Student Members’ Reflections on the 2022 AP-LS Conference

by Lili Ramos (2021-2022 Secretary)

With AP-LS 2022 a couple months behind us now, we decided to reach out to our student members to hear some of their reflections on the conference and things they are looking forward to for AP-LS 2023. Check out their responses below!​

---

Ashley Hernandez, Clinical Psychology PsyD program at William James College
 
What was one highlight, takeaway, or favorite event from AP-LS 2022?

• For me, it was great to see so many topics that were related to race and cultural competency in our field. I attended many presentations that discuss the racial disparity and the increased amount of minorities being involved in the legal system. My favorite event was the 12 pm talk on Saturday from Professor Kristin Henning. 

 
What are you looking forward to for AP-LS 2023? 

• I look forward to more discussions and presentations that are related to diversity, inclusion, race, and cultural competency.  

 
What is one piece of advice you have for students attending AP-LS in the future?

• Attend as many different topics as possible and be open. There is so much rich information at the conference. ​

---

Isabelle Clough, Legal Psychology PhD program at the University of Texas at El Paso

What was one highlight, takeaway, or favorite event from AP-LS 2022?

• I really enjoyed the Early Career Professionals Committee event on alt-academic careers. I was able to learn about viable career paths with a degree focused on legal psychology outside of academia that I wasn’t aware of before and network with people currently in those positions.

 
What are you looking forward to for AP-LS 2023? 

• I am hoping that I will have some preliminary results from my dissertation to share at AP-LS 2023. That will likely be my first opportunity to discuss these findings, which I’m really looking forward to!
  
  

What is one piece of advice you have for students attending AP-LS in the future?

• Introduce yourself! It can feel really intimidating to walk up to senior scholars doing the work you admire, but everyone at AP-LS is always so kind and excited to talk about their research. I have only ever regretted not introducing myself.

---

Brandon Garcia, Forensic Psychology M.A. program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice
 
What was one highlight, takeaway, or favorite event from AP-LS 2022?

• The student social, obviously :) I also enjoyed the chance to reconnect with professors I met at past AP-LS and meet new friends in the field.

 
What are you looking forward to for AP-LS 2023? 

• I am very excited for it to be so close. I am looking forward to saving money on flights and just taking the train from NY to Philly.

What is one piece of advice you have for students attending AP-LS in the future?

• My advice for students attending is to not be afraid to connect with people! Try and make connections with people in the field! Psych and Law is a relatively small field so making connections can be huge! Plus it is nice to make connections with other students so you can help support each other succeed.

---

Haylie Stewart, Clinical Psychology and Law PhD program at the University of Alabama

What was one highlight, takeaway, or favorite event from AP-LS 2022?

• I left feeling even more excited to be doing research in competency assessment and psychopathy.

What are you looking forward to for AP-LS 2023? 

• I’m looking forward to sharing my research and seeing what new research has brought over the past year. 

What is one piece of advice you have for students attending AP-LS in the future?

• Be aware that you can’t go to everything you’d like to, so definitely prioritize talks and meetings ahead of time.

---

Mariah Laster, School and Clinical Psychology PsyD program at Kean University 

What was one highlight, takeaway, or favorite event from AP-LS 2022?

• My favorite event was the poster presentation sessions. I enjoyed sharing my research as well as connecting with other students and learning about theirs. 
  
  

What are you looking forward to for AP-LS 2023? 

• I am looking to presenting a new research study. 
  ​

What is one piece of advice you have for students attending AP-LS in the future?

• My advice would be to network as much as you can. Speaking to professionals in the field and students truly enhances your conference experience and the knowledge you’ll learn. 

---

Thank you to all our student members who shared their perspectives and thank you to everyone who attended our student programming this year – we’re looking forward to seeing you all again next year in Philadelphia!