• develop a replicable research protocol,
• support your open science practices and the IRB process, and
• recruit a network of student and faculty researchers from around the world to collect data using shared research procedures.

Psi Chi’s Network for International Collaborative Exchange-Regional (NICER) is piloting an exciting, guided collaborative research project for students and faculty in the Eastern Region. The project, “Effect of Transmedia Storytelling on the Formation of Researcher Identity Among Undergraduate Research Assistants” investigates how digital storytelling and transmedia engagement can strengthen researcher identity and STEM belonging among emerging undergraduate researchers.

The deadline to become a contributor for NICER is extended to July 30, 2026, with all data collection due by October 2026. Like NICE, NICER offers IRB guidance, research protocols, and optional data analysis, presentation, and authorship opportunities after data collection is complete at all sites. Email nicerchair@psichi.org to get started.

Recently, Steve was honored with the Psi Chi Distinguished Member Award, the Society’s highest recognition. Among his many Psi Chi achievements, the journal launched several major initiatives to strengthen transparency, inclusivity, and methodological rigor, including positionality statements, author contribution statements, diversity badges, required reporting of alpha coefficients, and acceptance into Clarivate’s Emerging Sources Citation Index.

We thank Steve from the bottom of our hearts for his extraordinary service. He was a remarkable scholar, an inspiring leader, and a cherished friend to so many. We were deeply privileged to know him and to learn from his example. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and college community.

Additional Resources

Celebration of Life Details

Obituary

CaringBridge Page

Official Statement From Pepperdine University

We are hoping that you’ll join our team of international researchers to collect innovative data!

The Psi Chi Network for International Collaborative Exchange (NICE) is launching a new project titled: "Sharing Joy But Not Sorrow: Self-(Non)Disclosure Across Cultures" by principal investigators Dr. Samantha Shang and Angele Wen. Open communication and self-disclosure are considered essential in many independent Western cultures to maintain relationships and receive social support (Pearce & Sharp, 1973), whereas nondisclosure is commonly assumed to be dysfunctional (Greene et al., 2006). However, this understanding of nondisclosure does not necessarily apply to non-Western cultures where individuals tend to be more interdependent and carry more relational considerations, especially those from self-effacing interdependent cultures. The current project aims to examine self-disclosure across cultures with various targets, including parents, peers, strangers, and AI, to understand the cultural nuances behind people’s decisions to self-disclose or not.

Psi Chi chapters, members, and nonmembers in the United States and internationally are welcome to join this important project now through February 1, 2026. Once data collection is completed in June 2026, presentation and authorship opportunities will be available. Benefits of collaborating include

• a reduced burden of having to solicit large numbers of participants,
• increased diversity of study samples,
• accessible materials and protocols for researchers, and
• a convenient platform for faculty to engage students in the scientific research process.

Contributors to this project are asked to commit to preparing the IRB protocol for approval on their campus, collecting 70–100 responses from college students, and, if necessary, translating or securing translations of the measures (currently in English). To get started, email NICE Chair Gabriela Heermans.

Why get involved?

• Expert support: NICER will provide IRB feedback, educational resources, and online manuals about student and instructor roles and research policies.
• Shape the future: Contributors will have the opportunity to take several surveys along the way to help shape future Psi Chi collaborative research initiatives.
• Publish and present: After data collection wraps up at all collaborators’ institutions on April 15, 2026, optional opportunities for data analysis, presentations, and publication will follow.

Interested in getting involved? Email nicerchair@psichi.org become a contributor today!

Past Issues

• Spring 2024
  Also available in Spanish, Chinese, and Greek

See full details and benefits of reviewing HERE.

Guest speaker Dr. Robert Wright discusses Netflix's The Social Dilemma, how to know if social media is adversely affecting your health, and people who are most susceptible to social media addiction. Discover "good" uses for social media!

Available on the Psi Chi website, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, and more!

Advisors, here’s a flyer to share with student researchers. During our peer-review process, we’ll also teach authors about these four optional programs that help our published articles shine:

• Open Science Badges
• Second-Language Abstracts
• Diversity Article Awards
• ORCID IDs