by Laura Stevens (2022-2023 Experimental Liaison) 

COVID-19 was a terrible and turbulent time for everyone and was an especially difficult time to be studying as the world turned to online teaching mediums. However, one positive to the shift online is that it is easier now than ever to be a member of your international community. This resource will cover the benefits of getting involved in your international community and easy ways to immerse yourself. 

Being a Member of International Networks
As one of the first UK-based students to be a part of the APLS student committee, I am really excited to be part of an international community of researchers and practitioners working  in Psychology and Law. In addition to my role within the student committee, I am also a research assistant within the Rights for Time Network – an international organisation that brings together academics and practitioners to explore how time affects war, displacement, and violence in order to progress conversations about humanitarian protection. I am also a member of the UK-South Korea Eyewitness network that fosters collaborations to improve the documentation of eyewitness memory evidence globally. All the aforementioned networks are either free to join or for an extremely subsidised fee as a student, so there is no better time to immerse yourself in international research. 

Benefits of International Networking

• You meet incredible researchers who are revolutionising in their area, as well as amazing practitioners and community actors who are making an impact on the ground. You get to learn from these people and consider what future research questions are integral to developing, understanding, and designing research projects around these ideas. This could lead to future funding opportunities!
• You can learn about interesting and diverse cultures and take part in cross-cultural research that is driven by partnerships within that country. 
• You can develop your skills as a researcher by co-designing research methodologies and carrying out research in different contexts. You may encounter unforeseen challenges and learn how to overcome them. For examples of when international research may be difficult and potential methods to overcome such barriers, please see a Webinar from Global Challenges students at the University of Birmingham, UK, here.
• Obviously, you get to potentially travel to some really cool places!

Ways that you can get Involved!

• Attend conferences, either in person or online. Post-COVID, many conferences are offering hybrid methods which can help financially if you cannot afford to travel or want to attend multiple conferences a year. 
• Check out travel grant schemes, both from the conference themselves but also from your institution or organisation. There might be money there to assist you in travelling to a conference. This could help you travel and help develops your grant writing skills!
• When at the conference – make the most of it. Attend networking lunches, poster sessions and ask questions. You never know when someone you meet could become a future collaborator or mentor.
• Attend online webinars hosted by different organisations or networks. These are typically free and recorded to enhance participation from all time zones. Follow up with speakers via email about anything you found interesting. 
• Sign up to the mailing lists of networks you are interested in.
• Follow researchers and practitioners in your field from all over the world on Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up to date with research advances; like and retweet their work to show your interest!
• Find other people working on similar areas to you and email them. See if you can run a research study in both labs and possibly do a cross-country comparison or consider grant funding together!

 
Being a member of your international community does not need to be as difficult or as expensive as you think. Happy Networking!

by Cassidy White (2022-2023 Campus Representative Coordinator) 

As the cycle of graduate school applications are now submitted, it’s time for the best part – interviews! In this post you will find some tips and resources for a successful graduate school interview. 


Do your research

• Make sure you have a good understanding of the school and how each program works
• Read up on recent publications the mentor you’re applying to has published 
• Prepare a list of who you could be potentially interviewing with. This includes both professors and graduate students

Have questions prepared

• Faculty:
  • How would you describe your mentoring style?
  • How does one earn authorship in this lab?
  • What are the current projects in the lab and where do you expect the lab to go?
  • What do you think makes a student successful in this program? 
• Students:
  • How does funding work? Is there guaranteed summer funding?
  • Can you tell me what it’s like to live in_______?
  • Do you feel like you can live comfortably in ______?
  • What areas are the best for grad students to live?
  • What is it like to work with this mentor?
  • What kinds of support/resources are there for underrepresented groups? What is the DEI climate like? 
  • How cooperative vs competitive are the students in this program? Prepare for common questions 
    • Tell me about yourself?
      • Be sure to highlight what is unique about yourself and why do you stand out compared to others interviewing for the same spot?
• Why did you choose this school/ particular advisor?
  • Be specific! This is where your initial research will come in. 
• What is your specific area of research and why?
• What are your career goals? 
• What are your hobbies and interests?
  • Remember, most places have read your CV and now they are interested in really getting to know who you are as a person!
• Describe a project you would like to complete while you are here.

