We asked the members of the 2023-2024 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

What is your school, program, and year? 
University of North Texas, Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program, Third Year

Why psychology and the law?
Besides this clearly being the most interesting interdisclipinary field - I have always been interested in the 'why' behind the behaviors of people. Coupled with a general interest in criminal law, and some amazing seminar experiences on forensic psychology as an undergrad, I discovered a love for this field. The more I learn about this field, and discover ways to enact activism, the more passionate I become.

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
My graduate program has led to meeting the best friends I could have ever imagined.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
Realistically, I would probably be in law school... in a dream world, I might be a baker.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
I definitely think that any program can become a good fit for you if the environment feels right, and the people you are surrounded by are uplifting and kind. Definitely pick a program that feels the most right for you and where the people seem to show up for one another.

Coffee or tea?
Tea all the way!

Cats or dogs?
I am most definitely a cat person (shoutout to my baby, Finn).

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Curious, Kindhearted, Hilarious.
 
What is on the top of your bucket list?
An endless list of travel destinations.
 
What is the worst song, in your opinion?
I don't know what the worst song is, but Taylor Swift definitely writes the best songs.

What is the weirdest thing in your home?
Probably my cat, he is a very strange/weird little man.

Is cheesecake actually cheese pie?
Yes.
 
Explain your hot take on cheesecake.
After heavy consideration I think that cheesecake is much closer to a pie than an actual cake. If you think about it, it has the crust and the consistency feels similar to something like pumpkin pie. However, I feel like the most fitting would be something like a custard pie.

by Jordan Donson (2023-2024 Chair-Elect)
 
For many people, the GRE is the most daunting part of applying to graduate programs. Listed below are tips and tricks to remember that are designed to make tackling the GRE, and beginning the application process, a little less stressful!

1. Practice makes perfect: An easy thing to remember and to implement into any study routine. Take as many practice tests as you can, including the practice tests offered by ETS, in order to become more familiar with the style of the GRE.
2. Breaks are a useful tool: When studying for something as important as the GRE, it can often become overwhelming creating a study plan and spending time pouring over information. Remember that breaks are not only necessary when studying, but are also a useful tool in the process of learning new information.
3. Work on timing: What can be one of the most stressful parts of the GRE is the fact that this is a timed test with timed writing sections. Making sure you are comfortable with the clock will make the testing process less intimidating.
4. Think ahead: Make sure you adequately plan for the test. You want to give yourself plenty of time to take the test multiple times in case you don’t receive your ideal score on the first attempt. Planning for this by knowing what score you need for programs, and when program application deadlines are, is vital to the process of applying for graduate school.
5. Instructors can help: Signing up for tutoring or extra instruction related to the GRE can be extremely helpful. While this may not be feasible for everyone, there are different means of access. Try tutoring in a group where you can split the cost or reach out to a friend – you may have friends who excel in different areas relevant to the exam!
6. Flashcards are your friend: There is a lot of vocabulary throughout the GRE, and the easiest way to memorize all of these new terms is by utilizing flashcards as the helpful tool that they are.
7. Remember not to overstudy: With a big exam comes big pressure. Remember that spending too much time studying can stop becoming helpful past a certain point and start becoming harmful. Recommendations for studying for the GRE vary between one to three months, so remember to take this into consideration when creating your study plan!
8. Know yourself: Make sure you know yourself as a test-taker and properly invest in the correct means for yourself in order to make the testing process fit your needs.
9. Know your environment: Making sure that you are able to easily find, and are familiar with, your testing location can help reduce any unnecessary anxiety on the day of your exam. Getting to your testing location earlier than you had originally planned will always help.
10. Trust in yourself!: At the end of the day, considering applications for graduate school means you have spent considerable time in school studying for, and taking, different versions of standardized testing. Be sure to trust your instincts and have confidence in your own abilities!

