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Psychology

Psychology Students Engage in Advocacy-Driven Research with Abolitionist Law Center Court Watch
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 Undergraduate and graduate students from Point Park University's Department of Psychology spent the semester conducting ethnographic observations of Allegheny County's mental health court in partnership with the Abolitionist Law Center (ALC) Court Watch program, a hands-on experience that allowed students to apply course concepts directly to a real-world setting while participating in meaningful, cause-driven work.
Pictured from left are students Nicollette "Nik" Tymczyszyn, Dillion Peterson, Darian Lees, Vivian Kinter, Cynthia Gelien and Professor Robert McInerney, Ph.D. 
Students and Faculty from Point Park University to Lead "Chalk Out & Speak Out" Event in Market Square Focused on Street Harassment
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Point Park University students and faculty in the Department of Psychology will partner with several Pittsburgh organizations to host a “Chalk Out & Speak Out” event in Downtown Pittsburgh's Market Square on Thursday, April 20, 4–7 p.m., to raise awareness of street harassment, how to eradicate it and guidance on what to do when experiencing catcalling or other forms of unwanted comments.
Pictured are students and Britney Brinkman, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, from the End Street Harassment Pittsburgh project. Submitted photo.
Student Profile
Natalia Zucco '23
"There’s a great opportunity to learn at Point Park, and not just in the classroom. Beyond learning about your major, you learn about people, relationships, society and yourself. There are so many students representative of different communities, cultures and countries. Point Park's environment fosters opportunities for students to develop new ideas and realize how much there is to explore and experience in this world."
Pictured is Natalia Zucco. Photo by Natalie Caine.
Alumni Profile
Ashley C. Stokes '18
"Having four regional Emmy’s under my belt after my first year working for PBS is humbling. It inspires me to continue to share stories that make a difference in our communities and eventually around the world."
Student Profile
Christyn Richardson '23
"I chose Point Park because I knew from its atmosphere that it would be a place where I could flourish professionally and personally. I knew I would be able to network and build a community with other creative minds, and I could be my most authentic self here, out in the open and free."
Pictured is Christyn Richardson. Photo by Natalie Caine.
Efforts to Improve Dancers’ Mental Health is Taking Practical First Steps at Point Park University
Monday, November 14, 2022 Two years after launching a collaborative study to better support dancer mental health, Point Park University and Minding the Gap discussed preliminary findings of their research at the 32nd annual conference for the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) in Limerick, Ireland.
Point Park dance students. Photo | Mark Simpson
New Full-Time Faculty for 2022-23 Academic Year
Friday, September 30, 2022 Meet Point Park's nine new full-time faculty members for the 2022-23 academic year.
A photo of campus by Nathaniel Holzer.
Student Profile
Erin Yudt '24
Journalism major Erin Yudt '24 gained hands-on experience as an intern for The Herald.
Pictured is Erin Yudt. Submitted photo.
Faculty Spotlight: Britney Brinkman, Ph.D.
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 Following 15 years of research on young girls' experiences in schools, Britney Brinkman, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Point Park University, has published "Girls’ Identities and Experiences of Oppression in Schools: Resilience, Resistance, and Transformation," a book that explores "the ways in which girls and adults in school systems hold multiple realities, negotiate tensions, cultivate hope and resilience, resist oppression and envision transformation."
Pictured is Britney Brinkman.
Video: What Makes Point Park University's Approach to Psychology Distinctive?
Monday, March 7, 2022 "Our program brings sophisticated theoretical lenses to problems of mental health so that we can recognize contextual factors. They are easy to miss, because we see people, not their situations. Yet, people never exist outside of a situation. If we miss the social and cultural context, we will too easily stigmatize people."
Pictured is Dr. Brent Robbins speaking to students in the Lawrence Hall ballroom. File photo.
