Juniors and seniors majoring in psychology at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) will present the results of their independent research projects on Wednesday, April 18.

The students will showcase their work in poster presentations displayed in the Columbus Learning Center at 9:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

According to Dr. Joan Poulsen, assistant professor of psychology in the Division of Science, the projects are an integral part of degree completion requirements. “The capstone research is intended to give students deeper insight into a topic that is meaningful to them based on their professional interests and chosen career path,” Poulsen explained. “The range of their topics is incredibly diverse.”

The 2011-12 students, their hometowns, and research topics include:

• Josie Acosta (Columbus) | Effects of Social Networking on Self-Esteem
• Megan Adams (Seymour) | Perceptions of Panhandlers
• Jenny Armand (Madison) | Impact of Keypad Layout in Everyday Life
• Tammy Burtons (Edinburgh) | Feelings of Loneliness from Misinterpreting Text Messages
• James Michael Deweese (Scipio) | Predicting Income and Workplace Behavior from Juvenile Delinquency
• Raeana Dorn (Columbus) | Pet Ownership and Self-Esteem
• Marlyssa Fillmore-Roark (Columbus) | Does Religion Lead to Morality?
• Sarah Gates (Columbus) | Does Empathy Impact Decision-Making on punishments of criminals?
• Brittanie Gilliam (Columbus) | Predicting High-Risk Sexual Behavior
• Rachel Grider (Terre Haute) | Does Social Support Reduce the Effects of Exclusion?
• Rhianna Grumeretz (Indianapolis) | Effects of Motivation and Awareness on Cognitive Performance in Sad Mood
• Michal Leah Hartley (Seymour) | Does Fast Food Consumption Impact Body Image and Self-Esteem?
• Alisa Hill (Columbus) | Does Money Buy Happiness in One’s Marriage?
• Cynthia Hokanson (Columbus) | Using Humor as a Coping Strategy in High-Stress Jobs
• Merritt Idlewine (Columbus) | Effects of Birth Order on Social Processes
• Melanie Jackson (Morgantown) | Does Spirituality Lead to Happiness?
• Teri Jackson (Columbus) | Predicting Characteristics of Bullies and Their Victims
• Amanda Kirk (Butlerville) | Jealousy and Infidelity
• Pamela McCoy (Nashville) | Does Lunch Nutrition Impact Afternoon Behavior and Grades in Elementary Aged Children?
• Emily Parton (Columbus) | Development of a Gullibility Questionnaire
• Abigail Romine (North Vernon) | How Multiple Roles in Life Impacts Stress and Happiness
• Lesley Rooks (Edinburgh) | Breakfast Nutrition and School Performance in Elementary Aged Children
• Catherine Walker (North Vernon) | Assessing Crisis Interventions: A Follow-Up to the 2008 Flood
• Nathan Walsh (Columbus) | Effects of Quitting Substance Abuse on Family and Friendships in Adolescents
• Lindsey Wells (Greensburg) | Effects of Caffeinated and Energy Drinks on Childrens’ Behavior

Students will be on hand with their posters to provide an oral summary of their work and answer basic questions.

For more information about the psychology program at IUPUC, please visit www2.iupuc.edu/psychology or call the Office of Admissions at 812.348.7390.