 
Remember the resources available to you – ETS provides numerous free online practice tests as well as practice prompts for the writing section. The Princeton Review offers various GRE practice tests and strategy sessions (free of charge) as well as different instruction courses for the exam. Don’t forget you can also always study on-the-go! Magoosh offers a free app with flashcards and practice questions. 

by Cassidy White (2023-2024 Secretary)

Dr. Meaux received her Ph.D. from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and is now an assistant professor at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. She completed her clinical internship at Tulane University School of  Medicine with an emphasis in Forensic Psychiatry. She is a clinical forensic psychologist who conducts research pertaining to the intersection of psychology and law. Her expertise include biases in the criminal system, forensic mental health evaluations, legal decision-making, and violence risk. She is thrilled to share more information about the program and invite prospective students to apply!

What? The Applied Experimental Psychology Ph.D. with concentrations in Psychology & Law or Human Factors.
 
Where? The University of Alabama in Huntsville

• Huntsville, Alabama has ranked in the top three places to live in the United States for three years in a row by U.S. News and World Report – some have even compared it to Stars Hallow (Gilmore Girls fans)!

When? The program can be completed full-time or part-time which offers individuals the flexibility to work while completing the program. And you didn’t miss the deadline! Applications are reviewed year round and start dates are not just in the Fall but also the Spring.
 
Psychology & Law Concentration: The PhD in Applied Experimental Psychology with a concentration in Psychology and Law focuses on Psychology as it applies to the legal system. In this concentration, students learn and develop prolific lines of research in human cognition, learning, memory, forensic psychology, and decision making, with foci on issues like eyewitness memory, forensic assessment, violence risk, investigative interviews, and even child witnesses. Students in the PhD program develop exceptional research, analytical, and communication skills that, when paired with this concentration, situates them well for consultation and research careers in law enforcement at both the local and federal level (e.g. Police, DHS, ATF, FBI), academia, and various other government/industry positions.
 
The Ph.D. in Applied Experimental Psychology is designed to prepare students to solve complex real-world problems by utilizing knowledge of scientific theory and the skills involved in conducting high-quality research. The program will develop professionals who can tackle important issues facing the Huntsville business and government community, the state of Alabama, and the nation. Students can take advantage of the unique hybrid and online curriculum to meet their degree goals while taking classes!
 
Graduates from this program will have employment opportunities in both academic and industry settings! Huntsville in particular has a plethora of opportunities from Federal Public Defender’s Office, Limestone Correctional Facility, and the FBI’s second headquarters. Additionally, there are many jobs that are anticipated to emerge in the future due to the everchanging human social, emotional, economic, political, and environmental needs.
 
This is the program’s first year and currently they have a few professors looking to take on new students. Click the link to explore even more faculty/staff: Faculty/Staff

• Dr. Lauren Meaux
  • Biases in the Criminal System
  • Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
  • Legal Decision-making
  • Violence Risk
• Dr. Jodi Price
  • Developmental changes in metacognition, memory, and self-regulated learning
• Dr. Jeffrey Neuschatz
  • Memory for complex events
  • Phenomenology of memory
  • Eyewitness memory
  • Applied cognitive psychology

 
Visit the link below for more information or to apply:
https://www.uah.edu/ahs/departments/psychology/programs/graduate/doctoral
 
Interested in a master’s program? UAH also has a Master of Arts in Psychology – there are even opportunities for scholarship/funding at their master’s level! M.A. Program

We asked the members of the 2023-2024 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

What is your school, program, and year? 
The University of Alabama, Clinical Psychology & Law, 3rd year 

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
My advisors!

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
Cliché, but I would probably go to law school!

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
Take your time in finding what you truly love and take time off if you need to - you got it!

Coffee or tea?
Coffee. Give me all the caffeine!

Cats or dogs?
Dogs!!

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Curious, driven, and tired.
 
What is on the top of your bucket list?
Travel more!
 
What is the worst song, in your opinion?
Friday by Rebecca Black.

What is the weirdest thing in your home?
My dog!

Is cheesecake actually cheese pie?
Yes.
 
Explain your hot take on cheesecake.
There is a crust...

