My name is Katie and I’m a senior here at UMass, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Education. After graduating, I want to go to grad school and become an adolescent therapist. I was a part of the Diversity in Psychology Club (DIPC) before I studied abroad last semester and wanted to step up my role in the club as President upon coming back to UMass. I’m hoping to see more familiar faces with different psychological interests in our club so we can have a range of perspectives! I think psychology is so fascinating and has such a large scope that classes themselves don’t have the time to cover everything! Let me tell you a bit more about the club:
Our organization focuses on increasing awareness, knowledge, and skills regarding multicultural/diversity/psychological/social justice issues whilst creating a space that flourishes upon open discussion, team bonding, and expanding cultural horizons.
Part of our mission in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (PBS) is to bring exceptional teaching and research training to our students, giving them the knowledge and real-world experience they need to advance their careers. We take great pride in the exceptional abilities of our students, who serve as dedicated teaching assistants, research assistants, club leaders, and even mentors to other students here at UMass Amherst.
Several psychology undergraduates have received Center for Research on Families (CRF) research awards, recognizing these students for their outstanding research on issues related to families. CRF recognizes the importance of supporting family researchers at all stages of their careers and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Since its inception in 2010, the Student Research Awards program has awarded close to $500,000 to over 200 students in support of their research efforts and assisted them in presenting their findings at professional meetings and conferences throughout the world. These undergraduate research awards were supported by a collaboration between CRF, Commonwealth Honors College, the Rudd Adoption Research Program, Women for UMass, and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences.
This semester Psi Chi has thoroughly enjoyed becoming more active, increasing its presence and engagement across campus, and interacting with new and existing members of the club.
Maria Galano has been chosen as an APS Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science. Rising Stars are in an early stage of their research careers post-PhD. This designation recognizes researchers whose innovative work has already advanced the field and signals great potential for their continued contributions.
Social psychologist 
My name is Katie and I’m a senior here at UMass, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Education. After graduating, I want to go to grad school and become an adolescent therapist. I was a part of the Diversity in Psychology Club (DIPC) before I studied abroad last semester and wanted to step up my role in the club as President upon coming back to UMass. I’m hoping to see more familiar faces with different psychological interests in our club so we can have a range of perspectives! I think psychology is so fascinating and has such a large scope that classes themselves don’t have the time to cover everything! Let me tell you a bit more about the club: