Our very own Peter Vishton has agreed to work with the National Science Foundation as their interim Director for the Developmental and Learning Sciences Program in the Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS). BCS supports research to advance the scientific understanding of human cognition, language, social behavior and culture. Click for more specific information about the Developmental and Learning Sciences Program

This is quite an honor for Dr. Vishton.
We congratulate him whole-heartedly!

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Pam Hunt was honored with an
Alumni Achievement Award
from her undergraduate institution,
Framingham State College in MA.

"The Alumni Achievement Awards are presented annually to recognize individuals who have utilized their education and training from Framingham State college to achieve noteworty accomplishments and success both in their careers and in their communities."

Pam was nominated by the President of her undergraduate college and was one of 6 recipients which included alumni who have made outstanding contributions to industry, education, and community service. The award was conferred to Pam at ceremony by Professor Douglas Bloomquist, one of Pam's favored professors as an undergraduate who encouraged her to seek further training in graduate school. Fortunate are we that he did. (6/06)

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Galano’s students learn to give psychology away
Author: David Williard, Source: W&M News
Date: May 25, 2006
To improve the human condition, send students upstream. That is the strategy that Joseph Galano, associate professor of psychology, employs each year when he assigns 25 students enrolled in his research practicum to service in the greater Williamsburg region. (6/06)
(For the rest of the story, click here.) .....(Return to Top).(6/2006)

This picture is following a briefing by Mr. Rahul Sur of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight.
Left to right are: Michael Weissberger, Computer Science and Environmental Science; Will Cline, Computer Science and Economics; Mishelle Ordosgoitia, Psychology; Professor Harvey Langholtz; Casey Hull, Psychology; Mr. Rahul Sur, UN Office of Internal Oversight; and Eric Reeder, Psychology.
(Return to Topics) (3/2006)

Psychology researchers to measure brain response.

Click here to read the article by Joe McClain, in the W&M News
Mar 16, 2006

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John Nezlek was honored for an article he co-wrote with Kristof Vansteelandt and Iven Van Mechelen, both at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. The article has been selected as the best paper published in 2005 in the Journal of Research in Personality . JRP is a first-tier journal, so this is a real honor.

The article appears in the June issue (i.e., issue #3) of the journal and the full reference is: Vansteelandt, K., Van Mechelen, I. , & Nezlek, J.B. (2005). The co-occurrence of emotions in daily life: A multilevel approach. Journal of Research in Personality , 39 , 325-335. Link to the article
(Return to Topics) (1/2006)

We are honored and very blessed to have had Kathy Morgan working for the Psychology Department for the last 20 years. She began in the basement (as the lab tech) on November 4, 1985, and worked her way up to the 2nd floor (doing just about everything over the last 20 years). Currently she is the Fiscal Technician, but she does far more than just manage money around here. She is a joy to work with and her knowledge of department history is invaluable.

Thank you, Kathy, for all you do for us. We couldn't make it without you!! (Return to Topics) (Nov 2005)

Dr. Jensen Awarded Grant Funding

The Alzheimer's and Related Diseases Research Award Fund (ARDRAF) recently awarded grant funding to Christine Jensen, Adjunct Psychology Professor, to conduct a study entitled: “Promoting an Effective Partnership between Families Coping with Alzheimer's Disease and Their Healthcare Providers.” Along with the College of William & Mary, this project is sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Aging and Geriatric Health as well as the Southeastern Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. The study will identify the most critical needs of family caregivers as they interact with healthcare providers.

Jensen is also serving as co-chair of the annual Memories in the Making program sponsored by the Southeastern Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. This educational program utilizes art therapy to tap the creative abilities of persons with dementia. Persons with dementia who reside in area long-term care facilities or who participate in adult day or senior center programs are encouraged to submit artwork. Artwork is juried and then is exhibited throughout the chapter service area. An art auction and fundraiser takes place May 2006. (Return to Topics) (Oct 2005)

Dr. Galano Recognized as a Shining Star

.......In April, 2005, Dr. Joseph Galano, Associate Professor of Psychology, was officially recognized by the Williamsburg/James City County Community Action Agency at their “Community of Stars” banquet. In 1996 the American Psychological Association recognized Professor Galano's career accomplishments by awarding him the 1996 Distinguished Contribution to Practice in Community Psychology award.
.......An excerpt from the program “Dr. Galano served as a W/JCC CAA board member for eight years and as chair from 1980-1986. In Virginia , he has worked with Project LINK, a perinatal substance abuse prevention program in 6 cities, Square One: a 17 locality partnership to ensure that children in Hampton Roads enter kindergarten healthy and ready to learn, and Voices for Virginia 's Children and Youth to prepare the “KIDS Count” annual reports on the status of children. He participated in Robert C. Scott's Congressional Briefings on Youth Violence and the Congressman's community roundtables with youth. He has consulted with Hampton 's Healthy Families Partnership for almost fifteen years, and since 1995, with Prevent Child Abuse Virginia to develop Virginia 's statewide child abuse prevention initiative, Healthy Families Virginia. He is co-chair of Virginia 's Prevention and Promotion Advisory Council and a member of the steering committee that developed the Blue Ribbon Plan to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in Virginia 2005-2009. Dr. Galano has helped hundreds of students become involved in community service and was twice nominated for the President's Award for Service at the College of William and Mary.” The W-JCC Community Action Agency staff and Board proudly salute Dr. Joseph Galano. (Return to Topics)

Prof. Galano on Governor's Blue Ribbon Committee

Professor Joseph Galano of the Psychology Department served as a member of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Committee. The committee developed “Keys to Prevention: A Blue Ribbon Plan to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in Virginia 2005-2009.” Committee members included representatives of state and local agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, the military, the faith community, and parents. The year-long effort included convening stakeholder and community input sessions in seven cities. The plan identifies critical needs in Virginia and nine strategies that comprise a five-year action plan. The plan was endorsed by Governor Mark Warner who issued a proclamation in support of the recommendations, declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. (Return to Topics)