The Psychology Department at the University of West Florida offers small classes, personal attention from respected faculty and hands-on experience working with local organizations. We offer both undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as certificates. The faculty’s applied psychological science specialties are varied and diverse so that multiple opportunities are available for a wide range of learning experiences.
In June of 2008, Dr. Stephen Vodanovich taught as a Visiting Professor at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, the oldest and most prestigious university in the country. Dr. Vodanovich gave a series of lectures on various topics related to Industrial-Organizational Psychology to graduate students and faculty. He also developed joint research projects and renewed efforts to enhance ongoing relationships with the Psychology Department at Chulalongkorn University.
The Department is pleased to announce that Dr. Frank Andrasik, Distinguished University Professor, and Dr. James Arruda, Associate Professor, have received a grant from the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, to explore issues related to cognitive decline during aging. More specifically, this project will focus on early identification of a particular aspect of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), termed the amnestic type. While MCI can affect many aspects of cognition, this proposal will home in on its effects on memory. A more detailed look at this subtype of MCI is important because this condition is often an indicator that more serious memory problems may follow, such as dementia or Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Early identification of amnestic MCI may open a window of opportunity for intervening and forestalling more serious memory problems. This grant, which will be performed in conjunction with staff at the West Florida Hospital Memory Disorders Clinic, will explore the usefulness of a novel EEG assessment procedure, when compared to information that is gathered more typically when assessing memory problems (e.g., standard neuropsychological tests). The Byrd Institute was conceived by a former Florida Speaker of the House, Johnnie Byrd, Jr., whose father suffered from AD. Its mission is to support excellence in basic and applied research delving into AD. The Memory Disorders Clinic at West Florida Hospital is the only state clinic designated by the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs to serve the Northwest Florida area for individuals having various memory disorders. Drs. Andrasik and Arruda will receive approximately $44,000 of funding for this project, which is expected to take about 1 year to complete.
Drs. Sue Walch and Bill Mikulas were recipients of the 2008 Distinguished Research and Creative Activities Award. Sue was recognized for her distinguished record of securing external funding for research, outreach, and training activities. Bill was awarded for his distinguished record of scholarly and creative activities. Our congratulations to both of these outstanding faculty!
This year, the Department of Psychology established Psychology Excellence Awards for psychology juniors and seniors. A student must have at least a 3.50 psychology grade point average to be considered. The faculty select award winners based on academic achievements.
Congratulations to our recipients this year. They received a certificate and item of recognition. Their photos will be displayed on our Wall of Fame, Bldg. 41, first floor.
2008 Psychology Junior Excellence Award Winners: Teresa Clarke, Jennifer Cohen, Carlise Downie, Kiley Ellegard, Natoshia Gallant, Summer Hargraves, Jessica Keroack, Matthew Kuza, Melissa Lane, Beverly Mainor, Sara Senkbeil, Matthew Wingard.
2008 Psychology Senior Excellence Award Winners: Jennifer Chambers, Matilda Kirkland, Leslie McLeod, Concetta Nelson, Cindy Swan, Christina Taylor, Joann Vaughn, Valerie Wenc, Cole Yuknis.
"Journeying to India through Cross Cultural Solutions was the smartest and most fulfilling thing that I have every done. I volunteered with a small NGO called Vidya in New Delhi, India and taught English skills to three and four year old children. I was able to step outside the classroom and participate in the world in a hands-on way. Volunteering gave me the chance to experience a culture through the eyes of its less fortunate, and it is something that I recommend to anyone who has a desire to help people. This experience gave me a new outlook on life, and some great new skills that will be valuable throughout my future career."
"As a UWF student majoring in psychology and public relations, I gained valuable 'real world' experience through a directed study at the Boys and Girls Club, under the instruction of Dr. Sam Mathews. I have been able to use my training from UWF over the last year in my position as a Tobacco Prevention Specialist at the Santa Rosa County Health Department. In partnership with our Regional Tobacco Coordinator, I designed a smoking prevention campaign called "Sweet Deception", aimed at empowering youth to recognize and fight back against the deceptive practices of the tobacco companies. Students at six Santa Rosa County schools are involved in the campaign, focused on eliminating youth access to tobacco. One of the campaign's major goals is to pass an ordinance banning candy-flavored tobacco products including but not limited to spit/smokeless tobacco, cigars and cigarettes. We have been invited to present the campaign at a national conference in the hope that it will become a national effort. Recently I was integrally involved in the submission and receipt of a new three-year grant for $384,000. With the new funding we plan to host two bi-annual youth leadership retreats as well as encouraging and assisting area businesses to develop smoke-free policies."
For more information about these opportunities, visit Volunteer UWF at www.uwf.edu/volunteer
"I got real world experience, helped my community, and got college credit for it. I began a field study at the center as a psychology major looking to get some experience under my belt before I graduated. What I got was a wonderful learning environment and a place to apply what I have learned in college. My perspective of what is going on in the community has been changed dramatically. It has sparked my interest in becoming proactive. I have enjoyed working in the center and recommend it to any student."
For more information about these opportunities, visit Volunteer UWF at www.uwf.edu/volunteer
The UWF Psychology Department houses the new Center for Applied Psychology. The Center is a consulting group within the Department aimed at optimizing human performance across the lifespan in education, health and workplace contexts. We work with a wide range of local, regional, national and international partners to help them develop the capacity to achieve their goals and to enhance the quality of life of their clients, employees and communites.