Be confident!

• Whether your interview is virtual or in-person, the days can be very long. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and breathe

Be yourself!

Don’t forget that you worked hard and were chosen to interview at this school. You got this! 

Always follow up with a thank you note/email

Resources:
 
Dr. Mitch Prinstein has an EXCELLENT handbook with all things related to clinical psychology. Section three: I just got an interview for a clinical psychology doctoral program – What do I do?! 
 
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf
 
Practice mindfulness during breaks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-6f5wQXSu8

by Jordan Donson (2022-2023 Secretary)

If you ever find yourself looking for a new podcast that is not only entertaining but also educational, then you have come to the right place! Listed below are the top 12 podcasts to fit all your psychology, law, and grad school needs. 
 

1. Speaking of Psychology: Produced by the American Psychological Association, this podcast helps listeners apply the science of psychology to their everyday lives by highlighting some of the latest, most important and relevant psychological research being conducted today. 
2. The Forensic Psychologist Podcast: This podcast discusses the niche practice area of forensic psychology and delves into the realms of psychology, law, and human behavior. Hosted by Dr. Nicole Vienna, Forensic Psychologist and Clinical Director at Vienna Psychological Group, Inc. 
3. Clinically Thinking: A podcast by clinical psychologists, for clinical psychologists. Deep-dive conversations with clinicians and academics at the forefront of their fields. A great resource for all clinicians at every stage. 
4. Due Process – The Interviews: This podcast is the side-feed of the podcast ‘Due Process,’ a show dedicated to examining Canada’s Criminal Justice System. This side-feed features full-length interviews with guests who have appeared on Due Process. The interviews on this feed focus on topics and issues related to law, forensic psychology, and Canada’s Criminal Justice System. 
5. Grad School is Hard, But...: A podcast from Dr. Katy Peplin of Thrive PhD, this is helpful for anyone trying to be a human and a scholar. This podcast helps you dive deeper into how your brain and body work best. Each episode features practical experiments to try to help you find your way through the hard work of grad school. 
6. The Forensic Psychology Podcast: In this podcast Sally Tilt and Dr. Kerensa Hocken from HM Prison and Probation Service Psychology team interview colleagues who do vitally important work in prisons across the U.K. 
7. Clinically Psyched: A realistic guide to applying to Clinical Psychology PhD programs in North America. 
8. The Law Garage: In this podcast you can learn from leading professionals in the criminal bar. From the beginning of a police investigation to the trial or jury trial, gain insight into the working minds of experienced defense practitioners. 
9. This is Grad School: A podcast for grad students, by grad students. Two applied social psychology PhD students have casual conversations about issues relevant to graduate students in psychology and beyond. This podcast aims to provide a place for grad students to decompress, process, and discuss the real experiences graduate students have, both positive and negative. 
10. Forensic Minds: Currently studying psychology? Early career forensic psychologist? Interested in the work of forensic psychologists? This is the podcast for you! Forensic Minds – Australia, hosted by the Australian Psychological Society – College of Forensic Psychologists. 
11. The Litigation Psychology Podcast: This podcast, presented by Courtroom Sciences, Inc. (CSI) is for in-house and outside defense counsel about the intersection of science and litigation. It explores topics of interest to the defense bar, with a particular emphasis on subjects that don’t get enough attention. Hosted by PhD-level social scientists, clinical scientists, and psychology experts with a wealth of knowledge about science, research, human behavior, and decision making, which they apply in the context of civil litigation. 
12. Psychology Unplugged: This podcast features weekly discussions and perspectives on all aspects of psychology, neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, and mental health topics. Psychoeducation, information, misinformation, controversy, and passion about an incredibly relevant and misunderstood field. 

​What is your school, program, and year? 
UNT Clinical Psychology PhD, forensic track, 3rd year
 
Why psychology and the law? 
Psycholegal scholars have such a powerful opportunity to engage in justice-minded work—this is exactly what I strive for! 
 