We asked the members of the 2023-2024 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

What is your school, program, and year? 
The Chicago School, PsyD in Clinical Psychology, currently in my third year.​ 

Why psychology and the law? 
I actually have a parent who works in the area of forensic psychology, so I have been exposed to the field since a young age. I initially thought I wanted to be an attorney, however, as I learned more about psychology in undergrad I realized my interests really lied at the intersection of the law and psych.

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
Our program has students complete year long practicums in their second, third, and fourth year. So far, I have loved the diversity of clinical experience this has given me. Additionally, this has provided me with the opportunity to work with a broad range of populations while simultaneously engaging with my community in Chicago.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
Law school...or work in the fitness industry.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
Try and find a specific niche or area of interest early on, and look for schools with faculty that also specialize in that area. This can obviously change as you move through grad school, but it helps you connect with others who have similar interests and can help you stand out!

Coffee or tea?
Coffee.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs. 

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Open-minded, humorous (I like to think), and driven.
 
What is on the top of your bucket list?
Go to Italy!
 
What is the worst song, in your opinion?
Most things country (no offense to anyone who enjoys country).

What is the weirdest thing in your home?
My partner's gecko, Kevin.

Is cheesecake actually cheese pie?
No.
 
Explain your hot take on cheesecake.
Does anyone ~really~ consider the cheeses that make up cheesecake (cottage, cream cheese, ricotta) true cheese?

by Olivia O'Connell (2023-2024 Communications Officer)

For many, the week or so break that most students have during the end of December and/or beginning of January feels like it should be an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and find reprieve from the constant rush of assignments and work. Unfortunately, this often is less of a reality than one might expect. Applications, research, and other work may continue to pile up. Many of us may feel guilt or shame associated with “taking a break”, constantly worry about upcoming tasks, or even experience a sense of discomfort when taking a moment to slow down. Mindfulness, the practice of being consciously aware of the present moment, can be a powerful tool to make the most of our “time off” and bring balance into our lives. Mindfulness is a term that many of us are likely familiar with. Although the practice of mindfulness dates back centuries, it has more recently become popular within the psychological community through its usage in “third wave” cognitive-behavioral therapies such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Mindfulness is a concept we may preach to clients or examine in our research, yet much less frequently do we actually make it a part of our practices of well-being as students and professionals.  

As noted previously, “breaks” are generally a foreign or unrealistic concept for most students due to the constant pressure of looming deadlines, academic responsibilities, and personal expectations. A key aspect of mindfulness is contact with the present moment. In other words, mindfulness prompts us to tune our awareness entirely to what is happening in the now. This can include internal private experiences such as thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations or aspects of our environments such as sights, sounds, or smells which we so often ignore. Rather than constantly thinking about things we wish we had done differently in the past or all of the things coming up in the future, mindfulness asks us to get out of our minds and into our lives. Acknowledge that is it okay to live in this exact moment and take a break, both physically and mentally. Allowing yourself to slow down, enjoy, and fully experience the present moment may very well help you be better equipped to handle any challenges of the upcoming semester/academic term.

There are various mindfulness practices which can deepen our contact with the present moment and generally enhance the quality of our brief time away from school.  Whether you are spending time at home or traveling during this break, it can be useful to find a quiet space to disconnect from academia and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Engaging in activities which bring you joy such as reading a book, taking a walk outside, or cooking your favorite meal are all examples of ways to bring a sense of pleasure and calm while anchoring ourselves to the present.  Consider taking a break from technology, setting boundaries for screen time, social media, and school/work-related emails. Instead, use this time to engage with family members, friends, or simply be immersed in your environment.
Gratitude involves noticing and showing appreciation for aspects of your life that are meaningful and valuable to you. Mindfulness and gratitude are often thought to pair well together, as it asks to take the time to reflect on aspects of our life and academic journey which we are thankful for. Expressing gratitude, either through a private journal or in conversation with those who are important to you, can bring a sense of balance and well-being to our lives.
​
Overall, it is important to be realistic and acknowledge what is in our control. While tasks may arise which impede your ability to take a “clean break,” we can still slow down and make the most of the time we do have. Taking the opportunity to create a mindful environment, engaging in hobbies or activities which bring us joy, taking a break from technology, and practicing gratitude are all ways to enhance the quality of your time away from academia. Furthermore, bringing some of these practices into our everyday lives can help students foster a sense of balance and presence which may have positive impacts both in our personal and professional lives.

