The Fount

The Citadel Psychology Department hosted Geoffrey McKee, a noted forensic psychologist, on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
 
McKee will discuss his new book “Why Mothers Kill: A Forensic Psychologists’ Casebook” and research on women who have killed their own children beginning at 2:45 p.m. in Buyer Auditorium in Mark Clark Hall. He will sign copies of his book afterward.
 
McKee is a clinical professor in the Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
 
The lecture was free and open to the public.
 

Two senior cadets in the Psychology Department won significant awards for the research they presented last weekend at the Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) meeting in New Orleans.  Both students are members of PSI CHI, the National Honor Society in Psychology, which in itself is a rare achievement. Of the 111 student research papers presented by PSI CHI members (every school's "brightest and best"). 16 PSI CHI Regional Research Awards were presented by a panel of judges who reviewed all the research abstracts and posters. Two of the 16 award recipients were Citadel psychology majors.
 
Caleb Dispensa won for his paper entitled Young adult choices of heroes: A national sample of “My Space” sites.
 
Catie (Mary Catherine) Park won for her paper entitled Investigating bullying: Exploring the relationship of gender and age.

 
The other assisting cadets were John Mallory, Wilma Harp, Rose Ulch, Jonathan Shegog and Colette Baumle. Professors and graduate students presenting research were Dr. DeRoma, Dr. Nida, Cynthia Gerard, Cathy Goyeneche, Danielle Saia, Sara Stouffer, Michelle Turner, Allison Tebbe, and Safiyyah Wright.
 
Their research mentor, Dr. Conway Saylor, was particularly gratified to see these students recognized as they have been exceptionally committed to the research process for the last year. Both spent their spring break last year interviewing public school students for a "Heroes and Bullies" research study that was the first step of their research journey. They have completely taken responsibility for their own studies and have even assisted/mentored other cadets who were beginning the research process.
 
Many thanks to The Citadel Foundation and the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, who made this research and travel possible.  In addition, we recognize the role that the Arland D. Williams endowed professorship in Heroism played in Caleb and I both exploring an interesting and fruitful area of heroism research.
 
This year a record number of students presented research at the annual South Carolina Psychological Association (SCPA) in Myrtle Beach. Graduate students presenting original research include Whitney Bryant, Natalie Bushkar, Kate Bushnell, Natalia Davila, Graham Elmore, Joey McGuinness, Cristin Uricchio, and Shanti Whitsell.   Undergraduate students include Billy Calvo, Caleb Dispenza, Brandon Jordon, Nick Mengis, Ana Miranda, Catie Park, Ben Pettis, and Stephen Spencer.

 

The following students won awards at the South Carolina Psychological Association Convention in Myrtle Beach at the end of March.

 

Graduate student Michael Flash (sponsors, Drs. Maya Khanna and Michael Politano) won first place for his poster entitled “Contextual Information Processing and Children: Which Factors Best Predict Their Ability to Use Context in Elementary School?”

 

Graduate student Graham Elmore, (sponsored by Dr. Conway Saylor), won second place for his poster entitled “Physically Active Recreation in Youth with Disabilities and Their Peers”.

 

Undergraduate student Ben Pettis (sponsored by Dr. Conway Saylor) won first place for his poster entitled “Bullying in the Internet Generation: Exploration of ‘Cyberbullying’ in Middle School Students”.

 

The South Carolina Psychological Association presented to Dr. Conway Saylor the 2007 “Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Psychology” award.

 

Also, Dr. Lloyd (Chip) Taylor was installed as the 2007 - 2008 President of the S. C. Psychological Association.

 

Another group of Psychology students are presenting research at the annual National Association of School Psychologist (NASP) Convention in NYC on March 27 - 31. The professors and graduate students presenting research at this event are Dr. Allen, Dr. Politano, Taylor Davis, Audrey Dooley, Danielle Saia and Meg Williams.
 

 
The Citadel’s “Buddy Program” has been honored by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

  

Associate Provost Spike Metts (left) and Steve Nida, head of The Citadel's pscyhology department, accept an award and plaque from Layton McCurdy, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education, honoring the Buddy Program.

The program, under the direction of psychology professor Dr. Conway Saylor, received a Service Learning Award from the commission. It was judged on its community impact, number of students who participate and integration into academics. 
 
The “Buddy Program” pairs 160 to 220 student participants per year with “Buddies” to fill the need in the community for young adults willing to mentor, provide modeling and friendship, and expand the activity options for people with disabilities whose social/recreational skills and opportunities are severely limited.
 
Associate Provost Spike Metts and Steve Nida, head of the Department of Psychology, accepted a plaque and check for $500 from Layton McCurdy, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education. The financial awards were sponsored by State Farm Insurance.