2016-17 Events and Colloquia
The Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University hosts presentations each year.
FALL WELCOME AND MEET THE FACULTY COLLOQUIUM
Department of Psychology Faculty
Sep. 9, 2016
Program Orientations: 1 - 3 p.m.
Behavior Analysis: 2710 Sangren Hall
Clinical: 3713 Wood Hall
Industrial/Organizational Behavior Management: 2130 Sangren Hall
Meet the Chair: 3 - 3:30 p.m.
2710 Sangren Hall
Meet the Faculty: 4 - 5:30 p.m.
1001 Wood Hall
As part of The Department of Psychology’s orientation day, faculty will present an overview of their research and the research of their graduate students. This is a great opportunity to get to know faculty and to hear about the amazing things happening in our department.
Welcome Social: 5:30 p.m.
First Floor Atrium, Wood Hall
MICHIGAN AUTISM CONFERENCE
Radisson Hotel Downtown Kalamazoo
The fourth annual Michigan Autism Conference will bring leading scientists and treatment practitioners to the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites to share their expertise on the latest research on the neurodevelopmental disorder.
Kalamazoo Autism Center Grand Opening
The Kalamazoo Autism Center will officially open following a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours. The facility is located at 4200 S. Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo MI.
Undergraduate Practicum Fair
Considering going into the field of of psychology? Do you want to know how to make the most of your undergraduate experience? Come see what practica opportunities are available!
Undergraduate RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM
Seeking research opportunities? Come! Discover! Get involved. "Discovering Knowledge—one data point at a time."
"Headsprout, an idea before it's time?" brown bag discussion
Janet Twyman, Ph.D., BCBA, NYSLBA
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Associate Professor
Headsprout was a learning sciences/education company founded (in 1999) and run by behavior analysts. The company produced two highly effective software programs (Headsprout Early Reading and Headsprout Reading Comprehension) that teach essential reading skills via the Internet, whose underlying technology is thoroughly behavior analytic and based on decades of empirically verified learning principles and solid instructional design. Using the Headsprout story as a narrative, this discussion will cover the potential and pitfalls of behavioral product development companies and lessons learned.
"Behavior Analysis, Technology, & Education 3.0"
Janet Twyman, Ph.D., BCBA, NYSLBA
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Associate Professor
Janet is a noted proponent of effective instruction and leveraging technology to produce meaningful individual and system change. Formerly a preschool and elementary teacher, administrator, university professor, and Vice President at Headsprout, she is currently the Director of Innovation & Technology for the Center on Innovations in Learning (supported by the U.S. Dept. of Education). She has published and presented nationally and internationally on instructional design, evidence-based innovations, and educational technology, including speaking at the United Nations. Honors include President of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, ABAI Fellow, CODIE software awards, and the Wing Award for Evidence-based Education.
a panel discussion on operating graduate school in clinical psychology
Varies Advanced Clinical Psychology Graduate Students
Western Michigan University
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI brown bag discussion
Adam Prus, Ph.D.
Northern Michigan University
Professor
Dr. Adam Prus is the recipient of the 2016 Alumni Achievement Award for the Department of Psychology. He will lead an open discourse about current Behavioral Pharmacology and Neuropharmacology research and trends.
"studies on the neurobehavioral effects of antipsychotic drugs" - Distinguished Alumni colloquium
Adam Prus, Ph.D.
Northern Michigan University
Professor
Antipsychotic drugs are used for treating the symptoms of schizophrenia, a complex disorder affecting many structures and systems in the brain. These drugs exhibit antipsychotic effects by acting on a variety of neurotransmitter systems. This presentation will provide an overview on how behavioral and neuroscience procedures together help us to understand the relative importance of specific neurotransmitter systems and structures for eliciting antipsychotic behavioral effects.
"Treating eating disorders, with an act perspective"
Rhonda Overberger, LPC, LMFT
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Learn about treating eating disorders and incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Rhonda Overberger is a licensed family therapist in Kalamazoo. Since 2008, she has been treating individuals with eating disorders and their families using Maudsley Family-based Therapy. This nutritional restoration protocol is commonly referred to as FBT, and is the gold-standard, evidence-based ED treatment developed 16 years by Dr. James Lock and Dr. Daniel Le Grange. Rhonda uses FBT to coach parents to treat their kids at home combined with exposure therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Rhonda attended FBT training with Drs. Lock & Le Grangeand has attended other Maudsley conferences and workshops. FBT is a standard protocol at top rated medical centers throughout the world, however it continues to be difficult to access experienced local therapists, which is why Rhonda, in addition to helping local families, does long-distance coaching with families from other states
"reflections on research in the anxiety disorders lab at wmu: 1987-2016"
Dr. C. Richard Spates
Western Michigan University
Professor
Nov. 18, 2016
12 p.m., 2722 Wood
Dr. Rick Spates will be hosting a brown bag discussion reflecting on the research he’s done here at Western Michigan University.
