Students and Faculty Present Behavioral Research at New York Conference

Graduate students and faculty from the College of Human Development, Culture and Media’s Department of Professional Psychology & Family Therapy (PPFT) presented their research at the Greater New York Behavioral Research Conference (GNYBRC), held this year on November 4 at St. Francis College, Brooklyn. 

This conference, founded in 1989 by Professor Harold Takooshian of Fordham University and Professor Olga Scarpetta of John Jay College, brings student and faculty researchers in the New York metropolitan area together each fall. This year’s conference, chaired by Professor Laura Egan of St. Francis College, boasted 27 multi-disciplinary presentations by outstanding student and faculty researchers from more than a dozen colleges, universities, and humanitarian organizations. Attendees were also treated to career workshops, an award ceremony, and a reception with opportunities to meet local authors.

Gianna Scimemi, a Seton Hall graduate student in the Psychological Studies program, received the Rolland S. Parker award for her outstanding student research paper in neuropsychology. The study, entitled, "Does Telepsychology Help or Hurt the Neuropsychological Evaluation? Informed Consent and Other Ethical Concerns," was written with Sandra Lee, Ph.D., a professor in the department. This prestigious award honors Rolland S. Parker, Ph.D. (1928-2010), esteemed author and President of the New York Academy of Traumatic Brain Injury (Takooshian et al., 2018).

Five PPFT students and two faculty members also delivered a total of five well-received presentations. Gianna Scimemi and Analisa Tafro, who is also pursuing her Master’s in Psychological Studies, presented with Peggy Brady-Amoon, Ph.D. on "Listening to the Experiences of High-Achieving Low SES Youth of Color: Identity and Success." 

Doctoral students George Perron, BluJean Casey, and Jayda S. Yizar; who are working toward their Ph.D. degrees in Counseling Psychology, presented on “Psychology Graduate Students’ Perceptions of Power and Hope in Evaluative Relationships” with Professor Brady-Amoon, their advisor.

Immediately following that presentation, BluJean Casey presented on her study titled "An Examination of the Role of Math Anxiety, Stereotype Threat, Working Memory, and Affect in Math Performance for Women and Nonbinary College Students."

Gianna Scimemi also presented her co-authored work with Professor Lee. Wrapping up the scientific presentations, Professor Brady-Amoon, presented "Career Options and Success", met with interested students, and signed copies of her book, Building Your Career in Psychology (Routledge, 2022) during the culminating reception and celebration.

Reflecting on the conference, Professor Brady-Amoon said “It is truly a pleasure to work with so many talented, dedicated graduate students in PPFT – and see the fruits of their work at professional conferences such as the GNYBRC. I encourage current and prospective graduate students to explore the interdisciplinary opportunities offered by PPFT – and all students and colleagues to consider submitting a proposal to next year’s GNYBRC.”  

Categories: Arts and Culture, Education, Research