Mobile Thriving Respite Connects Theory to Practice for Psychology Students
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 "The Mobile Thriving Respite adds immense value to the education I am receiving at Point Park. My involvement allows me to see what I am learning and problematizing in classes represented in real-world scenarios. This extends my education far beyond the classroom and aids in preparing me for the professional world."
Pictured from left to right are Department of Psychology students Samuel Merhaut, Arin Shatto, Hallie Abbott, Nanina Grund and Robert McInerney, Ph.D., professor of psychology and coordinator of the undergraduate psychology program. Photo by Nicole Chynoweth.
Psychology Professor Britney Brinkman and Doctoral Students Publish Research in Women & Therapy Journal
Friday, October 1, 2021 Britney Brinkman, associate professor of psychology and director of the Psy.D. program, along with doctoral students Shacoya L. Bates '23 and Orlandria Smith '23, recently published their research project, "Centering Black Girls in Sexual Harassment Research: A Community-Based Participatory Action Research Approach" in Taylor & Francis Online's Women & Therapy Journal.
Pictured is Britney Brinkman. File photo.
Faculty Q&A: Amanda B. Lowe, Ph.D.
Friday, September 24, 2021 New to the Department of Psychology this semester is Amanda B. Lowe, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology with experience in clinical practice, entrepreneurship and research. In this Q&A, learn about Lowe's teaching style and the real-world experience she brings to the classroom.
Pictured is Amanda B. Lowe. Photo by Nathaniel Holzer.
Alumni Profile
Veronika Panagiotou '21
Ph.D. in community engagement alumna Veronika Panagiotou is an advocacy and program manager for the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.
Pictured is Veronika Panagiotou. Photo | Megan Gloeckler
Alumni Profile
Karly Shorts '13
"Point Park’s behavioral sciences program prepared me for my career by introducing me to counseling skills at the undergraduate level, as well as introducing me to the concept of trauma. I remember vividly having to audio record 'practice' counseling sessions with fellow classmates, and this helped me develop my skills for reflection and showed me that being a therapist was exactly where I wanted to be."
Pictured is Karly Shorts. Photo by Zoë Sadler.
Faculty Q&A: Todd Raymond Avellar, Ph.D.
Thursday, July 15, 2021 "If somebody wants a program that is, 'These are the courses you take, show up, maybe a speak a little bit, do the assignment, and leave,' we’re not that program. If somebody wants a program where they get to know faculty deeply, this is for them. We’re able to give each person a unique experience."
Pictured is Todd Raymond Avellar, Ph.D. File photo.
New Ph.D. in Critical Psychology
Thursday, June 10, 2021 "The program is designed for students who are interested in working at the intersection of psychology and social justice to produce positive change within communities, institutions and the field of psychology itself."
Pictured is a view of the mural in Point Park's Village Park. Photo by Megan Gloeckler.
Alumni Profile
Kristin (Snapp) Andreassi '17
Meet School of Communication alumna Kristin Andreassi '17, project coordinator, HR Innovation & Experience, UPMC Corporate Services.
Pictured is Kristin (Snapp) Andreassi.
As Telehealth's Popularity Grows, Psy.D. Faculty Adapt
Monday, March 8, 2021 With in-person appointment concerns growing out of the pandemic, faculty are training students in the Psy.D. program on delivering services through telehealth as it becomes more widespread.
Pictured is Anastasia Wilhelm. Submitted photo.
Alumni Profile
Nicholas Moran '15
"Point Park’s psychology department had a heavy emphasis on humanistic psychological perspectives, which continues to shape the way in which I approach my clinical work. I believe that my clients are the experts, and I am a helpful resource to assist with the co-construction of their fully actualized self. Point Park gave me necessary experience in conducting psychological research, presenting at conferences and improving my academic writing skills. I seek to provide an inclusive and brave space for my clients to explore all aspects of themselves and the intersections of their identities and presenting mental health concerns. Point Park helped me to see the client first as opposed to focusing on diagnosis."
Pictured is Nicholas Moran. Submitted photo.