Dr. Spates will be retiring Dec. 2016 after 29 years of service.
"an inside perspective on lean management and organizational behavior management"
Eduardo Osorio
Bronson Methodist Hospital of Kalamazoo
Continuous Improvement Support Consultant
Nov. 18, 2016
1-3 p.m., 1910 Sangren
Eduardo Osorio is a Continuous Improvement Support Consultant for Bronson who graduated from Western Michigan University in 2005 with a Master's in Behavior Analysis. He is coming back to Western Michigan to share his lessons learned from a decade of experience in the Organizational Behavior Management field. Eduardo is interested in engaging attendees in a conversation about the field and his experiences, with a particular focus on differences between internal and external consulting and the similarities between Lean and OBM. He is looking forward to an interactive discussion and is interested in answering any questions attendees might have, so please do not hesitate to bring questions with you!
"APPLY FOR ACADEMIC POSITIONS: PANEL DISCUSSION"
Dr. Matthew Brodhead
Michigan State University
Dr. Nicholas Weatherly
Aubrey Daniels International
Dr. Jonathan Baker
Western Michigan University
Three graduates of the WMU Department of Psychology will hold a brown bag discussion and provide advice on applying for academic positions.
"APPLYING FOR PRACTITIONER JOBS: PANEL DISCUSSION"
Courtney June, BCBA
Behavior Analysis Center for Autism
Jeana Koerber, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research
Tareyn Norcross, BCBA
Centria Healthcare
Three alumni from the behavior analysis program will provide advice on applying for practitioner positions in the field of ABA.
Brown Bag discussion
Dr. Matt Brodhead
Michigan State University
Assistant Professor
Dr. Matt Brodhead, alumnus of the Department of Psychology, will lead an open discussion for graduate students on a of variety topics including ethics.
A Behavioral Systems Approach to Ethics Training and Supervision
Dr. Matt Brodhead
Michigan State University
Assistant Professor
Professional and ethical behaviors are critical for high quality care and consumer protection. By using behavioral systems, behavior analysts may increase the probability of employees engaging in professional and ethical behaviors because systems may describe “what to do” instead of “what not to do” when faced with a professional or ethical issue. This presentation will discuss strategies for using behavioral systems for teaching and maintaining professional and ethical behavior in an organization, building and maintaining relationships in interdisciplinary settings, developing cultural awareness of employees, and defining scope of competency and boundaries of practice.
Evolving a more nurturing society through behavioral science
Dr. Tony Biglan
Anthony Biglan, Ph.D. is a Senior Scientist at Oregon Research Institute. He has been conducting research on the development and prevention of child and adolescent problem behavior for the past 30 years. His work has included studies of the risk and protective factors associated with tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use; high-risk sexual behavior; and antisocial behavior. He has conducted numerous experimental evaluations of interventions to prevent tobacco use both through school-based programs and community-wide interventions. And, he has evaluated interventions to prevent high-risk sexual behavior, antisocial behavior, and reading failure.
Landing the BCBA of your dreams
Kelly Namanja, MA, BCBA
Jan. 27, 2017
4 p.m., 1720 Chem
This presentation will give helpful hints about the entire job application process, including resume tips, phone interviews, and face to face interviews. Attendees will learn the three key questions interviewers seek to answer when conducting interviews. They will also learn the types of questions they should ask potential employers to ensure the company is a good fit for them. The presentation will primarily focus on obtaining BCBA positions, but much of the information can be generalized to other positions as well. The information presented will benefit both the newly or soon-to-be certified BCBA in addition to more seasoned professionals.
MIDWEST BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS JOB FAIR
Department of Psychology
Jan. 28, 2017
Fetzer Center
Department of Psychology’s 4th Annual Midwestern Behavior Analysis Job Fair. The mission of the Midwestern Behavior Analysis Job Fair is to provide students of all educational backgrounds and expertise the opportunity to engage in professional and social interactions with potential employers in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Companies hosted a colloquium to discuss their business and open position.
UNDERGRADUATE PRACTICUM FAIR
Jan. 30, 2017
2 - 4 p.m., First Floor Atrium, Wood Hall
Considering going into the field of of psychology? Do you want to know how to make the most of your undergraduate experience?
