Our Superstars!

Did you know that Bryce Robinson graduated this spring with prestigious awards and got accepted into Texas Tech’s Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program? Or that Matt Helm will be starting the University of Wyoming Psychology Ph.D. program this fall? Or that Michal Newhouse won the Psychology Non-Traditional Path Award? Each semester, our lab members are excelling in a multitude of ways and bringing themselves one step closer to reaching their goals. Join us in congratulating them on their accomplishments!

The Challenge and Reward of Tackling an Honors Thesis
by John D. Watt

An honors thesis can seem like a daunting task: designing a study, getting IRB approval, and conducting a research project from start to finish. However, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences in an undergraduate’s career. J.D. shares some of the obstacles he faced, his efforts to overcome them, and the valuable lessons he learned as a result of completing an honors thesis. J.D. shares some of the obstacles he faced, his efforts to overcome them, and the valuable lessons he learned as a result of completing an honors thesis.

Learning to Love Criticism
by Kimberly A. Barchard

Like many of us, Kim once dreaded criticism. Now she seeks out feedback on a nearly daily basis. What changed? Find out how Kim learned to love criticism and how she deals with the feedback she receives– both the helpful and the not so helpful.

Facing Change in Four Steps
by Jelsy Cadenas-Santos

Do you find it difficult to embrace change, even though it could help you achieve your goals? To excel, we must change; yet many of us struggle to do so. Jelsy shares four steps for facing change and discusses how they have helped her thrive as an undergraduate student and graduate school applicant.

Becoming Conscious
by Jerlyn Malasig

Becoming conscious of our thoughts and emotions can lessen the tension we experience in our lives. Many of our daily activities can be more enjoyable by placing awareness on our perceptions, behaviors, and reactions. Jerlyn shares how applying three principles from Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose have enabled her to become more conscious — leading to a more peaceful life.

Take a Breather
by Monica Cordova-Medina

Sometimes, we underestimate our workload or bite off more than we can chew. This can lead to high levels of stress – which can impede us from actually getting stuff done. One simple way to manage stress is through breathing exercises. Monica shares a breathing exercise she learned from John Kabat-Zinn’s Full Catastrophe Living. This exercise helped her alleviate stress and, in turn, successfully manage her workload.

Fitting Sleep into My Life
by Orei Odents

College students are notorious for having unhealthy sleeping patterns. After reading Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep, Orei prioritized healthy sleep habits. He tells us the benefits he has experienced and how we, too, can reap these rewards.