Elon Psychology Department presents three end-of-year awards

The Elon Psychology Department is pleased to announce three award winners for our annual department awards.

Jessica “Jess” Burchett received the Seena Granowsky Outstanding Student in Psychology Award. She was nominated by her mentor, Associate Professor Kim Epting, who said in her nomination, “Jess Burchett is an outstanding human, student, and developing researcher. She began as a researcher in my lab in spring of her sophomore year, although she had been actively pursuing the possibility since fall of her first year. Jess’s work, commitment, and ethic are second to none. A double-major in Psychology and Music Production & Recording Arts, she has maintained a high level of engagement in both areas. Over the past 2.5 years in psychology, Jess has worked on 3 research projects, including leading a multi-experiment study as her Elon College Fellows project, has had work accepted for presentation 7 times (3 external professional venues, 4 internal), and already has a professional publication under her research belt. She immerses herself into the research, both conceptually and analytically, is conscientious and collaborative, and an absolute delight to mentor. Truthfully, she inspires and drives me more than I do her.”

Alexandra “Alex” Grillo received the Research Excellence in Psychology Award. She was nominated by her mentor Assistant Professor Sabrina Thurman, who said in her nomination, “Alex is one of the only students in recent years in our department who has conducted independent research simultaneously with two faculty mentors (Dr. Sabrina Thurman and Dr. Bilal Ghandour). Alex actively and intentionally pursued these different opportunities to tailor her research training in varied areas. In the Infant Development Lab, Alex has developed effective research skills in a number of tasks, made meaningful contributions to several projects, and has been a leader and role model in training and supporting other research students. Her research has been supported by numerous research grants and recognitions, has been presented at a local conference, and was recently accepted to an international professional conference (to be held summer 2020).”

Robyn Lane received the Community Engagement Excellence in Psychology Award. She was nominated by her mentor, Assistant Professor CJ Fleming, who said in her nomination, “Robyn has completed internships at Southeast Psych, Broughton Hospital, and AmeriHealth Philadelphia. She participates in activities like the Lost Got Found organization which works towards the destigmatization of mental illness, and with the Hope Springs equestrian center for people with disabilities. She is also the current president of the Psychology Club and has worked hard to drum up business and plan fun/educational activities for her peers. I think of her as a standout ‘department citizen’ in that she attends events, brings friends, and is generally a pleasure to have in class. She ties her community activities in with her classwork seamlessly, and brings a great attitude to everything that she does.”

Congratulations Jess, Alex, and Robyn, and thank you for all your hard work!