On Tuesday April 4th, 2017, the Psychology department of Saint Anselm College hosted the 4th Annual Hechtl/Lasky Lecture Event.  The series is in honor of former faculty members Richard Hechtl and Julian "Jack" Lasky, who were leaders in Saint Anselm College's Psychology department, having devoted their careers to promoting wellness through basic and applied psychology research. This year, the department welcomed Hon. John Broderick, former Chief Justice of the New    Hampshire Supreme Court, as well as Dr. Lorena Estrada-Martinez, Assistant Professor at University of Massachusetts-Boston, to discuss how the community can promote wellness for youth of color.

Broderick is working to promote the “Campaign to Change Direction” to help spread awareness of mental health. The campaign is working to promote possible signs of mental illness, including personality changes, agitation, withdrawal, poor self-care, and hopelessness. While talking about the campaign during the lecture, he said his understanding of mental illness comes from his own personal struggles with his own son. Broderick described how his son was brave for allowing him to use his story to

help promote his campaign. Broderick said that he had talked to many different age groups over the past year promoting the campaign. Using his son’s story within his talks about the campaign helped to make a connection with the people he was talking to. John Broderick believes that by spreading the simple concept of “Knowing the Five Signs” of mental illness, this will help bring awareness to the extreme issue of mental health stigma in a general sense.

Dr. Lorena Estrada-Martinez is a social epidemiologist who is interested in making the “Campaign to Change Direction” more inclusive of and effective for communities of color. Dr. Estrada-Martinez commemorates the campaign for moving towards reducing the stigmas of mental illness and putting mental health at the center of health conversation, but still feels that the conversation needs to improve on inclusion across race, religion, ethnicity, and gender. Dr. Estrada-Martinez outlined three important factors that she believes will lead to conversation in all communities. First, addressing the Outcome and Audience Specificity. This addresses the need to intervene at all levels by examining the disparities of suicide behavior and mental illness. She also touched upon how the public service announcements on the Change campaign website are not as diverse as they could be and should be more representative of all cultures. The second factor is understanding the Social Determinants of Mental Health. This factor looks at the varying access to quality healthcare, good neighborhoods, and positive life experiences between the different communities. Dr. Estrada-Martinez exemplifies that

communities of color are not given the same opportunities to access these determinants as White communities. Communities of color often are more likely to be uninsured and have poor communication with their healthcare providers, experience different racial and ethnic socioeconomic inequality, and witness trauma during their childhood. The third factor is Program Evaluation. This involves looking at the goals and objectives of the programs, the activities used to complete those objectives, the methods to assess the effectiveness of the program, and the decision-making based on data, revision, and modification. She also suggested to engage in others’ work towards ending the mental illness stigma and including people of color in order to limit the growth of disparities in communities of color. Dr. Estrada-Martinez concluded by stating that there are many steps between raising awareness and seeing a reduction in the stigmas. These steps are going to be different in all communities because there is not one direct path to follow. There is not one campaign that will be able to address all of the problems with solutions and there is a need to have a political conversation of health equality to see a change. Hearing from Dr. Lorena Estrada-Martinez and Hon. John Broderick was a great opportunity for the Saint Anselm College community to meet and network with leaders in the field of mental health.  We thank them for sharing their work and perspectives with us.

There are a number of words Saint Anselm College seniors, by nature, are less than fond of. These include, but are not limited to, the words graduation, job, and leaving. An additional member of this word list is thesis, and senior Psychology majors in particular become quite acquainted with its meaning. By the final days of their senior year, students know their thesis - a topic they have chosen and usually one they are passionate about - like the back of their hand. The knowledge gained from each project is put on display, quite literally, at a poster session during which students present their theses to faculty, staff, and students across the college. This year’s poster session took place on April 27 and was, as always, a great success.

The work leading up to each thesis poster is immense. Seniors choose their topic for an independent, original research project sometimes as early as their junior year.

Noelle Michaud, ’18, began her work with Professor Troisi in the department’s animal lab prior to even thinking about her senior thesis, and ended up choosing her topic based on this experience. Thesis ideas are pitched formally to Psychology Department faculty in a presentation, and faculty provide guidance to the student about how to improve their idea and design. From there, the student typically chooses one faculty member to act as a mentor

throughout the entirety of the project. Many seniors then send an application outlining the details of their project to the on-campus Institutional Review Board (IRB) and are cleared to begin research, which they complete on their own with the help of their faculty co-researcher. Upon completing the research itself, a formal paper which extensively discusses the research and its implications makes up a substantial portion of the project’s grade.

While the poster session is the conclusion of the research at the college, some students

continue building upon their findings post-graduation, either in graduate school or independently. In particular, if students find significance in their data, they are highly encouraged to explore the possibility of publication of their research. This was the case for Emily Fairbank, ’18, who - to her surprise - found significant findings in her research about resistance to change in the workplace. Regardless of the results, the work is a great learning opportunity and can also serve as motivation to further research in the topic area.

