Oakland University Psi Chi

The research colloquium is November 17th, 2009 at noon in the Lake Superior room B in the Oakland Center, and it is titled:  Does the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory Measure Post-Traumatic Growth? The colloquium is presented by Dr. Kanako Taku and her research assistants, Nick Wrobel, Melanie Phillips, Katherine Lewitzke, Sean Callan, and Adam LaFramboise. Dr. Taku joined the psychology department last year and her research interests include: how people may or may not change psychologically, cognitively, socio-culturally, and spiritually after a trauma or crisis.

The presentation will focus on the current research conducted with OU students in the academic year of 2008-2009. The presentation seeks to address questions such as: (a) what is post-traumatic growth (PTG) exactly? (b) what are the students in the PTG lab are working on? (c) what is the difference in the meaning of positive change between American undergraduate students and Japanese undergraduate students? and (d) how can we apply the research findings to real life? The PTG lab is currently looking for new research assistants in the Winter semester 2010, so the colloquium will give students a possible opportunity to explore the exciting field of PTG and get involved.  The event is open to all OU students and free food will be served.  If you have any questions regarding the event please contact Nick Wrobel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

The research colloquium is October 20th, 2009 Noon -1pm in Lake Superior B in the Oakland Center.  This research colloquium is a new idea that will take the student perspective to demonstrate how the students in a variety of different labs conduct research their research. The presentation will be of three different students from three different labs in the psychology department and they will talk about: (a) expectations as a research assistant, (b) experiences they have had working with their professors, and (c) the process of conducting their individual and lab work under their professors.  For students thinking about becoming research assistants in the future, this is event will valuable information about expectations and experiences.  The event is open to all students at Oakland University and free food will be served.  If you have any questions regarding the event please contact Nick at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   

The research colloquium is October 28th, 2009 1pm – 2pm in Lake Superior B in the Oakland Center.  Dr. Parkhill-Purdie is a social psychologist who has been working as a post-doctoral research scientist at the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute at the University of Washington.  She is the new faculty member for the psychology department this semester, some of her interests relate to sexual aggression include identifying behavioral and attitudinal risk factors that interact with situational characteristics, such as alcohol use.  Her interests also include sexual victimization including identifying how alcohol increases a woman’s risk for being sexually revictimized and how alcohol interacts with victimization experiences to influence women’s risky sexual decision making.  Dr. Parkhill-Purdie’s presentation will focus on her past and present research experiences and give student the opportunity to get to know the exciting new addition to the Psychology Department.  The event is open to all students at Oakland University and free food will be served.  If you have any questions regarding the event please contact Nick at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   

This event will take place Thursday, November 5^th, 2009 in Lake Superior Room B of the Oakland Center from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Dr. Mary Lewis will be speaking at the event. The event is free and open to all Oakland University students. The focus of the event is to inform students about the opportunity to participate in field experience. It will also serve to educate students on the importance of engaging in such activities and how they will aid in graduate school and career opportunities. Oakland University students and Psychology Department faculty will be on hand to answer any questions students may have. If you have any questions regarding the event please contact Kaitlyn Harding.

This event has been canceled.

Jacqueline Odom from the Beaumont Weight Loss Center will present the research opportunities available for Oakland University students. This event will take place on Thursday, November 12th, from noon-1:00 p.m. in Lake Superior A in the Oakland Center and is free and open to all students.

New this year!  Come learn how to write APA style!

This event will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in 201 Dodge Hall.

One of the chief complaints of students is not knowing the proper APA format when it comes time for those 300 level term papers. Dr. Andrea Kozak will present guidelines and tips for writing a successful APA paper. The workshop will be followed by participants breaking into small groups to work on their current term papers and receive advice from seasoned student writers. This event is free, but we ask students to register to obtain a handout and the free complimentary breakfast. The deadline to register is 6:00 p.m., November 12, 2009.

Starting Off Right!! is a useful tool in learning how to get the most out of your time at OU. The event focuses on introducing you to both the formal and informal requirements needed to be successful during your undergraduate studies and beyond. Find out about how to participate in and start your own research projects. Have all your questions about the psychology program answered by professors and fellow students. You can also learn how to become a member of and get involved in Psi Chi. Free food and beverages will be provided. The event is free and open to all OU students and will be held in Pryale Hall Tuesday and Wednesday, September 22-23 from 12-1 p.m.

Psi Chi is hosting an event to provide you with the information necessary to participate in and conduct your own research at OU.

This event will take place Thursday, October 8^th, 2009 in Lake Superior Room B of the Oakland Center from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Dr. Cynthia Sifonis and Psi Chi President, Jennifer Kelley, will be speaking at the event. The event is free and open to all Oakland University students. The focus of the event is to inform students of all research assistantships and research grants opportunities available, specifically to psychology majors. It will also serve to educate students about the importance of engaging in such projects in the pursuit of graduate school and careers. Oakland University students and Psychology Department faculty will be on hand to answer any questions students may have.

Contact: Kaitlyn Harding