rd year student triple majoring in Psychology, Theatre, and Arts and Humanities through the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities. This summer, Katelyn is interning at All the Worlds a Stage.
Meet the incoming Clinical Science graduate students
August 7, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Five graduate students will be joining the Department of Psychology's Clinical Science research area this fall. Get to know them a bit here.
Meet the incoming Ecological-Community graduate students
August 6, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Three graduate students will be joining the Department of Psychology's Ecological-Community Psychology research area this fall. Get to know them a bit here.
Meet the incoming Cognition & Cognitive Neuroscience graduate students
August 5, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Four graduate students will be joining the Department of Psychology's Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience research area this fall. Get to know them a bit here.
PSY Internship Spotlight with Ashley Lowes-Cannizzaro
August 1, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Ashley Lowes-Cannizzaro, a fifth year MSU student double majoring in Animal Science and Psychology. This summer, Ashley is interning at the Equine Center for Learning through the Lansing School District. Read on to see how this internship is combining both of her majors!
MSU’s Miller Named to Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship
July 28, 2025 - Emily Springer
Dr. Robin Lin Miller has been selected to join the Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship and will be inducted as a member this summer. This academy recognizes exceptional leaders from universities and broader society who have made significant contributions to advancing university-community collaborations.
Feeling more extroverted? Study finds you may have learned how to handle daily stress better
July 25, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
A new study led by Michigan State University found that as people get better at handling stress on a daily basis, they also become more extroverted, agreeable and open to new experiences over a nearly 20-year period.
PSY Research Spotlight with Keeley Stankus
July 22, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
As a first-year psychology student, Keeley Stankus was awarded a PURI Award to help fund her research in Dr. Alexandra Castillo-Ruiz's lab where they are looking at the impact of Cesarean births on brain development. Here Keeley shares about her research journey, what she's currently doing in the lab, and what advice she has for other students.
Access Torch: Bobicheng (Beau) Zhang
July 21, 2025 - Emily Jodway
Beau Zhang is a PhD candidate studying cognitive neuroscience in the psychology department at Michigan State. Beau engages with various organizations on campus supports individuals with disabilities.
Dissertation of the Year Award goes to MSU Alumna Dr. Jaleah Rutledge
July 17, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Congratulations to MSU Ecological-Community Psychology alumna Dr. Jaleah Rutledge on being awarded the 2025 Dissertation of the Year Award at the Society for Community Research and Action Biennial meeting held in East Lansing, Michigan on June 19, 2025.
PSY Internship Spotlight with Shemaiah Reeves
July 11, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Shemaiah Reeves, a third-year student double majoring in Psychology and African American and African Studies. This summer, Shemaiah is interning at Children’s Therapy Corner where they provide children with occupational, speech, and physical therapies along with Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy.
Have tattoos? New study shows people consistently misjudge your personality
July 7, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
A new study led by Michigan State University provides insights into the personality perceptions surrounding tattooed individuals. As tattoos become more mainstream, this research sheds light on how specific tattoos are judged — and shows how wrong those judgements can be.
PSY Internship Spotlight with Hanna Kemenah
July 3, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Hanna Kemenah, a fourth-year student pursuing a B.S. in Psychology at Michigan State University. This summer, Hanna is interning at Health Quest Physical Therapy in both Oxford and Waterford township. Get to know Hanna, how this internship applies to her future goals, and what advice she has for others looking for internships in this Q&A.
How can we make fewer mistakes? US Navy funds new study to find out.
June 19, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
A team of cognitive psychologists have received a $860,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research to develop assessments for identifying people who are good at performing complex procedural tasks, even under challenging conditions like sleep deprivation and frequent interruptions.
Incoming PSY student wins full scholarship as a Williams Scholar
June 19, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Among the 2025 Williams Scholars is Lillian Navin of Royal Oak, Michigan. Lillian plans to major in psychology through the College of Social Science. Lillian is only one of two College of Social Science students to receive the award.