Being in a smaller department at a smaller college is truly conducive to a genuine sense of community, and such is made evident around the time of senior theses. Professor Finn is known to give a rose to each senior in exchange for the thesis they

give to him. After the poster session, a department barbecue on the Quad gathers students, faculty and the families of faculty to enjoy each other’s company and discuss the achievements of the department over the past year, particularly in the senior theses. There is something special about eating hot dogs and hamburgers cross-legged on the grass with your professors and playing with their children. These elements of the poster session and barbecue make evident that being a part of this department is a lot more than just doing a project for a grade. My guess is that seniors may not cringe as much when they hear the word thesis now. I bet they think about hard, rewarding work, encouraging faculty who care about them, and roses.

On October 2nd, faculty joined with both new and returning students to enjoy some apple cider and cookies for the Psychology Department Open House. Some of the littlest offsprings of the faculty even enjoyed some cider. Welcome to Saint Anselm College, freshman Psychology majors!

General Information of Psi Chi:  Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in Psychology. Since its founding in 1929, Psi Chi’s mission has been to encourage excellence in scholarship and advance the scientific field of psychology. Members receive several benefits, including grants, scholarships, stipends, opportunities for publication and research, and graduate resources. Psi Chi is an invaluable resource that seeks to further advance those striving for a successful professional career in the field of psychology. Requirements for membership include 1) enrollment as a Psychology major or minor, 2) 3 semesters of full-time coursework, 3) 3 Psychology courses, 4) a cumulative GPA in the top 35% of classmates, and 5) a minimum of 3.0 GPA average in Psychology courses. So, I invite you to not only read the following blog post, but to view it as a gateway into Psi Chi and all of the resources the society has to offer you in the pursuit of your career in psychology. Your Foundation: Research

Research is where it all begins in psychology. Working on research is a great opportunity to explore your interests and curiosity in psychology as well as further develop your writing, speaking, and problem solving skills. Psi Chi exists to help you pursue your interests in psychology, so chat with a faculty member about your research goals and get started!

Your Framework: Grants, Scholarships, Stipends

Sometimes, research requires funding. If so, Psi Chi offers over $400,000 in awards, grants, stipends, and scholarships every year. Examples of potential funding include research grants, travel grants, and undergraduate scholarships. Also, because programs are only open to members, there is a smaller pool of competitors, so what are you waiting for? Apply now! To learn more, click here. Your Stuff: Publications

When your research is completed, make a poster and present it at a conference. Show the world what you’ve accomplished! Psi Chi has wonderful opportunities to submit and potentially publish scholarly work for the Psi Chi Journal and various conferences (e.g. NEPA) and feature articles for the Psi Chi Magazine.

Your Blueprints for the Next Project: Graduate Resources Once you have completed your research

and published your work, you have the “blueprints” necessary to further pursue a psychological career. For some, that pathway might involve graduate school for advanced training in psychology. As you go through the process, remember that Psi Chi is here to assist you, from helping you organize your personal statement to preparing you to ace your graduate school interview. To learn more, click here or contact the Faculty Advisors for Psi Chi at Saint Anselm College, Professor Ossoff and Professor Finn.

On March 21^st, Prof. Brady, Professor of Psychology, presented a Bean Lecture event with Dr. Shelby Cooley.  The event was attended by members of Saint Anselm College as well as individuals from the New Hampshire Health Equity Partnership and Manchester public health department.  Dr. Cooley's lecture presented research from across her career on the importance of positive cultural identity development, inclusive school climate influences on minority youth achievement, and Collective Impact solutions to improving educational equity in diversifying communities. The event was co-sponsored by the Saint Anselm College Psychology Department, The Multicultural Center, Communication, and Sociology Departments, and the Bean Distinguished Lecture Series. On March 26th, Dr. Kali Thomas presented "More than a Meal: Research Documenting the Impact of Home-Delivered Meal Programs to Inform Policy and Practice." Dr. Thomas presented the evolution of her home-delivered meals research program and discussed results from a series of studies examining the impact of these services. She shared examples of the ways in which these programs have evolved through this applied research and highlighted how these findings have been used to advance the policy discussion around funding for home-delivered meals programs. This talk was cosponsored by the NH Institute of Politics Distinguished Speaker Series and the Psychology Department’s Annual Hechtl/Lasky Lecture Series. The series is in honor of former faculty members Richard Hechtl and Julian "Jack" Lasky, who were leaders in Saint Anselm College's psychology department, having devoted their careers to promoting wellness through basic and applied psychology research.

