Alumni News and Spotlights

Allison Epstein ’17 Finds Her Calling as a Forensic Psychologist

alison epsteinFascinated by questions about the nature and nurture of everyday people, Allison Epstein ’17 explores how our environment shapes who we are. Gaining critical research experience at UMass Amherst and completing several internships in the field are just a few experiences that greatly prepared her for graduate study in forensic psychology. Along the way, she found the courage to interact with individuals in challenging environments and offer guidance as they strove to reenter the community.

Alumni attend Interdisciplinary Directions in Psychology

a group of recent alumni gather onstage to attend a psychology class

We had a great group of alumni attend "Interdisciplinary Directions in Psychology", sharing their personal experiences after college and giving great career advice! Individual spotlights coming soon! If you have an alumni story to share, visit our Alumni Updates Page.

Pictured left-right: Jawad Awan, Michael Stornanti, Casey Gavin, Caedyn Busche, Alicia Dryburgh, Melisa Joseph, Brianna Albanese, Sutton Bradbury-Koster, Seth Wilson, and Christina Metevier.

New Publication Discusses Practical Strategies in School Psychology for Professionals and Parents

portrait of gayle macklemA new book edited by Gayle Macklem (UMass Amherst, B. A., Class of ’63), Lessons from School Psychology: Practical Strategies and Evidence-Based Practice for Professionals and Parents has just been published. It presents practical advice and evidence-based strategies for school-based professionals and parents to utilize when dealing with challenging and worrisome behavior in children and adolescents. Structured around a series of timely topics facing schools today, chapters cover everything from bullying and racial incidents to substance abuse and suicide prevention.

Ann Marie Russell '01 Named Associate Provost for Data and Analytics

Ann Marie RussellAn alumna has returned to campus to take a lead role in efforts to create more data-informed decision-making about academic programs.

Ann Marie Russell, who graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2001, is working in the newly created post of associate provost for data and analytics. Russell also received her master’s degree in social psychology and her Ph.D. in psychology and social policy both from Princeton University. Since 2013, Russell has served as the director of institutional research at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.

Mentors shaped who she is today, now clinical psychologist Rebecca Ametrano ‘15PhD gives back

rebecca ametranoA clinical psychologist, educator, and mentor, Rebecca Ametrano ‘15PhD is involved in a diverse array of work as a Health Behavior Coordinator at VA Boston Healthcare System (VABHS) and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine.

Within clinics across VABHS, Ametrano works collaboratively with medical center staff to increase use of patient-centered interventions to help facilitate health behavior change in patients and improve overall well-being. Ametrano acknowledges the pivotal role mentors have played in developing her career. Now a mentor herself, she directs a new generation of clinical psychologists toward reaching their professional goals.

Fernanda Ferreira '88 PhD elected 2019 Fellow of the Cognitive Science Society

fernanda ferreiraFernanda Ferreira '88PhD, a psycholinguist and professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, has been elected a 2019 Fellow of the Cognitive Science Society. Fellows of this society are individuals whose research has exhibited sustained excellence and had sustained impact on the Cognitive Science community.

Jason Sidman ’99 Shares His Career Experience Applying Psychology in Industry

Jason Sidman ‘99, Vice President, Business Development, at tool, Inc., graduated from the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (PBS) with a focus in developmental science. He has worked extensively in the field of Research and Development (R&D) as a cognitive scientist, user experience designer, and director of cognitive training systems.

Christina Roth ’11, Founder and CEO of the College Diabetes Network

Christina Roth ’11 is the Founder and CEO of the national nonprofit organization, the College Diabetes Network (CDN). This organization creates opportunities for students and young adults living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to connect, share, and succeed in their academic and professional life. CDN includes a central online resource for young adults, friends, and family who want to learn more about how the disease can be managed effectively. Their programs seek to guide students through the many new experiences and challenges of attending college with T1D.

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