Gustavus Adolphus College

Department Happenings

Spring 2009 Gustavus Psychology Symposium, Friday, May 15 -- The Spring 2009 Psychology Symposium will provide opportunities for psychology majors to learn about the research being conducted by students in the department this year. Methods students, research apprentices, and those conducting directed research projects will prepare and explain poster presentations describing their research in the lower level hallway of SSC from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.. Senior Psychology Honors students will give oral presentations beginning at 4:00 p.m. in SSC 28. The public is invited. Please make plans to stop by the department and become acquainted with the research currently being conducted by psychology students.

Spring 2009 Gustavus Psychology Department Spring Gathering for Majors! Mark your calendars! The traditional spring gathering/picnic for psychology majors will be held on Friday, May 15th at Dr. Martin's home beginning at about 5:30 p.m. (immediately following the Psychology Research Symposium Honors presentations). Don't miss out! Food, fun, fellowship (and door prizes).

Spotlight on Alums...

Nicole Fuerstenberg '05

Beyond Industrial/Organizational Psychology, is there a realistic fit among psychology majors and the business world?

• In essence, yes. I graduated from Gustavus in 2005 with majors in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I have always been fascinated with human cognition and behavior; during my junior and senior years at Gustavus, I worked on my honor's thesis with Dr. Ackil on her eyewitness testimony research paradigm comparing suggestive interview techniques. I found research interesting, specifically in the analysis of information and in the practical application of research findings. Today, I work in the financial services industry at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and have found elements of what I learned helpful and woven into my career in several ways.
• The psychology classes I took in statistics and research methods, and the additional advanced classes that required reading and critiquing research articles tactically helped prepare me for a career in business. In my current role as an Advanced Business Analyst, understanding data and basic analytical concepts are important in my job. For example, at one point I was responsible for business level data analysis in the area of performance management metrics. Not only did I need to understand data, but I also needed to know how to communicate effectively to others as they used data to make decisions. Often times, recipients of data do not understand the details behind the reporting or analysis so it is critical to explain it in understandable terms. The group research projects, presenting to classes, and active participation in the Psychology Symposium were great experiences that helped prepare me for this part of my career.
• Additionally, a background in analytics has proven beneficial in understanding data and how it can be applied to business situations. I am currently working on a Lean Six Sigma* initiative, where we use a set of tools to improve results relative to a core business process. As part of the Lean Six Sigma process, we collected and analyzed large amounts of qualitative and quantitative information in order to understand current state processes, determine gaps, uncover critical to quality aspects of the process, and make recommendations for improvement. This initiative has given me a direct opportunity to further use my analytical and critical thinking skills that I began to develop as a psychology major at Gustavus.
• More generally speaking, my psychology background has helped me to get along well in the business environment. One aspect of psychology that has been helpful is in understanding individual and team behavior. On an individual basis, knowing about personality and social psychology has been a benefit in building trusting, professional relationships. Also, much of the work that I have been involved in has resulted in change to business processes. Knowing how people think, process, and filter information is generally helpful in change management situations. Additionally, a depth of knowledge in these core elements is advantageous at a team level. It is helpful to understand that people hear and process information differently in order to avoid making assumptions about what others may or may not have heard. As part of my role as an Advanced Business Analyst, I need to develop advanced knowledge in the business application of technology tools and teach them to adults. The first time I had to prepare for this, I found that understanding memory and how the brain works (at a high level) is beneficial when organizing content, developing a training curriculum, and delivering the training to help others learn effectively. As one can imagine, understanding principles about how people remember (and forget!) was critical in designing and implementing the training classes.
• Outside of my career at Thrivent Financial, I am currently enrolled in the part-time Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program at Carlson School of Management (at the University of Minnesota). I am nearing the end of my first semester and look forward to classes in management, human resources, and industrial relations. Even though I will not be conducting formalized experiments like I did at Gustavus, my background in writing, research, and critical thinking will be particularly helpful throughout my upcoming classes.
• In summary, taking psychology classes has helped promote my career in ways I never imagined. Admittedly, I would be hard pressed to remember exact psychological terms and definitions, however, I have leveraged the knowledge that I have gained and the skills that I have developed in my non-traditional psychology major career. I foresee using additional skills and competencies related to psychology in the future if I obtain a role as a manager. I think that understanding different personalities, working styles, and individual motivational levels will be beneficial in managing and developing a team.
* More information about Six Sigma can be found at:  http://www.isixsigma.com/

