Alumni News and Spotlights

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.

Danielle O’Connor Dean ’10 Receives Distinguished Alumni Award

Danielle O’Connor Dean '10 was one of six recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award this year. She was presented the award by UMass Amherst Alumni Association President Michaella Morzuch at the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House on April 24. Also in attendance was UMass President Marty Meehan, Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy, and Dean of Natural Sciences Steve Goodwin.

Robert G. Bringle '72MS, '74PhD Receives Second Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award

The U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board are pleased to announce that Robert G. Bringle '72MS, '74PhD of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis has received a second Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award. The Global Scholar award will take him to Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Singapore, the Universidad Antonoma de Madrid in Spain, and the Vrije Universidad in Amsterdam, the Netherlands during 2018-2019. Professor Bringle will lecture and conduct research related to institutionalizing community service learning at each institution. 

Edward O'Brien '80 PhD awarded the 2012 Distinguished Contributions to the Science and Profession of Psychology

Edward O'Brien '80 PhD is the 2012 recipient of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association's "Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Science and Profession of Psychology." The award is given once a year to a "Pennsylvania psychologist for outstanding and/or professional achievement in areas of expertise related to psychology, including teaching, research, clinical work, and publications."

Jeffrey Skowron is now Vice President of Diagnostic and Assessment Services for Beacon ABA Services

Jeffrey Skowron '00 PhD, is now Vice President of Diagnostic and Assessment Services for Beacon ABA Services with offices in Sunderland MA and West Springfield MA. Jeffery provides autism spectrum disorder evaluations for children ages 4 and younger, as well as home and school-based consultation for children with ASD and other special education needs.

Miriam DeFant is now Project Director for the Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Program

Miriam DeFant '89 PhD, is the newly appointed Project Director for the Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (STAR) Program at Clinical and Support Options, Inc. Miriam is currently the director of CSO's Psychological Assessment Services, In-Home Behavioral Services, and the Center for Professional and Community Education (CPCE).

Michael G. Wessells 73 MA, 74 PhD Receives Distinguished Alumni Award

Michael Wessells ’73 MA, ’74 PhD received the Distinguished Alumni Award on Monday, April 24 in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House in Boston. UMass Amherst Alumni Association President Michaella Morzuch presented the award. Also in attendance was UMass President Marty Meehan, Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy, and Dean of Natural Sciences Steve Goodwin.

Blaustein Featured on National Public Radio

Jeffrey D. Blaustein, psychological and brain sciences, is featured on National Public Radio show "The Academic Minute" where he talks about the pros and cons of estrogen blockers for treatment of breast cancer and what women should know about this type of treatment. He says it is important for women to know that estrogens have many effects on the human body, and some of those have a significant impact on quality of life. (The Academic Minute, Inside Higher Ed, 12/20/16).

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