Student Profile
Ashley Bobak '22
Ashley Bobak, who earned a B.A. in psychology from Point Park University in 2013, is a doctoral candidate, part-time professor and therapist in the University Counseling Center.
Pictured is Ashley Bobak. Submitted photo.
Student Profile
Emoni Jones '21
Emoni Jones, a student in Point Park University's 4+1 B.A./M.A. psychology program, is helping Pittsburgh's street population through a practicum at Bridge Outreach.
Pictured is Emoni Jones. Submitted photo.
Student Profile
Hannah Felix '21 '22
Hannah Felix, a student in Point Park University's 4+1 B.A./M.A. psychology program, is facilitating conversations in the community about mental health as an intern at Inside Our Minds.
Pictured is Hannah Felix. Submitted photo.
Student Profile
Serena Daywalt '20
Psychology major and Honors Program student Serena Daywalt will present "Targeting Teacher Burnout: Caring for Teachers Can Bring Compassion to the Classroom" at the National Collegiate Honors Council virtual conference this fall.
Pictured is Serena Daywalt. Submitted photo.
Point Park University Welcomes New Full-Time Faculty for 2020-21 Academic Year
Thursday, September 3, 2020 Point Park University welcomes five new full-time faculty members for the 2020-21 academic year. These faculty bring both industry expertise and real-world professional experience into the classes they teach at Point Park.
Student Profile
Kimberly Crawford-Champion '16 '19 '22
Learn how Kimberly Crawford-Champion, a Point Park Psy.D. in clinical psychology candidate, psychology alumna and veteran is conducting her dissertation research on racial trauma while inspiring African-American youth.
Pictured is Psy.D. student Kimberly Crawford-Champion.
Teaching a Humanistic Style of Psychology: A Faculty Q&A with Professor Robert McInerney, Ph.D.
Monday, June 1, 2020 Professor Robert McInerney, Ph.D., talks about what makes the psychology major at Point Park University unique.
Pictured is Robert McInerney, Ph.D., professor of psychology
Associate Professor Published in Scholarly Journal for Article on Social Justice in Psychology Training
Monday, May 4, 2020 Britney Brinkman, Ph.D., was published in a special issue of Training and Education in Professional Psychology for her scholarly research article "Doing Intersectionality in Social Justice Oriented Clinical Training."
Pictured is Britney Brinkman, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.
Student Profile
Isabella Yobbagy '20 '21
Meet Isabella Yobbagy, a senior in the 4+1 B.A./M.A. community psychology program.
Isabella Yobbagy
Point Park Professor Awarded at Association for Women in Psychology Conference
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 Britney Brinkman, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and placement coordinator for the Psy.D. in clinical psychology program at Point Park University, was honored with the Christine Ladd-Franklin Award at the 2020 Association for Women in Psychology Conference. 
Pictured is Britney Brinkman, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology. Photo by Randall Coleman.
Student Profile
Shawn Jones
"Point Park has given me not only the technical skills and the education that I need, but the exposure to new experiences and new people. I’m meeting people from all across the country that have different viewpoints and experiences. Not everyone in my psych classes are psychology majors, so they bring a different flavor to the class," Jones said.
Pictured is psychology student Shawn Jones.
Surviving to Thriving: Psychology Students Helping to Improve Lives of Street Community Members
Tuesday, October 29, 2019 Mobile Thriving Respite was created by Robert McInerney, Ph.D., and Point Park graduate and undergraduate students in the Department of Psychology.
Point Park University Welcomes 12 New Full-Time Faculty Members for the 2019-20 Academic Year
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Point Park University welcomes 12 new full-time faculty members for the 2019-20 academic year. These faculty bring both industry expertise and real-world professional experience into the classes they teach.
Student Profile
Ailén Videla Ortiz '20
#PittsburghMe: Meet Ailén Videla Ortiz, a dance and psychology double major from California.