Kara Derner '01

Hello. I am Dr. Kara Derner and I graduated from Gustavus in 2001 with a degree in psychology. It feels like so long ago, and life has been pretty busy since then, but I am very grateful for how Gustavus prepared me for graduate school. After graduating from Gustavus I moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL, in August of 2001 to start a doctorate program in clinical psychology at Nova Southeastern University. I was in Fort Lauderdale for about 6-7 months but then moved back because the program wasn't the best fit for me, and the lifestyle and pace of Southern Flordia did not quite fit for this Minnesota Girl. I was very appreciative of the time I spent in Fort Lauderdale, but was excited to return to MN.

In the fall of 2002 I started graduate school at the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University. Although graduate school, especially the first year, was extremely demanding, I really liked the program and learned a great deal. I also completed practicums at the Counseling Center of Southern Minnesota in St. Peter, the College of Saint Benedict in their college counseling center, and at the Eating Disorders Institute of Methodist Hospital in their outpatient program.  After four years of classes and practicums, I completed my pre-doctoral internship at my first choice, the University of Colorado at Boulder in their counseling center. After returning from Colorado, I focused on completing my dissertation which was titled: A 12-Year Follow-Up Study of Body Dissatisfaction and Other Eating Disorder Risk Factors in Male and Female High School Students in Namibia, Africa.

I completed my doctorate in Clinical Psychology just this past December and I am now working on getting my post-doctoral hours and will begin studying for the licensing exam.  I currently live in Eden Prairie and work at Nystrom & Associates, Ltd., which is a Christian-based counseling center, where I see clients for individual therapy.  I also work at the Melrose Institute of Park Nicollet, formerly known as the Eating Disorders Institute, mainly doing group therapy.  I am hoping to get licensed by Janurary of 2010 and plan to continue to specialize in eating disorders.

Honors Research

Rebecca Carlson

Becky is a senior Psychology Honors major and a Religion minor. She's been an intern in the Center for Vocational Reflection and involved in Study Buddies, Relay for Life, Senior Week and as a Chapel Apprentice/Sacristan. She writes about her Honors research:

The Influence of Attachment and Framing in Mentoring Preferences

• Mentors influence people in all stages of life. From youth mentoring to workplace mentoring, they all support, encourage, and influence the development of a mentee by increasing social support, promoting goal setting and attainment, and increasing life satisfaction (Rhodes & DuBois, 2008, DuBois & Silverthorn, 2005). The purpose of the study is to examine how
  likely mentors who utilize different motivational strategies are to be chosen based on the attachment style of the mentee. Attachment is central to the development of relationships and Bowlby defined attachment as "any form of behaviour that results in a person attaining or retaining proximity to some other differentiated and preferred individual" (1980, p. 39).  The hypothesis of this study is that securely attached participants will be more likely to choose promotion-oriented mentors than will insecurely attached
  participants. It is hypothesized that insecurely attached participants will be more likely to choose prevention-oriented mentors than securely attached participants.
  

Tribute to our Seniors...

A sampling of Senior Psych Majors - living and learning on campus and off...

Amanda George: I'm a Psychology Major and Coaching minor and over the past four years have been involved with Gustavus Tennis, Big Partner Little Partner, Relay For Life, Tennis and Life Camps, and as an Assistant Tennis Coach at St. Peter HS. After college, I will be moving to Sydney, Australia for a year for an internship in Human Resources. When I come back, I hope to have a job related to this area that allows me travel back to Australia as often as possible!!! My advice to the underclassmen is to have an open mind about EVERYTHING! Be ready and accepting of change. Also, HAVE FUN!!! The next few years of college will go by faster than you think... these really are the best years of you lives.

Emily Klein: I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Coaching. I play volleyball and softball. This fall I would like to be in graduate school pursuing a master's in child development/child life or working for a year and then going to graduate school. In five or six years I would like to be working in a hospital or clinic as a Child Life Specialist. My advice to first and second year students is to find something your passionate about and go for it (you can always change your mind later if its not what you expected) and also make sure you take time to ENJOY YOURSELF!

