Students and faculty from the University of North Georgia (UNG) presented their research at the annual Southeastern Psychology Association (SEPA) conference in Atlanta in April.

There was a total of 25 presentations given, with students presenting much of their own original research based on Honors theses, independent studies, research projects from class, Faculty Undergraduate Summer Engagement (FUSE) projects, and McNair Scholars projects. Some projects were funded by Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA) mini-grants, Dr. Kathryn Narciso, senior lecturer of psychological science and leadership minor coordinator, said.

In total 28 students authored research, as did 12 faculty.

Ryan Lambert presented the research project he developed with Dr. Abby Meyer, "Outrunning a Bad Diet: The Impacts of Exercise on Memory." This project was part of a 2024 FUSE Award through CURCA. Lambert is also the recipient of just over $2,000 over three semesters through the Parks Foundation within the Department of Psychological Science. He also received the Dr. Steve Noble Research Award and the Outstanding Student in Psychological Science award, which he shared with fellow student Mary Kellen Beck.

The funds allowed Lambert to perform some extraordinary research and show off UNG at several large conferences. Without the funding, he would not have been able to do any of that work and is very thankful for all the opportunities he’s received, he said.

Lambert is pursuing a degree in psychology with minors in neuroscience and biology. He is from Alpharetta, Georgia.

Student Elina Posey and Dr. Wei-Lun Sun, assistant professor of psychological science, presented "Effects of Chronic Energy Drink and Alcohol Exposure on Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Aged Mice," which came from a biopsychology lab course.  Posey is a 2024 graduate who holds a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice from Holly Springs, Georgia.

"Decoding Student Engagement with Generative AI" was the presentation given by Narciso, finalist for the Early Career Research Award.

"The Role of Mindfulness, Compassion, and Romantic Expectations in Relationship Satisfaction" was presented by student Laraib Ranjha alongside Dr. Shelley Aikman, professor of psychological science. This was Ranjha's Honor thesis. She was also a contributor to a 2024 CURCA mini-grant funded project, "Sexually Satisfied: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Sexual Motivation," that was also presented at SEPA.

"My motivation to become a clinical psychologist has always centered on helping others overcome mental health challenges, but I've come to realize that the field also demands a commitment to staying current with research and contributing to it. Preparing and presenting at SEPA sparked a genuine appreciation for the research process itself," Ranjha, a senior from Flowery Branch, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology, said.  There's something satisfying about watching a question evolve into findings with meaningful implications and then sharing those findings with others to then hear their thoughts and feedback. Presenting in a professional conference environment added a new level of pressure, but it also helped me grow in my communication and presentation skills."

Students Ray Guereca, Christian Lopez and Herman Reyes, along with faculty member Dr. Zachary Elison, assistant professor of psychological science, presented "Testing the Effectiveness of the Social-Emotional Belongingness Intervention." This project was awarded a 2025 FUSE grant.

"The experience at SEPA was extremely insightful into the world of psychological research, and I was able to connect with other students from universities around the U.S.," Lopez said.

He is a senior from Hoschton, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology.  

Dr. Chuck Robertson, professor of psychological science, served as SEPA president and gave the presidential SEPA address, "Enhancing Education and Research through Artificial Intelligence." Dr. Kelly Cate, assistant professor of psychological science, will replace him as SEPA president at the end of his term.