What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
Our clinical training is wonderful, my lab members are such inspirational researchers, and I have absolutely made lifelong best friends in this program. 
 
If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
I would probably be in law school or maybe a chef.
 
What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
You can make the best of any program if the environment is right. Pick a program that you feel believes in you, uplifts you, and shows up for you. 
 
If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, and probably Love Island. 
 
Is cereal soup?
No. 
 
Explain your hot take about cereal. 
Soup is a dish that includes multiple components. Cereal is referred to as cereal regardless of whether it has milk in it or not. 
 
Is water wet?
Yes. 
 
Explain your hot take about water. 
It has to be wet in order to make other things wet. Something dry cannot make another thing wet. 
 
What is a quote you like and who said it?
“We shouldn’t teach great books; we should teach a love of reading. Knowing the contents of a few works of literature is a trivial achievement. Being inclined to go on reading is a great achievement.” -Skinner  
 
If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be any why? 
I would gather 5 people from across my family’s lineage going many centuries back to really know where we came from.  
 
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
We’ve Been Trying To Reach You About Your Car’s Extended Warranty 
 
What is your favorite city and why? 
Akureyri, Iceland is beautiful, and the coffee is so good! 

​What is your school, program, and year? 
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Clinical Psychology, 3rd year
 
Why psychology and the law? 
I first realized this field existed when I took an anthro/psych/soc class in high school; when I found out about the intersectionality of these disciplines with the legal system, I was hooked. I originally wanted to be a forensic anthropologist but I realized 1) physical sciences are NOT for me and 2) psychology is just way cooler than anthropology. Now, I love it for being a field that can make individualized and system-wide differences simultaneously.
 
What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
The research. I have a great mentor/advisor (Dr. Georgia Winters) who is extremely supportive and accommodating. I love being part of a lab that allows me to engage in research on the topics I am interested in, and am always motivated knowing that the work we are doing will make a positive impact.
 
If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
I'd be an event planner - or a lawyer.
 
What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
I think a lot of people who apply for graduate school are very successful academically and might not be used to "failure." Be prepared that you may not get in everywhere you apply, and that's okay. It only takes one yes. Also, start getting your materials ready in advance so you aren't as overwhelmed when apps are due!
 
If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Friends, New Girl, and The Office (minus Scott's Tots - too cringe). All of these are great distractions that aren't too serious - and they get funnier every time I re-watch. 
 
Is cereal soup?
No 
 
Explain your hot take about cereal. 
No. While milk is a wonderful component to a soup base, a pure milk base does not qualify as a soup. Also, a cold soup needs to be smooth and thick. Not runny and chunky.
 
Is water wet?
Yes
 
Explain your hot take about water. 
Water is what MAKES you wet; therefore, it must itself be wet.
 
What is a quote you like and who said it?
"You can't just give up! Is that what a dinosaur would do?" - Joey Tribbiani
 
If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be any why? 
Sigmund Freud and Aaron Beck. I'd love to see how that dynamic would play out. Also, throw in Elvis for some live entertainment and Betty White for some comic relief.
 
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
pretty fly for a WiFi
 
What is your favorite city and why? 
It seems that I really love Burlington(s) - there is one in Ontario, Canada (my hometown, which I miss), and another is in my favorite state (Vermont). Both are great for very different reasons!

What is your school, program, and year? 
Montclair State University, Second-Year in Clinical Psychology Ph.D.
 
Why psychology and the law? 
I'm interested in psychology and the law for several reasons. Above all, I feel strongly that the solution to reducing recidivism is a rehabilitative model, rather than a punitive one. It feels like an honor to help shed light on effective solutions that help individuals re-enter society pro-socially, in hopes of disrupting their cycle of justice-involvement.
 
What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
There are so many things to love! I feel endlessly supported by the staff and my cohort and find the courses to be structured in a way that really facilitates critical thinking.
 
If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
This is a tough one, because for as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a clinical psychologist. However, if I had to deviate from the field entirely I could see myself as a veterinarian because I love animals!
 
What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
Have a good understanding of the existing literature, and gaps in literature, around your research interests - being able to demonstrate that you know the topic well will help translate your passion for the subject matter in your personal statement and during interviews!
 
