Psychology

Tanvi Thakkar, Psychology, received the WiSys Ignite Grant from UW System Administration to fund her project, “Advancing Psychoacoustic Research and Fostering Diversity Through Cochlear Implant Studies in the La Crosse Community.” The project is designed to address the unique challenges faced by hearing-impaired and cochlear implant patients from BIPOC, rural, and other underserved communities and to create educational opportunities for UWL undergraduate students that will facilitate entry into careers in audiology and speech pathology. Thakkar’s lab will involve students in essential tasks such as conducting patient hearing assessments, participating in psychoacoustic research, and gaining proficiency in the operation of acoustic equipment. UWL students will acquire an understanding of the intricacies of auditory perception, as well as practical skills for success in audiological professions.

Submitted on: Sept. 10

Casey Tobin, Psychology and Keely Rees, Public Health & Community Health Education, presented "Flowing with Power and Celebrating Cycles" at Sex Ed Lecture Series on July 10 online. "Celebrating Cycles" offers educators and practitioners helpful information to reshape societal perceptions of menstruation. The lecture explored historical and cultural insights across diverse backgrounds and helped participants explore their approach to addressing these understandings to suit their audience, emphasizing the natural aspects of menstruation and embracing cultural diversity.

Submitted on: July 15

Casey Tobin, Psychology, was featured in "Ambassadors of Love: Wagging Tails, Healing Hearts!," University of Wisconsin-La Crosse student documentary film. This student documentary film was created by Matthew Koronka, Jenna Holler, Eleanor Tezak, Austen Kelley, Libby Zweber, and Anna Weyenberg. It focuses on pet therapy and the Coulee Region Humane Society's Ambassador of Love Pet Therapy Program. Tobin is featured during the last half of the video. 

Submitted on: July 15

Heather Walder, Archaeology & Anthropology; Kristin Koepke, CATL; Astrid Lorena Ochoa Campo, Global Cultures & Languages; Melissa Weege, Health Professions; Rachel Funk-Johnson, Management; Jeff Baggett, Mathematics & Statistics; Xinhui Li, Microbiology; Tesia Marshik, Psychology; and Tori Svoboda, Student Affairs Administration; served as UWL representatives at the Universities of Wisconsin event, Faculty College. Faculty College was held May 28-31 in Elkhart Lake, WI. The theme was "Rethinking/Redesigning Student Assignments" and Ashley Finley of AAC&U was the guest presenter.

Submitted on: June 4

Tara Delong, Laura Schaffer and Jennifer Taylor, all Health Science Interprofessional Research Center; Kayley Ellis, Psychology student; and Emily Higgins and Elizabeth Neels, both Recreation Management & Therapeutic Recreation students; received the award for a research grant to support the Dr. Wags program from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Their $5,000 award will provide opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in or already practicing recreational therapy to establish and maintain lines of research, promote the collaboration between higher education faculty and practitioners, support the provision of quality recreational therapy services, and promote the CTRS® as the qualified provider of recreational therapy services.

Submitted on: Dec. 5, 2023