Pictured is Ailén Videla Ortiz, Dance and Psychology Double Major from California
Psychology Professor Honored With American Psychological Association Presidential Citation
Thursday, October 4, 2018 Britney G. Brinkman, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and placement coordinator for the Psy.D. in clinical-community psychology program at Point Park University, was honored by the American Psychological Association with the Citizen Psychologist Presidential Citation.
Pictured is Britney Brinkman, Ph.D. Photo by Randall Coleman.
Point Park University Welcomes 12 New Full-Time Faculty Members
Thursday, September 27, 2018 Point Park University welcomes 12 new full-time faculty members for the 2018-19 academic year. These faculty bring both industry expertise and real-world professional experience into the classes they teach.
Psychology Professor and Chair Launches Book Examining the Loss of Empathy in Modern Medicine for the Human Body
Tuesday, September 18, 2018 For more than a decade, Brent Robbins, Ph.D., has studied the way people experience their bodies and emotions. As part of his research, Robbins explored how medical professionals in training come to learn about the body and how it impacts their clinical practices. This research inspired him to write the book, The Medicalized Body and Anesthetic Culture: The Cadaver, the Memorial Body, and the Recovery of Lived Experience. 
Pictured is Brent Robbins, Ph.D., professor and chair of psychology. Photo by Emilee Fails
Student Profile
Siiri Nikkinen '21
"After finishing high school in Finland, I came back to the U.S. for a visit and a good friend of mine, Amedea Baldoni, gave me a tour of Point Park. I felt that I had finally found my place."
Pictured is Siiri Nikkinen, Psychology Major
Psychology Professor Recognized for Receiving Carmi Harari Mid-Career Award
Monday, April 16, 2018 Robert McInerney, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, was featured in the Society for Humanistic Psychology's April 2018 newsletter.
Pictured is Robert McInerney, Ph.D. Photo by Sarah Collins.
Student Human Resources Association Hosts Panel Focused on Networking
Monday, March 26, 2018 The Student Human Resources Association at Point Park University focused on the importance of networking in the human resources field in their latest panel discussion held March 19. 
Pictured are panelists at a Point Park Student Human Resources panel discussion on networking. Photo by Nick Koehler
Student Profile
#PittsburghMe: Meet Isabella Yobbagy, Psychology Major
Pictured is Isabella Yobbagy, Psychology Major
Poverty Simulation Event
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 Based on real case management files provided by Circles of Greater Pittsburgh, the event simulated a month in the life of a family seeking basic necessities.
Students met with community resource providers during the poverty simulation event on campus.
Psychology Professor Appointed to Pittsburgh's Gender Equity Commission
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 Sarah Schulz, Ph.D., LSW, was one of 13 individuals selected to be part of a new effort to study gender bias within the city.
Ph.D. in Community Engagement Student is the Driving Force Behind Point Park's Pioneer Pantry
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Pictured is Veronika Panagiotou.
Point Park University Welcoming One of Its Largest Incoming Classes this Fall
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Student Profile
#PittsburghMe: Meet Alannah Owens, Human Resource Management Major
Pictured is Alannah Owens, human resource management major
M.A. in Clinical-Community Psychology Student Creates Nonprofit to Help People in Need
Thursday, May 4, 2017 Meet Orlandria Smith, executive director of Connect With Your Heart.
Students Network with Psychologists, Learn About New Research in Humanistic Psychology
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Point Park Hosts Student Summit of Universities Working Together to Stop Sexual Violence
Monday, April 3, 2017 More than 60 college students throughout the Pittsburgh region attended the 2017 Student Summit "Looking Forward - Combatting Sexual Violence On Campus" hosted at Point Park University March 25.
Professor is Guest Editor for Journal of Humanistic Psychology Special Issue
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Brent Dean Robbins, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and chair of the Department of Humanities and Human Sciences, served as co-author and guest editor of the March 2017 special issue of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, which focused on alternatives to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) approach to psychiatric diagnosis.