Neuropsychological assessments for various clinical issues
Dr. Alan Lewandowski, FACPN
Learn about neuropsychological assessments for various clinical issues. Dr. Lewandowski specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents and adults who suffer from cognitive, emotional, and behavioral difficulties related to neurological diseases or injuries, including memory impairment, concussions, dementia, traumatic brain injury, learning and attention disabilities and autism.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH COLLOQUIUM
Seeking research opportunities? Come! Discover! Get involved. "Discovering Knowledge—one data point at a time."
GRADUATE RESEARCH DAY
Students within our three graduate school programs, present research they have been conducting here at WMU to the behavior analysis and industrial organizational behavior management applicants for the 2017-18 academic year.
Getting into graduate school
Bette Ludwig, MA - Psychology Academic Advisor
WAIS-IV: Administration in Challenging Clinical Situations
Dr. Jessica Kinela
ABPP-Clinical Neuropsychology
A new assessor presents to a clinical setting, feeling reasonably prepared to administer the WAIS-IV to a client. Unfortunately, the client responds in unexpected ways. This brown bag seminar will review frequently made mistakes and common challenging patient presentations occurring in psychological testing with the WAIS-IV. Recommendations for ways to address patient behaviors and individual differences, recover from errors, and avoid common mistakes in the first place will be explored. Those attending are welcome to bring examples of specific challenging assessment situations for discussion. Addressing individual and cultural differences in assessment situations will be integrated throughout the talk.
Clinical internship panel discussion
Students who have applied for clinical internship will discuss the experience of the application and interview process. Students interested in applying for internship are encouraged to attend and ask any questions they may have.
understanding gender identity
Dr. AndreAs Neumann-Mascis
Dr. AndreAs Neumann-Mascis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a Master’s in Family Counseling and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Neumann-Mascis does individual and relationship therapy as well as group therapy, training, and consultation. His areas of specialty include working with trauma and complex PTSD, as well as working with lesbian, gay, queer, and gender variant people.
clinically informed care for transgender people
Dr. AndreAs Neumann-Mascis
Dr. AndreAs Neumann-Mascis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a Master’s in Family Counseling and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Neumann-Mascis does individual and relationship therapy as well as group therapy, training, and consultation. His areas of specialty include working with trauma and complex PTSD, as well as working with lesbian, gay, queer, and gender variant people. He was a part of developing a women’s trauma program for an LBGT agency in San Francisco and has developed specialized trauma curricula for specific populations including homeless and chronically mentally ill people. Dr. Neumann-Mascis is the founder and developer of The Meeting Point: a Multidimensional Center for Healing and Growth in Jamaica Plain, MA, which serves the LGBT community, survivors, and the Disability community. Dr. Neumann-Mascis comes to Western to provide training in working with transgender clients in a clinically competent manner. The training will provide direct opportunities to practice competent care with transgender clients through role plays and case examples. Admission is free, however donations will be accepted and donated to a local LGBT+ charity.
Rethinking psychiatric care: history, science, and the long-term effects of psychiatric medications
Robert Whitaker
Award Winning Journalist
Assessing the long-term effects of psychiatric medications requires a thorough review of the history of the outcomes literature. Such a review reveals that while randomized clinical trials provide evidence of the short-term efficacy of psychiatric medications, longer-term studies raise a worry that the drugs increase the chronicity of major mental disorders. In response to the outcomes data, researchers have posited a biological explanation for why this may be so.
using protocol analysis to compare novice and advanced clinician's clinical decision making specific to interpreting Vb-mapp results
Dr. Robert Wallander, BCBA-D
The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment & Placement Program (VB-MAPP) is a commonly used assessment tools for identifying language deficits experienced by individuals on the Autism Spectrum of Disorders (Dixon, Belisle, Stanley, Rowsey, Daar, & Szeke, 2015). Nonetheless, there is no formal study into the performance of advanced clinicians when analyzing compiled VB-MAPP results. The main purpose of the present research is to illustrate the adaptation of Protocol Analysis to yield objective data on how master clinicians consider and discuss VB-MAPP results. Protocol analysis is a research tool that originates in cognitive psychology and is not widely employed by behavioral researchers. [Office1] This appears to be due in part to the necessary, preliminary step of demonstrating that protocol analysis is both philosophically harmonious with behaviorism as well as able to adhere to the customs of behavioral studies (e.g., Inter-Observer Reliability). Despite such challenges, the study confirms that protocol analysis can be operated up to the standards of contemporary behavioral publications and generates data that is entirely consistent with B.F. Skinner’s intended approach for studying advanced verbal repertoires. Results indicated recurring differences between the novice and master clinician participants, also providing evidence of external validity for the present approach to examining expert performance in clinical diagnostics.
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AWARDS Luncheon
Undergraduate and graduate students are recognized and honored for grants, scholarships, and awards given during the academic year.
Jack Michael Annual Golf Scramble
Sponsored by IOGSO