As a department, we prioritize research, teaching, and service in our pursuit of advancing our understanding of human behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Our research efforts are geared towards discovering new knowledge and innovative ways to apply this knowledge to improve the lives of individuals and communities. In our teaching, we aim to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging education in psychology that prepares them for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society. Finally, we are committed to providing service to our community and to society as a whole by using our expertise to help individuals and organizations address psychological issues and improve mental health.
Camren Boyogueno, Chaiken Scholar and first-gen student, found “a mentor who felt like family,” and a community in the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success that shaped her Penn State journey. Now, in her fourth year, Boyogueno mentors students who visit the Chaiken Center, transforming her early challenges into opportunities to uplift others.
Psychology student Miguel Morazan found a meaningful way to connect his academic interests with real-world research after joining the Department of Psychology’s Cognition, Affect, and Temperament (CAT) Lab, working with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) while contributing to a project on parent-to-child anxiety.
Psychology student, Simone Warren is bridging her research, leadership skills and advocacy in pursuit of more inclusive mental health care for historically underrepresented communities.
“Throughout my time here, I have applied to various types of positions, jobs, internships and other out-of-classroom opportunities. There were so many times I got denied or told that I was not fit for the position or role, but persistence and patience are key to growth.”
Dr. Suzy Scherf recently published a study showing how face processing changes as adolescents take on new social roles.
http://www.ssri.psu.edu/news/1369/what%E2%80%99s-face-study-shows-puberty-changes-facial-recognition
Susan Mohammed led the development of The Pennsylvania State University Team Science Toolbox (https://ctsi.psu.edu/research-support/team-science-toolbox/), which features evidence-based team interventions to support team leaders and members dealing with the complex challenges of forming, launching, and managing teams. The toolbox is specifically tailored to team science novices who desire ready access to practical, pertinent team knowledge addressing specific team needs. Toolbox content highlights team interventions supported by science to help identify and select the right members, aid teams in getting off to a good start, and help members foster effective team dynamics. As such, an array of tools are featured to support diverse teams throughout their life cycle from team formation (e.g., team assembly, team composition), to team launch (e.g., kick-off meetings, ice breakers, team ground rules, team goal setting, team charters) to team maturation (e.g., cohesion, psychological safety, conflict resolution, vertical leadership, shared leadership, team building, team meetings, team debriefs). Check out the toolbox at: https://ctsi.psu.edu/research-support/team-science-toolbox/.
Dr. Alicia Grandey and coauthors (Dr. Allison Gabriel and Dr. Eden King) were honored with this award by the Human Resource Division of the Academy of Management, for their 2021 publication “Tackling taboo topics: A review of the three Ms in working women’s lives” in Journal of Management. Read a quick summary here: https://journalsblog.sagepub.com/blog/guest/management/tackling-taboo-topics