Welcome home, Hawks, and welcome to the Psychology Department blog! This blog provides information for psychology majors, psychology minors, or anyone who has an interest in the psychology field through articles mostly written by our own students regarding upcoming and ongoing events, as well as useful information for poster sessions and conferences, and information about our students and faculty. To start, here’s a recap of some of what we’ve been up to in this first month back and some opportunities to get involved this year. Congrats Maddie Scavatto (’19) The department would like to congratulate our own Maddie Scavatto ’19 for earning the 2018 Fr. Bernard Holmes, O.S.B. scholarship award, which is given to an incoming senior who shows care for and helps others, is a leader on campus, and shows a love of learning. Maddie is a psychology and Spanish double major. She is very involved on campus through being an Academic Resource Center tutor, participating in Relay for Life, volunteering to deliver groceries to residents of Manchester, coaching youth hockey, and being a member of AVERT. Maddie is the co-captain of the women’s ice hockey team and received Academic All-American honors. Psychology Department Meet and Greet: On September 13, 2018, faculty from the department held a meet and greet for all psychology majors and minors. This was an opportunity for returning upperclassmen to reconnect with faculty and for the freshmen to have a chance to put a name to a face. The faculty and students were able to connect about classes, future pathways, and research opportunities. It was a great opportunity to officially welcome in the new school year! Opportunities to get Involved in the Psychology Department: Psychology Ambassadors The Psychology Ambassadors are a group of students that help the department during open houses, giving tours of the department and answering questions regarding their experiences in the department and at St. A’s, going to conferences and poster sessions across New England, and attending dinners and talks with distinguished speakers. A call for applicants interested in the program will be sent out during the Spring semester. Psi Chi Psi Chi is the International Honor Society of Psychology, an organization that focuses on providing opportunities to enhance members’ personal and professional lives, chapter experiences to give members continued engagement, and encouraging members to conduct research and apply the research findings to the field of psychology. Professor Finn and Professor Ossoff are co-sponsors of the Saint Anselm chapter and will contact students that are eligible for this academic honor. (The up and coming!) Psychology Club Psychology Club will be starting up this year, and this club will offer students of all majors the opportunity to come together and discuss research, opportunities in the department, and participate in social activities that are intended engage them in meaningful conversations and discussions and to enjoy some out-of-the class room time together! The club will meet regularly and begin to organize psychology-related events, volunteer and fundraising opportunities, and social activities for this school year. The first meeting will be held on Sept 25 at 6pm in Goulet 3100.

Psychology majors studying abroad this semester share their experiences (Part 1 of a 3 part series)

Grace Wirein: Semester Abroad in Orvieto

My name is Grace Wirein and I am a sophomore/rising junior psychology major at Saint Anselm College, and I am from Dublin, New Hampshire. I’m studying for the semester in Orvieto, Italy through the Saint Anselm College Orvieto program. From the start of my time at college I knew I wanted to study abroad, but my country of choice remained undecided. After attending an info session for the Orvieto program and hearing about all the opportunities and great classes being offered, I knew I had to sign up. Italy had always been a country on my bucket list of destinations, and I was so happy to be given the chance to study and live in a different part of the world. The courses are Saint Anselm classes taught by Saint Anselm professors, and students live with peers from the college in apartments located in the city. One of the best things about living in Orvieto is the community and the friendly locals. Everything is in walking distance, and the streets and parks are beautiful. Every Thursday morning I go to the Farmer’s

Market in the Market Square right outside my apartment and buy fresh fruit and even clothes! And, the people are so friendly and welcoming, and are very patient with me even with the language barrier. I love going into my favorite café, getting one (sometimes two) espresso and just sitting/relaxing. This semester I am enrolled in Chiavi, Christian Spirituality, War and Culture in the Ancient World, and Italian Food Wine and Culture. Chiavi is a required course for everyone in the program where we participate in seminar on Mondays and then have field trip days on Wednesdays and Fridays. Chiavi also requires daily journal entries, so that ended up being a great way to document my travels and memories :). The field trips also correspond with what we’re learning in the classroom so it makes the lessons more engaging. One of my absolute favorite trips has been the pasta workshop where we got to spend the day at a local farm/restaurant, play with the cutest dogs, learn how to make pasta from scratch and prepare a spaghetti lunch.    

Psychology majors studying abroad this semester share their experiences (Part 3 of a 3 part series)

Michelle Bui: Semester Abroad in Sevilla

Hola desde España!  I currently live in Sevilla, Spain where there’s always something to do, from the market in Triana to visiting the Cathedral which is the third largest church in the world. While in Spain, I have visited many different cities including Madrid, Toledo, Rhonda, Alicante, and many more to come! The weather is beautiful (70 degrees), the people are so welcoming, and the culture is so fascinating. I live with a Spanish host family and my host mom makes the best food! Some of my favorites are paella (yellow rice dish with chicken or pork and vegetables), patatas bravas (potatoes with a red or aioli sauce), and tortilla Española (egg omelet with pieces of potatoes incorporated throughout). We eat dinner at 10pm

It is a busy time for everyone this month, from turning in essays to last minute exams. I think I speak for everyone when I say we are all eager to spread our wings and fly home for the summer. But while we are all anxious to pack up and go home, there’s a special group of people who can’t wait to get on to campus. That’s right, in the fall we will welcome the incoming class of 2023 to the Psychology department. So it seems only appropriate to give them an Anselmian sneak peek into the department and some advice from the amazing professors in it. Freshman year is crazy, to say the least. Being in a new environment, making new friends, and adjusting to classes can be a lot to take on all at once. So before we talk about how to succeed as a psych major, here is something you should know: it’s going to be amazing. When people tell you college is fun, they’re telling the truth. You’ll meet your best friends here, learn from amazing professors, and the food here is pretty great! So smile and shake off any nerves you have; you’re going to love it here. So how do you do well in the Psychology department? I have consulted a variety of faculty to give you some sage advice for your first few weeks on