We asked the members of the 2023-2024 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

What is your school, program, and year? 
The Wright Institute, Clinical Psychology Psy.D, Second Year
​ 
Why psychology and the law? 
Psychology and the law meet at the intersection of healthcare, history, and social justice - three areas I am passionate about. Working at this intersection also provides opportunities to work at individual, community, and system levels, which I value in the pursuit of transformative justice. 

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
I love how social justice-minded and close-knit our community is.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
To be honest, I would probably still be in graduate school but studying something else.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
Do your research on the programs and geographical regions you are applying to in order to make sure they align with your interests and lifestyle. Then, get your materials together ahead of time so you aren't too stressed as the deadlines near. Once you submit, take a breath - you’ve got this!

Coffee or tea?
Coffee.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs. I have one named Doug - or Douglas when he's in trouble!

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Adaptable, curious, and goofy.
 
What is on the top of your bucket list?
My dream is to bike-pack across Italy.
 
What is the worst song, in your opinion?
What Does the Fox Say.

What is the weirdest thing in your home?
A piece of a broken oar from my husband's years as a rower.

Is cheesecake actually cheese pie?
No.
 
Explain your hot take on cheesecake.
I don't know why but the phrase "cheese pie" does not sound appealing. I don't want to eat cheese pie but I do want to eat cheesecake!

We asked the members of the 2023-2024 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

What is your school, program, and year? 
I am in the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology Law & Public Policy program with concentration in trial consulting at California School of Forensic Studies at Alliant International University.
​ 
Why psychology and the law? 
I was a commercial litigator for twenty years. The science behind juries and voir dire interested me, so I went back to school and started studying social science and its application to litigation.
 
What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
I appreciate the focus on the jurisprudence side of the empirical study of psychology.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
Trial consulting.
 
What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
Go for it. It is never too late and if you have passion for the material, you can manage the load.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee all day.

Cats or dogs?
Cats. 

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Eccentric, loyal, intense.
 
What is on the top of your bucket list?
Travel to Europe.
 
What is the worst song, in your opinion?
So many. So, so many.

What is the weirdest thing in your home?
A skeleton coat rack.

Is cheesecake actually cheese pie?
Yes.
 
Explain your hot take on cheesecake.
It's a plated fudge, if you will.

We asked the members of the 2023-2024 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.

What is your school, program, and year? 
I am a first year student in the M.S. in Forensic Psychology program at Cal State LA.
​ 
Why psychology and the law? 
I am passionate about the intersection of psychology and the law because it offers a powerful avenue to drive positive societal change. This unique combination of fields can allow me to explore the depths of human behavior and cognition while also working towards shaping laws and policies that not only address legal complexities but also nurture understanding and compassion within society.
 
What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
The diverse backgrounds and close-knit community are my favorite aspects of my graduate program.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
If I was not in graduate school, I would probably be working full time and traveling whenever I could.
 
What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
To get as much guidance as possible, and from different people as well. It is essential to learn from others’ experiences; especially mentors or graduate students.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee.

Cats or dogs?
Cats. 

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Extroverted, ambitious, and determined.
 
What is on the top of your bucket list?
Getting my Ph.D. and becoming a professor.
 
What is the worst song, in your opinion?
Hmm.. I really could not say.

What is the weirdest thing in your home?
Although not a thing, my cat is definitely the weirdest creature (in the best way possible) in my home.

Is cheesecake actually cheese pie?
No.
 
Explain your hot take on cheesecake.
It is great