Scott Broady: I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology. I'm in Student Senate, Intramural Sports, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Servant Leadership Program (CVR) and the Judicial Board. This fall I hope to be working in an Americorps program, either Admission Possible or the NCCC. My advice to first and second year students is to get involved with at least one student led campus organization, build relationships with professors.

Mike Klayum: I am a Psychology Major and have been involved in GAC football, Tau Psi Omega, Relay for Life, Special Olympics, Polar Plunge, and as a volunteer at the Third Floor. This fall, I would like to have a job in the healthcare field and in five years, I'll hopefully be finishing medical school. My advice to incoming students is to make sure you get out and enjoy college. It's the best time of your life!

Alexandria Neville: I am a double major in Psychology and Health and Exercise Science. I am a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority (Vice President 2008), Inter-Greek Senate (Secretary 2007), Gustavus Women's Lacrosse team, Wellness Advisory Board and Health Fitness Club, along with various intramurals. I plan to attend graduate school this fall, ultimately achieving a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Down the road, I would like to be working in a hospital setting (preferably here in Minnesota at Children's, Minneapolis) as an in-patient pediatric occupational therapist. My advice to incoming psychology students: space out classes across the semesters so you can independently enjoy each psychology class and specialized topic. And, if there is a senior seminar class that interests you prior to senior year, take it!

Krista Koenen: My major is Psychology and my minor is French. I am involved in Psi Chi, Pi Delta Phi, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Student Leader in the Caf, CF my junior year, Moving and Groving, Great Books, IM Softball and Volleyball, and Varsity Swimming. I hope to attend graduate school for school counseling, and in 5 years I'd like to be married and have a school counseling position in a middle school. My advice to first and second year students is - don't take life too seriously.. study less and have more fun.

Katie Nelson: I am a Psychology Major and a Studio Art Minor. Activities that I've been involved in are Gustavus Ambassadors, Gustie Buddies, Big Partner Little Partner, and Psi Chi. This fall I hope to be enrolled in a graduate school program to obtain my Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology. In five years I will be graduating from graduate school and hope to begin working with the eating disordered population. My advice to first and second year students is to start thinking about your future career early and take advantage of ALL the opportunities that can help give you experience and insight into the field (eg. internships)

Carly Ernst: I am a Psychology major in the Pre-Med program. I have been involved in Varsity Swimming, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Mayo Scholars Internship Program, Gustie Buddies, Psi Chi, Order of Omega, and Sigma Xi. I'll be applying to medical school this next year and, so hopefully, that is what I will be doing five years down the road! I advise incoming psychology students to get involved as soon as possible!  Enjoy your time here, it goes fast!

Jennifer Pelowski: I'm majoring in Psychology and Management and have been involved in Psi Chi, Study Buddies, and Jumpstart (literacy program for preschoolers). I hope to have a job in the business world this fall and in five years I'd like to be working in human resources. My advice to students is to take stats early and get them over with so you can take the fun classes later.

Alex Prieve: I am a Psychology major with Biology and Neurobiology minors and have been a three-sport athlete in Cross country and Track for all four years here at GAC. I am also a Career Center host this year. Next fall, I will be at the University of Minnesota in the Human Resources and Industrial Relations program. In five years, I hope to be employed and taking in what life has to offer. The advice I can give to young students, "Take in every moment and make a memory, because moments like these never come again".

Alex Link: I was interested in Psychology ever since my first class in high school, and this interest progressed into me pursuing a major.  I originally wanted to pursue a minor in Spanish but due to time constraints and not being able to study abroad I elected to drop it even though I still maintain a strong drive to become fluent. I've played tennis here at Gustavus and greatly enjoyed the amazing coaching of Steve Wilkinson and lavished the opportunity to play with so many great players.  I only played my freshman year and part of my sophomore year but greatly appreciated the opportunity to play in such a prestigious program. I am going to be working in Minneapolis until I can accrue enough money to take on graduate school.  I am looking towards Mark Warner Holiday resorts for jobs abroad, especially being a Ski host in the French Alps or an Activity leader for children in Greece.  I am currently looking for Sports Psychology programs at a number of graduate schools, but am not feeling pressured to apply right after graduation. I would tell first and second year students to get a hold of a Gustavus academic planner and fill it entirely with important dates from every syllabus received.  Also do not be shy or have any reservations towards approaching teachers, they are willing and eager to help students through all sorts of problems, and maintaining close contact with them will make your academic career here seem more manageable.