If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
1) Scream (the original movie) - it is a classic! 2) Nathan for You (TV Show) - one of the only shows I've seen that makes me laugh out loud 3) The Walking Dead (TV Show) - It certainly took a dive after season 7ish but I enjoy the horror/thriller/drama genre
 
Is cereal soup?
No
 
Explain your hot take about cereal. 
In my mind, soup has to have vegetables and probably a water or broth base. Therefore, no.
 
Is water wet?
No
 
Explain your hot take about water. 
I don't think so because for something to be wet it needs the ability to be dry also, right? Water can't dry because then there will be no water, so I don't think it is wet. Would be open to changing my mind on this one if I heard a compelling argument.
 
What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Just because someone carries it well, doesn't mean it isn't heavy." - Christin Lewis
 
If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be any why? 
1) Aaron Beck - I mean, this one's obvious 2) Bill Hader.- let's add some comedy to the table, plus he just seems like an interesting guy 3) Ruth Bader Ginsberg - champion for women 4) Michael Solomonov - known for making incredible, simple food and I love his restaurants 5) Kali Uchis - favorite music artist and also she's iconic
 
What is your favorite city and why? 
Philadelphia for sure - I completed my undergraduate degree there (Drexel University) and fell in love with it. It gives clear city vibes but is small enough to also feel like a community. I still visit often and hope I circle back there later in life!

​What is your school, program, and year? 
UNT, Clinical Psychology Ph.D., Second year
 
Why psychology and the law? 
I have always been interested in the 'why' behind the behaviors of people. Coupled with a general interest in crime, and some amazing seminar experiences on forensic psychology as an undergrad and 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 led to meeting my best friends.
 
If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
If I was not in grad school, I would like to be a baker!
 
What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
I would just say make sure you apply to programs that fit well with your interests, and then really look at the schools to see which one fits your vibes best because you really have to live there for the next 4-5 years... and that is a long time.
 
If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
I am currently rewatching (for the millionth time) New Girl, Grey's Anatomy, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. These are three of my all-time favorite shows and I would rewatch them continuously.
 
Is cereal soup?
Yes
 
Explain your hot take about cereal. 
It has a bowl, it is eaten with a spoon, the base is a liquid, and there are an assortment of solid food ingredients that can be added in. Enough said.
 
Is water wet?
Yes
 
Explain your hot take about water. 
Hello? It is water, it is wet.
 
What is a quote you like and who said it?
"In my moments of doubt, I've told myself firmly: If not me, who? If not now, when?" - Emma Watson (I love her).
 
If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be any why? 
Emma Watson (I love her), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (duh), Inez Beverly Prosser (yes), Robert Hare (educational opportunity), and the Miami Choir Boys (legends). I feel like I really have to take this opportunity to meet the most iconic people in my life.
 
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
Depressionisnotafaze
 
What is your favorite city and why? 
Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas is probably the most beautiful place I have ever been, with some of the nicest people I have ever met, and the most delicious food. I would visit there again any day!

​What is your school, program, and year? 
Adelphi University 2nd Year, Clinical Psychology PhD Program
 
Why psychology and the law? 
I was always fascinated within the intersections of law and psychology. Both are not homogenous, rather complex and the intersectionality between such fields has developed my passion for this niche area. Struggles with mental health are often so criminalized and such disparities have contributed to my drive to understanding the ways an individual may be involved in the system and what implications does this have for treatment.
 
What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
The faculty and administrations warmth and support towards their students.
 
If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
Perhaps own a coffee shop and still be involved in the health care field in some capacity.
 
What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
Have a good amount of boundaries between yourself and your work. Graduate school is tedious and takes a lot of time but it's important to schedule time for yourself and your loved ones.
 
If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
New Girl - So lighthearted and fun! I definitely re-watch this when academia gets overwhelming and I need a laugh. Friends - A classic. One Tree Hill - Definitely my top 5 favorite shows ever, I love early 2000s tv drama. Honorary mention: The Vampire Diaries - do I need to say more. 
 
