We honor our outstanding seniors for their academic excellence, contributions to research, and scholarship. As truly exceptional members of our community, we recognize their hard work and dedication to the field of psychology.
Outstanding Overall Senior Award
Emily Gaddy
The fact that I have so many great memories with the department to choose from I think speaks to its loveliness, but one of my favorites has to be when I was invited to participate as a panelist for an event aiming to inform underclassmen how to get involved in psychology research in campus. I loved being able to use what I learned in my journey getting involved via ADRAP to interact directly with my peers in PBS and show them not only how fun and rewarding research is, but also how approachable the department makes it for young undergraduates to join. It was a wonderful opportunity to speak alongside other panelists who took different paths that ultimately led them to their passions just like me!
I would like to give a shoutout to my two home labs, the Clinical Affective Sciences Lab led by Dr. Katie Dixon-Gordon and the Learning Lab led by Dr. Jennifer McDermott. Thank you for your endless support, guidance, and tutelage that made me fall in love with this work and have inspired me in so many ways! I would also like to give special thanks to Dominic Denning, who acted as my closest mentor in my time at CASL, and through his belief in me, showed me that psychology research is my home and I belong here alongside great minds like yours. I wouldn't be where I am in the field without your wisdom and kindness and I can't thank you enough.
Academic Excellence Award
Charlotte Silver
All of my best memories from my time at UMass involve volunteering with my service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. I especially loved teaching merit badges to Boy Scouts and collecting clothing donations at the Boston Marathon!
I want to thank Dr. Dixon-Gordon and all the Clinical Affective Science Lab members for their support and advice as I go out into the real world—they have been important role models for me during my time at UMass! I also want to thank Dr. Astheimer for encouraging me to apply to RAMP and get involved with research in the first place.
Outstanding Thesis Award
Elizabeth Deutsch
My favorite memory at UMass was getting to help so many students with their psychology classes at the Learning Resource Center! I'm glad to have had the opportunity to get to know so many people and watch as they progressed through the program.
I'd like to shout out my thesis advisor Dr. Adrian Staub and my fellow research assistants John Greene and Jillian Weber. Throughout the process of writing my thesis, they were essential partners in what turned out to be a very large project, and I certainly could not have completed the thesis process without their collaboration.
Berni Leidner Exceptional Achievement Award
Laurel Ralph
One of my most meaningful memories at UMass was studying abroad in Oxford, England. Traveling through France and Switzerland, forming deep friendships, and having my family visit at the end pushed me far outside my comfort zone. It was terrifying yet so special—an experience that changed me, and one I will always be grateful to UMass for making possible.
I would like to give a sincere shout-out to Aliah Zewail, my mentor and a graduate student in the psychology department. Aliah has been an incredible influence throughout my thesis journey—I truly could not have done it without her guidance. Her patience, kindness, and deep knowledge of social-psychological research helped me find my footing and gave me the confidence to grow as a researcher.
Research Assistant Appreciation Award
Niveditha Gandikote
My favorite memory is being a TA for Psych 330. I loved breaking down tough neuroscience ideas and seeing the “aha!” moments on students’ faces. Another cherished memory is that, as a Peer Advisor, I also got to help fellow Psych majors pick classes, find fun Gen-Ed options, and map out their semesters. After each mentoring session or TA discussion, I felt a satisfaction, like a peaceful reward after a hectic day.
Huge thanks to the Somneuro Lab team, my FEMS group, Katrina, Dr. Spencer, and my thesis buddies. You’ve all guided me, challenged me, and cheered me on. I’ve learned so much from every one of you, and I’ll always treasure our time together.
Grace Smith
One of my favorite memories from my time in the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department is taking the Neuroplasticity 391 seminar last spring. In such a large major, it was a great experience to be in a smaller class where I was able to get to know everyone and find a sense of community. It was one of the most fascinating and in-depth classes I've taken in the department and the whole class had an energy of excitement and academic passion. I fondly look back on how that class challenged me to grow as a student.
I would like to give a shout-out to Dr. Kirby Deater-Deckard and the Individual Differences in Development lab! I have been a research assistant in his lab since my sophomore year, and my time in the lab has greatly enriched my understanding of psychology and developmental research. I would also like to thank Dr. Tammy Rahhal for being a great supervisor and mentor in my role as a teaching assistant, and Dr. Ashley Woodman for everything I have learned from her and the DDHS Department.
Teaching Assistant Appreciation Award
Rithvik Sandiri
I was absolutely amazed by how every single professor in all the psychology courses I have taken have showed the deepest and most genuine interest in their students’ learning. Usually, a few professors stick with you throughout life but having every member of the department have such a profound impact on their students speaks volumes to the strength of the department.
Shout out to Dr. Lori Astheimer-Best and Dr. Richard Halgin for being such wonderful professors and mentors. Also Dr. Courtney Babbitt and Katie Rickelton for allowing me the flexibility to explore and discover my ambitions at UMass while continually guiding me. And finally, my friends and family for always supporting me throughout my journey!
Emily Peck
One of my favorite memories at UMass has always been the PBS Career Fairs, both as a student and as a TA. Talking with and guiding all different types of students in regards to their career goals, whether that's talking to employers or speaking with other students who are already in programs that they're interested in, is something I've always enjoyed. It also allows me to meet some really amazing PBS students!
I would love to extend a shout out to the Psych 494PI Professional Development TA team this semester. It's been a pleasure working with all of you, and I'm going to miss our weekly meetings! Wishing you all the best!
Outstanding Senior Service Award
Owen Woodward
One of my favorite memories was helping out at the CNS open house in the Fall of 2024. I am a peer advisor for PBS, so I love speaking at admitted students events and talking to prospective high schoolers. Committing to college can be a daunting process, so it is nice to hopefully provide some stress relief.
A big shout out to the PBS advising team (Becky, Katharine, Vanessa, Lori, Carolyn, Erik, Matt, and Maya). They have been such a positive influence on me and do not get nearly enough credit as they should for helping all of our students. I also want to thank Dr. Spencer and everyone at the Somneuro Lab for being instrumental in my growth as a student and researcher.
Outstanding Internship Contribution
Amelia Brasil