Extending the Reach of the STARs
Participating in research offers a multitude of benefits for undergraduate students, but many first-generation and underrepresented students are unaware of research opportunities until it is too late. The STAR Scholars Program arms students with the knowledge and confidence to apply for research opportunities and eventually complete an honors thesis. Read more.
Contribute to STAR!
To contribute funds that will allow STAR to help even more students, please visit the program's giving page here.
Donor Impact
Dr. Irene Fast helped define the landscape of modern psychology and changed the lives of students, mentees, and countless others in the Department and around the world. To celebrate her legacy, former students Dr. Albert Cain and Dr. Irving Leon created the Irene Fast Clinical Science Award Fund. Read more.
To contribute to the Irene Fast Clinical Science Award Fund, visit our giving page here.
Alumni Spotlights
Julaine LeDuc, BA: Psychology (1980)
Director of Development: Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor
Since 1980, Julaine LeDuc has built a career of giving back to the Ann Arbor Community through her work at local nonprofits, most recently as the current Director of Development for Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor (RMHCAA). Read more about her journey and the important work she performs at RMHCAA.
Ali DeJohn, BA: Psychology (1994)
In 2010, Ali DeJohn founded the Makerie, which hosts creative retreats where participants can learn letterpress printing, stitching, and many other crafts. DeJohn believes handicrafts offer much-needed pauses from the frantic pace of modern life and help us learn to embrace serendipity and imperfection. Read more in LSA Magazine.
Alumni: Share Your Career Experience
We would love to hear from alumni who have pursued careers in psychology or in other fields! If you would like to share your post-graduate career experience, please contact us.
Congratulations to Our Psych Olympians!
Congratulations to the Psychology alumni who participated in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics!
Siobhan Haughey (BA: 2019), Women's Swimming
Emily Klueh (BA: 2010), Mental Health Officer
Sam Mikulak (BA: 2020), Men's Gymnastics
Shelina Zadorsky (BA: 2014), Women's Soccer
Lecturer Highlight
Josh Rabinowitz, Lecturer IV
“Lately, I have found myself supervising students’ individual research projects more and more. For any student interested in going to graduate school, getting the research experience of an individual project or honors thesis—not to mention obtaining a strong letter of recommendation—is the best endeavor one could undertake. And I want to help with that." Read more.
Graduate Research Spotlight
Esra Ascigil, Personality & Social Contexts PhD Student
Relationship stress increased dramatically for couples during the pandemic, but the effects of stress on relationships are complex and unpredictable. Esra Ascigil’s research explores why stress appears to strengthen bonds for some couples and drive others apart. Read more.
Undergraduate Research Spotlight
Sarah Klausner, Senior, Honors Program in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN)
Sarah Klausner’s Honors Thesis explores the effects of genetic variations in neurotransmitters that influence cognitive disorders such as ADHD and depression. Read more.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
The Psychology Diversity Committee presents This is DEI, an interview series showcasing the range of work (research, teaching and mentorship) conducted by Psychology faculty and students on diversity, equity and inclusion. Click here to read the full interview!
Department of Psychology COVID Research Projects
Many faculty and students from the Department have been involved in COVID-related research projects throughout the pandemic. Some highlights are linked below. Click here for more listings, including on-going and planned research.
Josh Ackerman and Ashley Gearhardt
• COVID-19 stress and eating and drinking behaviors in the United States during the early stages of the pandemic
Pamela Davis-Kean
• ISR Insights Series: Education Inequalities in the Time of COVID-19
• Few US students ever repeat a grade but that could change due to COVID-19
Patricia Deldin
• Mood Lifters the Pandemic and Beyond
Ashley Gearhardt
• Health-promoting behaviors in the United States during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic
Amie Gordon
• COVID-19 Couple Study Results
Shinobu Kitayama
• Using social and behavioural science to support COVID-19 pandemic response
• Ten considerations for effectively managing the COVID-19 transition
John Schulenberg
• Daily marijuana use among US college students reaches new 40-year high
Abby Stewart
• COVID-19’s Attack on Women and Feminists’ Response: The Pandemic, Inequality, and Activism
Natalie Tronson
• How COVID-19 might increase risk of memory loss and cognitive decline
• How COVID-19 might increase risk of memory loss
In Memoriam
Lorraine Nadelman (1924-2021)
Associate Professor Emerita of Psychology
Exploring the Mind Talks
A monthly series of talks by U-M Psychology faculty. All Fall 2021 talks will be virtual. Dates, times, and details for each talk will be sent separately, so stay tuned! Dr. Felix Warneken's talk is available to stream now. Visit the Psychology Community Talks page for up-to-date info and to view past presentations.
Thank You, Donors!
The following named gift funds provided crucial support to Department of Psychology students over the past academic year. Click here for a detailed list, including names of student recipients. Thank you, donors, for continuing to make a difference!
Undergraduate Funds
Bernstein Award
Edward Chang Undergraduate Diversity Award
Martha Muenzer Memorial Award in Psychology
Lorraine Nadelman Undergraduate Honor Thesis Fund
Walter B. Pillsbury Testimonial
Anne Rudo Memorial Scholarship
Tanner Memorial Award
Graduate Funds
Eric Bermann Graduate Student Research Award Fund
Edward S. Bordin Graduate Research Fund
Marjorie Nan Donald Fund
Pat Gurin Fund
Ruth C. Hamill Graduate Student Award Fund
Hough Fellow in Psychology & Ethics
Donald G. Marquis Fund
Lorraine Nadelman Graduate Student Research Prize in Developmental Psychology
Barbara A. Oleshansky Memorial Endowment Fund
Barbara Perry Roberson Fellowship
Jay and Kay Peters Graduate Psychology Student Support Fund
Pillsbury Memorial Graduate Student Support Fund
Robinson Family Fellowship
Keith Smith Endowed Award
Joseph Veroff Endowed Graduate Support Fund
Michael J. Vizas Graduate Practicum Fund
Susan M. Webb Graduate Student Scholarship