MSU students win the 2025 American Evaluation Association Case Competition
June 19, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
First place from this year’s American Evaluation Association Student Evaluation Case Competition went to Evaluators Will, a team of three Michigan State University students including Dayna Gallagher, Missy Catlow, and Kevin Yu.
Community connects with Transgender Resilience Postcard Project
June 16, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Researchers have given out over 10,000 postcards to the community over the last couple of years—postcards that highlight what resilience means to the transgender and non-binary community.
Access Champion: Dr. Aldo Barrita
June 12, 2025 - Emily Jodway
We celebrate Dr. Aldo Barrita, a Social Psychologist and Dean’s Research Associate Fellow whose research focuses on unpacking the impact of intersectional microaggressions on LGBTQ+ people of color.
Access Spotlight: Dr. Danielle Chiaramonte
June 12, 2025 - Emily Jodway
Dr. Chiaramonte is an MA and PhD graduate from our Ecological Community Psychology Program, and she now serves as an associate research scientist at Yale University’s LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative.
PSY Academic Advisor Spotlight with Andrew Murray
June 11, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Andrew Murray, an academic advisor in the Department of Psychology. Andrew knows firsthand what it’s like to adjust to a large school like Michigan State University from growing up in a small town. As a first-generation college student, Andrew is dedicated to each student’s success and being a constant source of support as they navigate their own paths at MSU.
Psychology's Aldo Barrita receives award for research on LGBTQ Individuals of Color
June 4, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Congratulations to Dr. Aldo Barrita, a Dean’s Research Associate in the Department of Psychology at Michigan State University, for receiving The Barbara Smith & Jewell E. Horvat Early Career Award for Research on LGBTQ Individuals of Color Award.
Dr. Lee June Retires from Michigan State University after 52 years of service, social justice, and scholarship
June 2, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
After 52 years of service at Michigan State University, Dr. Lee June officially retired.
MSU Psychologists participate in unforgettable Spartan Bus Tour
May 27, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
In early May, a group of Michigan State University faculty members and administrators set out on the second Spartan Bus Tour to learn more about the communities in Detroit and how MSU works with partners to support the city’s economic development, advance the arts, transform schools, improve health and protect the environment. Dr. Kelly Klump and Dr. Kaston Anderson Jr. were two of the 60 delegates on the bus.
Doctoral student Takatso Sibanda named a CIRCLE Graduate Fellow
May 22, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Takatso Sibanda, an ecological-community psychology graduate student, was one of three doctoral students who were selected as a 2025-26 Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Collaboration, Learning, and Engagement (CIRCLE) Graduate Fellow by MSU’s Office of Research and Innovation.
Access Spotlight: Dr. Usha Tummala-Narra
May 20, 2025 - Emily Jodway
Throughout the month of May, the College of Social Science recognizes Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Month, and the many contributions and cultural impact these communities have brought to the United States. Dr. Usha Tummala-Narra, an alumni of the clinical science research area, has been chosen for the Access Spotlight.
MacBeth recognized for community and resilience research
May 19, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Mihael MacBeth, a second year graduate student in the ecological community psychology program whose research and work in the community has been recognized by the Department of Psychology.
MSU Psychology graduate students provide free psych evaluations for Immigration Law Clinic
May 12, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Psychological evaluations can cost thousands of dollars in the United States—a cost that many people seeking asylum cannot afford. To help address this need, clinical science graduate students in the Department of Psychology have partnered with the MSU Immigration Law clinic to provide psychological evaluations for free.
MSU launches institutional assessment in partnership with Collaborative Advisory Board
May 8, 2025 - Amber McCann
Dr. Rebecca Campbell, University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychology, joins Andrea Munford, Rachael Denhollander, Sterling Riethman, and Trinea Gonczar in a newly established Collaborative Advisory Board for Michigan State University.
Sophia Futo Recognized for Her Work in Justice and Mental Health
May 5, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Sophia Futo may only be in her second year at Michigan State University, but she is already a passionate advocate for incarcerated individuals with a history of mental illness.