Is cereal soup?
No
 
Explain your hot take about cereal. 
Cereal is not a soup because usually soups are boiled and contain vegetables or meat and cereal does not.
 
Is water wet?
No
 
Explain your hot take about water. 
Water is not wet because wetness typically needs to be measured. When something is wet, the liquid sticks to its surface. Water is not a solid, therefore it cannot be wet. It sticks to itself, but there’s no solid for which it can stick.
 
What is a quote you like and who said it?
"You need both the light and the dark. One does not exist without the other. To sweep your darkness under the rug is to do yourself a great disservice. There is so much there to learn. How can you feel the freedom in the sun when you have not sat for a while under the shade of the trees? Surely, you can learn to appreciate both. It is learning to accept and exist in each state. To appreciate and welcome each part of you without discrediting it. We are creatures of light and of dark. That is where strength and softness makes a blood pact." - Brianna Pastor
 
If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be any why? 
Sigmund Freud Ivan Pavlov B.F. Skinner Albert Bandura Aaron Beck I would like to invite these popular psychology theorists to a dinner party and observe what occurs in a group of differing perspectives and theories to human behavior.
 
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
Pineapple 
 
What is your favorite city and why? 
Nothing like the diversity and atmosphere of New York City!

​We asked the members of the 2022-2023 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? 
Drexel University, JD-PhD 4th year student
 
Why psychology and the law? 
I believe training in both spheres positions me to better address various psycho-legal questions and issues that arise in our criminal justice system (e.g., understanding how lawyers think, write, and interpret law makes for a better expert witness testimony).
 
What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
My mentors! I am co-mentored by two amazing professors, Dr. Dave DeMatteo and Dr. Kirk Heilbrun, both of whom are very supportive and also incredibly respected in the field of forensic psychology.
 
If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
I would find some type of remote job that allows me to work from anywhere in the world, and I would travel around spending a few months at a time in various countries.
 
What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
GPA and test scores are not everything, they are a "hurdle" you have to jump to get to the next stage. It is more important that you mentally prepared (i.e., maturity) for a graduate program, that you've had the appropriate experiences that will prepare you for the rigor of a graduate program, and that you have an understanding of why you want to do a graduate program in the first place!
 
If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Harry Potter, Friends (the show), and Game of Thrones
 
Is cereal soup?
No 
 
Explain your hot take about cereal. 
I refuse
 
Is water wet?
No
 
Explain your hot take about water. 
No, because it implies that it was dry at some point.
 
What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Yeah, it's like a cow's opinion, you know, it just doesn't matter. It's "moo".- Joey from Friends (moot point)
 
If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be any why? 
Barack Obama, Harry Potter (not Daniel Radcliffe), Idris Elba, Lebron James, and Blake Lively
 
What is your favorite city and why? 
New Orleans, Louisiana. There's nowhere like it!

​What is your school, program, and year? 
The University of Alabama, Clinical Psychology & Law, 2nd year
 
Why psychology and the law? 
I love the interplay of the legal system and psychology and getting to work one-on-one with patients. So many of them are going through an extremely difficult time in their life, and sometimes just one person to listen and understand can make such a difference.
 
What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program?
The opportunities to do clinical work and contribute to meaningful research! Plus, my lab is pretty awesome.
 
If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
Cliche.. but be in law school.
 
What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
Take your time - it's okay to take a year or a few years off. Figure out exactly what you want to do - it will happen!
 
If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Gilmore Girls (my comfort show), New Girl (to laugh), and Friends!
 
Is cereal soup?
No 
 
Explain your hot take about cereal. 
I eat my cereal dry.. yikes!
 
Is water wet?
Yes
 
Explain your hot take about water. 
If you put your dry hand in water and then take it out, your hand is wet.
 
What is a quote you like and who said it?
"Do I regret it? Yes. Would I do it again? Probably." - Nick Miller (New Girl)
 
If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be any why? 
JonBenet Ramsey (need to solve the case), Taylor Swift (big swifty), Gordon Ramsey (eat some good food), Prince (because thats cool), and although not an actual human.. my dog.
 
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
FBI Surveillance Van
 
What is your favorite city and why? 
Vienna, Austria - my favorite place!