Point Park to Host 2017 Conference of the Society for Humanistic Psychology
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Confluence Psychology Alliance Marks 10 Years Collecting Coats for City's Homeless
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 Blankets, coats, hygiene products and more were collected and packaged for homeless individuals in the Pittsburgh area at Confluence Psychology Alliance's Blanket and Coat Drive Kick-Off Party Jan. 31 on campus.
Faculty Profile: Jill Thomas, Ph.D., Discusses Her Passion For Clinical Psychology
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Licensed psychologist Jill C. Thomas, Ph.D., recently joined Point Park University as an associate professor of psychology and director of clinical training in the M.A. in clinical-community psychology program.
Annual Conference of the Society for Humanistic PsychologyMarch 30 - April 2, 2017
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Point Park Welcomes 14 New Full-Time Faculty
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 Point Park University welcomes 14 new full-time faculty members for the 2016-17 academic year. These faculty bring their industry expertise and real-world professional experience into the classes they teach.
A photo of Point Park's campus.
Research, Writing as a Point Park Undergrad Benefits Alumna in Grad School, Social Work
Tuesday, July 19, 2016 Meet 2015 alumna Kerry Glova.
Alumna Taylor Goska Discovered Dual Passions for Psychology and Dance at Point Park
Wednesday, July 13, 2016 Meet 2015 graduate Taylor Goska.
M.A. Clinical-Community Psych Grads Named Editors
Friday, July 1, 2016
Psychology Faculty to Give Sample Lectures at Grad Open Houses June 7 and 22
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Psychology Professor Serves as Guest Editor of Scholarly Journal
Friday, April 29, 2016 Brent Dean Robbins, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and chair of the Department of Humanities and Human Sciences, served as guest editor and writer for a special issue of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, which focused on "Community Psychology and the Hermeneutics of Love."
Art Show Organized by Students and OSN Brings Homelessness to the Forefront, Inspires Many
Thursday, April 21, 2016 Stunning artwork was showcased on campus April 8 at the "Home is Where the Art is" art show, hosted by Point Park's Confluence Psychology Alliance student group and Pittsburgh Mercy's Operation Safety Net®.
At City in a Room, students explore benefits of living in Pittsburgh
Friday, March 4, 2016
Clinical-Community Psych Grad Classes Help Alum in Outreach Role with The Humane Society
Thursday, February 4, 2016 Meet Chloe Detrick, media relations specialist for The Humane Society of the United States.
Professor in National Publications Psychology Today and Mad in America
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Confluence Psychology Alliance Spreads Awareness about Homelessness in Pittsburgh
Thursday, December 3, 2015 Expanding upon their annual blanket and coat drive, the Confluence Psychology Alliance student group at Point Park University held a donation kick-off party Nov. 17 to collect coats, blankets, hats, gloves, socks, hygiene products and more for Operation Safety Net.
Professor Presents Psychology Research on "Living the Good Life"
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Students Gain Workplace Experience, Make Industry Connections During Summer Internships
Friday, September 25, 2015
Dance Alumnus Joshua Manculich Honored With Princess Grace Award
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Psychology Transfer Student Gains Various Data, Contracts Experience Interning for GNC
Wednesday, September 2, 2015 Meet Brian Smith and learn about his internship with GNC.
Faculty Profile: Sharna Olfman, Ph.D., Psychologist and Professor of Psychology
Monday, August 10, 2015 Sharna Olfman, Ph.D., is a professor of developmental psychology at Point Park University and a psychologist in private practice.
Student Profile
#PittsburghMe: Meet Psychology Major Emily Jamison
"Our psychology program here is bomb! We offer a Bachelor of Arts degree rather than a Bachelor of Science, meaning we take a much more humanistic approach to the field rather than through a purely scientific lens. Our professors are amazing and I always leave class excited to discuss what I learned with my friends. I wouldn't want to go through any other program!" Jamision said.
Pictured is psychology major Emily Jamison. Photo by Jakob Como.