PSY Graduate Spotlight with Dhwani Bagrecha
May 2, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Dhwani Bagrecha, a 2025 psychology major graduate with minors in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Leadership of Organizations. Dhwani recently shared with us about the best part of being a psychology student, what she wishes she had known as a first-year student, as well as giving a few shoutouts to people who helped her along the way.
2025 Outstanding PSY Senior: Andre Edmond
April 30, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Andre Edmond, a psychology major with a triple minor in communicative sciences and disorders, cognitive science, and history, has been named the 2025 Outstanding Psychology Senior.
PSY Student Researcher Spotlight with Ava Sudderth
April 28, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Ava Sudderth is graduating with a degree in psychology with a minor in Environment and Health. Ava is a student researcher in Dr. William Chopik’s lab where they are researching to see if individuals can accurately assess the political beliefs of those close to them.
PSY Research Spotlight with Ventong Ya
April 25, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Ventong Ya, a psychology major in her third year with plans to graduate this spring. She’s been working on her honors research thesis with Dr. Quinetta Roberson this year and presented it at UURAF in April. Her project examines workplace gaslighting and how employees react to it.
Amplifying community voices to improve mental health therapy for autistic youth
April 23, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Graduate student Jessica Tschida is spearheading a project that, with the help of the community, is adapting a therapy for marginalized and minoritized autistic youth who are experiencing anxiety and receiving their services in community-based settings.
PSY Student Research Spotlight with Rachael Farquharson
April 21, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
When you listen to music, do you imagine a story? Rachael Farquharson, a sophomore with double majors in Psychology and Music, is conducting a study on narrative listening to see which traits may influence whether someone imagines a story and how engaging they find that story.
13 MSU graduates receive Board of Trustees’ Award for academic excellence, 4.0 GPA
April 18, 2025
Two hundred seventy-one Michigan State University graduates, including 13 majoring in psychology, accomplished something many students dream of — a perfect college GPA.
Access Spotlight: Avvan Sanjana
April 18, 2025 - Emily Jodway
Throughout the month of April, the College of Social Science recognizes Arab American Heritage Month and the many contributions and achievements of Arab Americans throughout the past and present. The April Access Spotlight is on Avvan (AH-vuh) Sanjana, a licensed therapist who supports students through her work at the MSU Center for Survivors. Her personal interests and family background has made her particularly passionate about multicultural therapy approaches and support for individuals who are immigrants or the children of immigrants, international students, or first-generation college students.
PSY Staff Spotlight with Kimberly Brown
April 16, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Kimberly Brown, an office assistant for the undergraduate advising office in the Department of Psychology, who does everything from helping enter grades to working alongside advisors with programing and social media. Read on to learn more about what Kim likes most about her job, what her go-to advice is for students, and what her life looks like outside of work!
PSY Student Research Spotlight with Annika Jaros
April 10, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Annika Jaros, a 3rd year psychology student who plans on graduating this spring. For two years now, Annika has been an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Chopik’s Lab where she is now completing her senior thesis (and presenting it at UURAF on Friday!). She recently shared with us about her research project, the surprising findings, and who has helped her along the way.
MSU study finds number of US nonparents who never want children is growing
April 9, 2025
Recent data from Pew Research Center suggest that Americans are rethinking whether they want to become parents. This could be part of a long-term trend, as a research team from Michigan State University found that the percentage of nonparents in the United States who never want children has doubled over the past 20 years.
PSY Student Researcher Spotlight with Jolie Kretzschmar
April 8, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Jolie Kretzschmar, a 4th year psychology student with minors in both cognitive science and social science quantitative data analytics. Jolie met with us to talk about her research in the Belief Systems Lab, what she'll be presenting at UURAF, and her extracurricular activities (including the Concert Orchestra)!