Christine Grotjohn: I am a Psychology Honors Major with an English Minor. I've served as the Gustie Buddies Coordinator, a Gustie Greeters, Career Center Host, part of the High Five Wellness Program, involved in Psi Chi, Honors Research, Student Leadership Council,  Admissions, and Proclaim. This fall, I hope to be teaching English in South Korea! Looking ahead to five or six years, I hope to have earned a masters degree and be working in either College Student Affairs or as a Pastor. My advice to first and second year students is to build strong relationships with your friends, professors, and the college staff...everyone! Get involved, but not too involved. Be selective about what you commit your time to. Focus first on academics, and everything else will come. Take naps. Take advantage of any or all of the "special events" offered-- you'll regret it if you don't. Breathe and have fun!

Constance Lokken: I am a Psychology major with an English minor. Over these last four years, I have spent my time working and attending school, as well as helping Professor Costello with her research. By this fall I hope to have a "good" job in the field of psychology, working on gaining some experience before applying to graduate schools in clinical psychology. My advice to underclassmen is to use their first year to take advantage of the liberal arts experience and gain as much experience in as many departments as possible.  Then, by their sophomore year, they should try to get established in a major field, so that by their senior year they can take more electives, rather than just required courses.

Kelly Chaudoin: I am a Pyschology Major with a Coaching Minor. I am a member of Psi Chi, the Gustavus Nordic Ski Team, the Gustavus Cross Country Running Team, and have been a participant in Head Start and Elders. This fall, as well for the next couple of years, I hope to be skiing for a Development Team. When I finish my skiing career I would like to go back to school to further my education in Clinical Psychology.

Jesus Espina-Velosa: My majors are Political Science and Psychology and my minor is Spanish. These past four years have given me the opportunity to do so many different activities which have made my gustavus experience an unforgettable one. I played on the men's soccer team for four years, playing on the varsity team three of the years. I was very involved in music. Whether it was taking lessons at Gustavus, accompanying students, playing piano in the cafeteria or playing in concerts, music has been a huge part of my experience here. I was also involved in a fraternity and some of my favorite memories will be the banquets and events we did. I hopefully will be teaching for Teach for America this fall. I am in the final interview process right now and can only hope that I get the chance to teach in California, Arizona, D.C., or Miami. In 5 years, I hope to be working towards the end of a Law degree or Masters in Neuropsychology. That, or working for the State Department in South America.
My advice to first and second year students is to enjoy the four years you have here because they go really fast. Make sure that you are studying the right way. Psychology can help give you the tools to utilize different methods of learning and studying and you just have to find what suits you best. Travel abroad, even if it is just during J-term. It will help give you a different perspective of the world. Finally, have fun. You can have a very fun social life and be excellent academically at the same time, it just takes some balancing.

Rebecca Carlson: I am a Psychology Honors major and Religion minor. I've been an intern in the CVR and involved in Study Buddies, Relay for Life, Senior Week planning committee, and as a Chapel Apprentice/Sacristan. This fall, I hope to be working with a nonprofit organization either working directly with clients or working in an administrative capacity developing strategic plans. In five or six years, I would like to have earned a graduate degree in an, as of yet, undetermined area, perhaps social work, and starting to work in a specialized field. My advice to first and second year students is to take advantage of study abroad opportunities! Also, keep your mind and your options open - take a class because it sounds interesting even if it isn't in your department - you never know what you might discover about yourself and your interests.

Psychology Majors in the News!

Gustavus Adolphus College senior outfielder Emily Klein (psychology) (Red Wing, Minn.) hit .447, pounded out five doubles and stole six bases to help the Gusties post a record of 8-2 on their Spring Break trip to Arizona. Klein, who recorded at least one hit in all 10 games, also had five multiple hit games including three hits in the Gusties 5-2 win over #21 California-San Marcos. In that game, Klein had a double, a triple, stole a base and scored two runs. Klein leads the team in hitting (.479), slugging percentage (.750), and on-base percentage (.519) in 14 games. The Gusties are currently 11-3.