Professor and Students Attend Honors Conference
Monday, May 11, 2015 "NRHC is a wonderful opportunity for students to expand on the knowledge they gain within their honors programs and to learn about the wide spectrum of research that fellow honors students are conducting," said Thaddeus Covaleski.
2015 HHS Symposium Featured Open Mic Reading, Variety of Research Posters and Presentations
Monday, May 11, 2015 Undergraduate students majoring in behavioral science, English/Creative writing, global cultural studies, intelligence and national security, psychology and more came together to present their research and readings at the Sixth Annual Humanities and Human Sciences Symposium.
Psychology Students and Faculty Present Research at Conference in Chicago
Friday, April 10, 2015 Point Park University psychology students and faculty presented their research work March 26 - 29 at the Eighth Annual Conference of the Society for Humanistic Psychology (led by Division 32 of the American Psychological Association) at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Global Cultural Studies and Psychology Double Major Comes to Point Park from Hawaii
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Latest Research in Children's Mental Health is Focus of Book, Film Event
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Panelists at Third Annual Storytelling and Human Rights Symposium Advocated for Voices on the Margins
Friday, February 27, 2015 The Third Annual Storytelling and Human Rights Symposium focused on the marginalization of human rights by examining the issue through a variety of disciplines including psychology, humanities, journalism and the arts.
Undergraduate Humanities and Human Sciences Majors Showcase their Research
Friday, December 19, 2014 Point Park University students who conducted research this fall got the opportunity to present their work Dec. 6 at the Seventh Annual Undergraduate Research Conference held on campus.
Honors Students Attend National Conference
Wednesday, November 26, 2014 Point Park Honors Program students and professors traveled to Denver, Colo., to present their work at the 2014 National Collegiate Honors Council conference, Nov. 5-9.
Psychology Student Gains Valuable Insight Volunteering for Rape Crisis Center
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 Meet Calla Kainaroi, a psychology student from Bethel Park High School.
Undergrad Students Present Wide Range of Research Topics at 2014 HHS Symposium
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Scholarship Into Political Action is Focus of Keynote Speaker at HHS Symposium
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Confluence Psychology Alliance Student Group Visits Pittsburgh Action Against Rape
Monday, October 21, 2013
Psychology Senior Spends Summer Semester at Sea Studying and Visiting 10 Countries
Friday, September 20, 2013
Psychology Grad Excels as an Occupational Therapist, Yoga Instructor and Blogger
Friday, August 30, 2013 Alumna Melissa Bender's fitness blog reaches two million views.
Meet Robert Novia, Psychology Student and Intern at Allegheny General Hospital
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Psychology Major Named Outstanding Arts and Sciences Senior and Student Leader
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Professors Present on Hermeneutics of Love at Psychology Conference
Monday, March 25, 2013
Confluence Psychology Alliance Student Group Hosts Annual Undergraduate Research Conference
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 The Confluence Psychology Alliance student group hosted its Fifth Annual Undergraduate Research Conference at Point Park on Dec. 7, featuring research presentations by psychology seminar students and a keynote speech from Leswin Laubscher, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Duquesne University.
Students Taking "Personality Theory" Course to Host Psychology Workshops on Campus Nov. 14 and 15
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Point Park to Offer Master's Degree in Clinical-Community Psychology
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
National Psychology Conference Allows Students to Showcase Their Original Research and Meet Scholars
Thursday, April 26, 2012 Point Park students had the unique opportunity to attend a national psychology conference held right on their campus this 2012 spring semester.
Alumna Returns to Point Park to Share Expertise in Social Services Field
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Meet Marcia Sturdivant, Deputy Director, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Point Park University.
Professor co-authors letter about America's mental health manual
Monday, December 12, 2011 Associate Professor Brent Robbins, Ph.D., co-authored a national letter by the Society for Humanistic Psychology that has brought thousands into the public debate about revisions to the "bible" of American psychiatry.
Point Park's Psychology Program Prepares Alumna for Graduate School
Monday, June 6, 2011
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