PSY Student Research Spotlight with Logan Gibson
April 4, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Logan Gibson, a junior majoring in psychology with minors in Cognitive Science and Quantitative Data Analytics, has found a passion for psychology research during his time at MSU. He recently received the Dean’s Assistantship Award which allows him to explore his research interests with Dr. William Chopik’s Lab—and will soon be presenting at UURAF.
PSY Research Spotlight with Asha Denny
April 2, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Asha Denny, a senior studying psychology with a minor in African American and African Studies. For several years now, Asha has worked as a student researcher with Dr. Emilie Smith where they do arts-based research with children.
Behavioral Neuroscience represents at the MSU Science Festival
March 31, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Catch MSU Psychology at the Science Festival STEAM Expo on Saturday, April 5th! Behavioral neuroscientist Dr. Alexandra Castillo-Ruiz and her lab will be using interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities to show how microscopic living organisms (called microbes) contribute to brain development.
From Michigan to Louisiana, a behavioral health psychologist listens to rural communities
March 24, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
What voices aren’t being heard in research? If you’ve worked with Dr. Kaston Anderson Jr., you have likely heard this question. Anderson focuses on communities that do not have adequate access to services and who are often excluded socially, economically or politically.
PSY Student Spotlight with Isabella Reda
March 19, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Isabella Reda, a 3rd year psychology student who plans on graduating this spring. From being involved in the Adolescent Diversion Program to being on the e-board for the Psychology Club, Isabella has worked hard to get involved and figure out her path at MSU and beyond!
MSU study reveals dopamine’s unexpected role in memory devaluation
March 14, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
New research out of Michigan State University expands on current understanding of the brain chemical dopamine, finding that it plays a role in reducing the value of memories associated with rewards. The study opens new avenues for understanding dopamine’s role in the brain.
Combating gender based violence with Dr. Rebecca Campbell
March 13, 2025 - Emily Jodway
One of the many topics surrounding women’s equality is how to combat gender-based violence. Dr. Rebecca Campbell, a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Michigan State, is an outstanding researcher working to address this issue.
PSY Research Spotlight with Amaya Elliott
March 12, 2025 - Shelly DeJong, Emily Johnson
Meet Amaya Elliott, a senior studying psychology with minors in Human Behavior Social Services and in Youth and Society. Amaya received a Provost's Undergraduate Research Initiative (PURI) Award to fund her research in the Prenatal Stress Study with Dr. Alytia Levendosky.
MSU study pinpoints the impact of prenatal stress across 27 weeks of pregnancy
March 10, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
A team of researchers at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan found new insights on the timing of prenatal stress and its effect on infant stress reactivity and temperament — including differences between genders.
PSY Student Spotlight with Albiona Beka
March 4, 2025 - Shelly DeJong, Emily Johnson
Meet Albiona Beka, a 3rd year psychology student with a cognitive science minor. Albiona recently met with us to talk about her experience in the Attention & Perception Lab, how her PSY advisor has helped her, and what advice she has for other psychology students.
PSY graduate students bring mental health expertise to the Michigan community
March 3, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
A group of MSU Psychology graduate students are bringing their expertise as clinical psychologists to the community, making mental health resources more accessible to those who need them.
Psychology’s Henry Cowan awarded for work with people living with schizophrenia in Michigan
February 26, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Dr. Henry Cowan received a 2024 Young Investigator Award from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation and was chosen to be the Frederick & Alice Coles and Thomas & Nancy Coles Investigator through their Research Partners Program.
PSY Student Spotlight with Aanika Sanghvi
February 24, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Aanika Sanghvi, a senior psychology major with a minor in Leadership Organizations. Aanika is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute, a program at Michigan State University that is designed to support and empower students with leadership aspirations.
PSY Research Spotlight with Brianna Petersen
February 21, 2025 - Shelly DeJong, Emily Johnson
Meet Brianna Petersen, a 3rd year psychology student with a minor in cognitive science who plans on graduating this spring. Brianna was a recent PURI Award winner which allows her to do undergraduate research with the Timing, Attention, and Perception Lab with Dr. Devin McAuley.