Carrie Gundersen (psychology) placed 9th in the 1650 freestyle at the NCAA Swim Championships. Carrie started off the day with a ninth place finish in the 1650 freestyle with a new school and conference record time of 17:04.09. Her time was nearly five seconds better than the previous mark of 17:09.69 that she had registered at the MIAC Championships three weeks ago. She earned honorable mention All-America honors as a result of her ninth place finish.

Sarah Jabar (psychology) - The Rhythm of Dance and the Visual Arts at the Hillstrom Museum of Art -- 3:30 p.m. on April 5 and April 7. Student choreographers and dancers from the Department of Theatre/Dance to perform a visual analysis of works currently on display in the Museum. Junior choreographer and dancer Sarah Jabar chose a painting by Tom Jones titled Sweet Land of Liberty for her work. Members of the Dance Composition II class are Marissa Augustine, Emily Bulling, Shawn Grygo, Sarah Jabar, Patrick Jeffrey, Denise Stein and Jill Van Osdol. These dances in Hillstrom Museum of Art are free and open to the public. The Hillstrom Museum of Art is located in the lower level of the Jackson Student Center.

Conferences, Professional Presentations

Melissa Mackley, (neuroscience minor and biology), Anne Engebretson (psychology), Meghan Taylor (psychology) and Constance Lokken have co-authored an abstract "Fear Processing during Binocular Suppression" with Dr. Patricia Costello, which will be presented at the Vision Sciences Society Meeting in May.

Dr. Mark Kruger had a paper accepted at the annual meeting for the Society of Music Perception and Cognition, titled "INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN MUSCLE TENSION AND AIR SUPPORT DURING TRUMPET PERFORMANCE".  Dr. Kruger was the third author, the co-authors were Jonathan Kruger (Rochester Institute of Technology) and James McClean (SUNY-Geneso).

National Conference on Undergraduate Research University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. April 16-18, 2009 NCUR® 23 will bring together undergraduates involved in scholarly and artistic activities from more than 300 colleges and universities in the nation. Since the first conference in 1987, NCUR® has grown to become a major annual event drawing well over 2200 undergraduates, faculty and administrators to promote undergraduate research in all fields of study.

Minnesota Undergraduate Psychology Conference (MUPC) -- In addition to poster and paper presentations of undergraduate research projects, programming for MUPC also includes a keynote address by Dr. Laura A. King - University of Missouri, Columbia Saturday, April 18, 2009 -- College of St. Benedict, Saint Joseph MN

MidBrains Conference - Macalester College - May 2, 2008 - The conference is a joint effort of the MidBrains Neuroscience Consortium-- a network of faculty from undergraduate neuroscience programs in the upper midwest. This annual event provides a forum for undergraduate students in the Midwest to present research findings, to attend research lectures and special panels, and to meet other undergraduate students interested in the neurosciences. Representatives from several major research universities are also present to discuss graduate school opportunities. Students are encouraged to submit abstracts in all fields of the neurosciences and related disciplines!

Gustavus Celebration of Creative Inquiry - May 1, 2009

Events on Campus

• Dr. Judith M. Burton, Professor of Art & Art Education from Columbia University
• Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jackson Campus Center
• Jackson Campus Center
• Dr. Burton will be speaking about the contribution of the arts in regards to human growth and development. She will also discuss her recent research on the transfer of learning in the arts. Sponsored by St. Peter Community & Family Education, Gustavus Adolphus College, Creative Play Place, St. Peter Early Childhood Initiative, and Minnesota Valley Area Early Childhood Educators.

Gustavus Honors Day - Saturday, May 2, 2009

Baccalaureate and Commencement - Sunday, May 31, 2009

Psi Chi Sponsored Updates

The 2008/2009 Psi Chi Induction ceremony will be held on April 28th in Linner Lounge from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. An invitation event.

 

Careers in Psychology

Research Assistant/Lab Manager Brain and Cognitive Sciences University of Rochester

Research Assistant/Lab Manager Position,The Infant Cognition Lab at Yale University Director

Coordinator of Research Programs Department of Psychology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Multiple Research Assistant/Fellowship Positions