Psi Chi Program for EPA 2010
Psi Chi Eastern Regional Convention (2010)
FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2010
Psi Chi Symposium I
"Applying to Graduate School in Psychology: A Mini-Workshop"
12:00–1:20 p.m., Salon A
Chair: John C. Norcross, University of Scranton
Preparing for Graduate School: GPAs, GREs, Admission Criteria, and Acceptance Rates. John C. Norcross, University of Scranton (PA)
Identifying and Targeting Compatible Graduate Programs. Carlos Escoto, Eastern Connecticut State University
Selling it: Personal Statements and Admission Interviews. Susan K. Whitbourne, University of Massachusetts Amherst
This mini-workshop draws on accumulated wisdom, literature reviews, and recent studies to present prescriptive information on preparing for graduate school in psychology. Designed for both faculty advisors and prospective graduate students, the panelists will present strategies for preparing for admission requirements, acquiring research and practical experiences, selecting compatible graduate programs, writing personal statements, and capitalizing on student strengths. Handouts adapted from Graduate Study in Psychology, the Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, and the Complete Guide to Graduate School Admission will supplement the presentations.
Psi Chi Distinguished Lecture
"Changing Fear"
1:30–2:50 p.m., Salon A
Speaker: Elizabeth Phelps, New York University
Chair: Jason Young, Hunter College–CUNY (Psi Chi Eastern Regional Vice-President)
In this talk, I will explore how animal models of fear learning extend to humans in a social context. Specifically, I will demonstrate how the neural circuitry of fear conditioning forms the basis to fears learned through social communication and how changing fears in humans through social and non-social means relies on overlapping neural mechanisms. Finally, I will discuss novel techniques to eliminate fears in humans by targeting reconsolidation.
Psi Chi Symposium II
"Two (or More) Heads Are Better Than One: Best Practices for Collaboration"
3:00–4:20 p.m., Salon A
Chair: Robin Musselman, Lehigh Carbon Community College (Psi Beta Eastern Regional Vice-President)
Panelists: (Psi Beta Chapter Advisors)
Swazette D. Young, Prince George's Community College
Michael Amico, Housatonic Community College
Melanie M. Arpaio, Sussex County Community College
Panelists: (Psi Chi Chapter Advisors)
Katherine W. Marsland, Southern Connecticut State University
Jason Young, Hunter College—CUNY
Increasing numbers of students are beginning their higher education at community colleges before transferring to senior colleges. As a result, forging a stronger liaison between Psi Beta (the Psychology Honor Society for community college students) and Psi Chi (the Psychology Honor Society for senior college students) can greatly enhance the continuity of psychology experiences for all students. What are the strategies for facilitating such stronger liaisons?
This "conversation session" will involve leaders from Psi Chi and Psi Beta with the goal of building bridges between Psi Beta and Psi Chi while, at the same time, discuss ideas for building leadership skills and chapter vitality to chapter members and officers in attendance at the conference. Come join us as we share ideas and practices that work for student and advisors. Let's "collaborate" in an effort to help improve skills and relationships both within and between our chapters and clubs.
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010
Psi Chi Appreciation Breakfast for Faculty Advisors and Chapter Presidents
Host: Katherine W. Marsland, Southern Connecticut State University
8:00–9:20 am, Archives Restaurant
All chapter presidents and faculty advisors invited—advance RSVP required. Contact Katherine Marsland at marslandk2@southernct.edu before February 24, 2010.
Psi Chi Symposium III
“How Can I Publish My Research? Advice to Undergraduate Students and Faculty Mentors From the Editors”
10:30–11:50 a.m., Whitman Room (not in Psi Chi’s main presentation room)
Chair: Randolph A. Smith, Lamar University (TX)
Presenters: Randolph A. Smith
Martha S. Zlokovich, Psi Chi National Office
The presenters will discuss the submission requirements for the Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research, including advice to undergraduate students and faculty mentors of student research projects. The editors address recent and upcoming changes in the submission process, expectations of the faculty mentor, common mistakes, the review and notification process, and timelines. Time will be left for questions and answers.
Psi Chi Session
“Applied Behavior Analysis: Careers in Effective Behavior Change”
1:30–2:50 p.m., Salon A
Presenters: Andrea M. Chait, BCBA-D, Pathways Strategic Teaching Center Sheila O’Brien Quinn, Salve Regina University
If Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is not what you see on those FBI profiling shows, what exactly is it? ABA is a very effective behavior change technique used in many areas of applied psychology. It has recently received increased attention because of its effectiveness for children with autism. This mini-workshop will include discussion of several areas of psychology that use ABA including I/O, clinical, correctional and school psychology. Options for undergraduate and graduate student education will be discussed.
Psi Chi Awards Ceremony
3:00–4:20 p.m., Salon A
Chair: Jason Young, Hunter College, CUNY