Joseph L. White: a Spartan who Transformed Psychology
February 17, 2025 - Dr. Ignacio Acevedo, Shelly DeJong
As we celebrate Black History Month, the MSU Department of Psychology honors, recognizes, and celebrates the trailblazers that have made an impact in the fields of psychology and mental health counseling—including Dr. Joseph L. White, the first African American recipient of an MSU doctoral degree in clinical psychology.
Ready (or not) for love? Your friends likely agree
February 11, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Feeling ready for a committed relationship is a key step in dating. But do your friends agree that you’re ready for a long-term relationship? As this week is Valentine’s Day, newer couples may be considering just how serious their relationship is together.
PSY Student Spotlight with Elif Yazgan
February 7, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Elif Yazgan, a junior psychology major with minors in cognitive science and art history and visual culture. Elif is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute, a program at Michigan State University that is designed to support and empower students with leadership aspirations.
Ask the expert: 3 misconceptions about the psychological readiness of athletes after a concussion
February 4, 2025 - Reid Davis, Shelly DeJong
It’s estimated that 3.8 million concussions occur in the United States each year from sport- and recreation-related injuries. In determining when it’s safe for athletes to return to the field following a concussion, much of the focus has been limited to assessing the physical side effects of these significant brain injuries — but what about the psychological side effects?
PSY Student Spotlight with Kyla Voss
February 3, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Kyla Voss, a senior studying psychology and human capital and society. Kyla is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute, a program at Michigan State University that is designed to support and empower students with leadership aspirations.
PSY & Music Spotlight: Taylor Robison
January 31, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Taylor Robison, a third-year psychology major with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy, who plays trumpet for the MSU Concert Orchestra.
PSY Student Research Spotlight with Tristan Janisse
January 27, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Tristan is an undergraduate researcher in both the Attention and Perception Lab and the Clinical Psychophysiology Lab. This year, he received a PURI Award from the College of Social Science to help fund his research with Dr. Mark Becker. We met with Tristan recently to talk about his research, why he finds cognitive science fascinating, and his advice on how other students could get started in research.
Ann Marie Ryan Retires from MSU Psychology after 29 years
January 22, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Organizational psychologist Dr. Ann Marie Ryan has been a vital member of the Michigan State Department of Psychology since 1996. Throughout leadership roles, mentorship of students, and substantial contributions behind the scenes, Dr. Ryan has made significant impacts on the department, Michigan State University, and the field of industrial-organizational psychology.
MSU Twin Registry Receives Inaugural Shared Research Infrastructure Award
January 21, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Congratulations to the Michigan State University Twin Registry for receiving one of the inaugural Shared Research Infrastructure Program Awards from the Office of Research and Innovation at MSU. These awards support investments in specialized research infrastructure that support and advance cutting-edge research at MSU.
MSU Psychology mourns the passing of Dr. Carlos Navarrete
January 16, 2025
The Michigan State University Department of Psychology mourns the passing of associate professor Dr. Carlos David Navarrete who passed away in December 2024.
How to get involved in PSY research
January 15, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Research experiences can help clarify your career goals, increase the competitiveness of your grad school or job applications, develop critical thinking skills, and and more! But how do you get started when you don’t have any experience? Here are some tips to help you!
Adolescent Diversion Program Spotlight: Halle Egan
January 13, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Senior Halle Egan is an undergraduate assistant with the Adolescent Diversion Program (ADP) in the Department of Psychology. Halle originally joined the ADP program as a student to fulfill an experiential learning requirement. Now as a leader in ADP, Halle uses her own experience in ADP to help teach and support current students in the program.
PSY Student Spotlight: Audrey Vang
January 8, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Audrey Vang, a Psychology major double minoring in Youth and Society and Sociology. Originally from Suttons Bay, Michigan, Audrey transferred to Michigan State last year with plans to graduate in Fall 2025. Audrey shared with us recently about how connecting with an advisor has helped her as a transfer student, what class she tells all her friends and family about, and what some of her favorite MSU memories are.