Congratulations to our graduating Psychological and Brain Sciences undergraduate and graduate students on your well-deserved success! This has been a year unlike any other, filled with unusual and difficult challenges. You mastered zoom classes, COVID-19 testing, social distancing and mask wearing while still focusing on your programs and course work. Through your hard work, perseverance and adaptability, you fulfilled your dreams to complete your educational journey. You should be proud of your achievement! Take what you learned and experienced in our classrooms and labs and continue to strive forward. As you begin your next chapter in life, we hope you will continue to stay connected with us and, as UMass alumni, help support the dreams of the next generation. Again congratulations on your success! It has been an honor being a part of your UMass story.
The Advisors, Faculty, and Staff of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Features
Virtual Graduation Celebration for the Class of 2021
Virtual Graduation Celebration for the Class of 2021Congratulations Psychology Graduates! Our Virtual Graduation Celebration for the Class of 2021 is live! This year's webpage includes special video messages from the Department, a senior slideshow, Instagram stickers, and commemorative photos submitted by students, families, and friends. Visit our page
Students, we thank you for all you have endured this semester. May your future be bright and prosperous!
Remember to share your graduation pics on social with: #UMassPBSgrads21 and #CNSgrads21
2021 Senior Awards
2021 Senior AwardsWe 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.
Hear what seniors had to say about their UMass experience
Tweet Blitz: Undergraduate Theses
Tweet Blitz: Undergraduate ThesesEvery spring we're proud to showcase undergraduate research in a poster-fest attended by students and faculty alike. This year, we took that event virtual using online meeting rooms, and it was a great success! Here are some tweets and project abstracts from our talented students, summing up their awesome theses!
Read full article
Study shows predictors of cognitive decline in midlife women varied by race
Study shows predictors of cognitive decline in midlife women varied by raceHypertension, diabetes, depressive symptoms, and smoking are all known predictors of cognitive decline in late life. A better understanding of how these risk factors influence cognition in midlife, and how results differ between racial groups, could lead to more effective and timely health interventions. Data from the large epidemiological Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) was used by PhD candidate Jasmine Dixon and her team to examine risk factors for decline in episodic memory, processing speed, and working memory in midlife women. Read full article
Spotlight on Alumni
Spotlight on AlumniUMass alumni share how PBS prepared them for a successful career
Find out how these bright alumni found their calling!
Research Highlights
Awards and Updates
In the Media
Moving On
Undergraduate Advisor Julie Pahl announces retirement
Julie Pahl has been an irreplaceable member of PBS for nearly three decades. Although she has held four different positions in PBS over the years, she has served as an undergraduate advisor most recently for over ten years. The impact that Julie has had on our majors is indescribable.
As an advisor, Julie has worked with thousands of our undergraduate majors helping them in all aspects of their undergraduate careers. Every student that entered Julie's office was treated with compassion and excellence. Julie's style of advising made students comfortable the moment they stepped into her office and they left ready to take on the world. She was both respected and beloved by all of her advisees. Additionally, Julie was the consummate colleague. Her passion for her job was evident to all of those around her. She approached her job with humor, dedication, and talent; Julie was always willing to go above and beyond to support our majors and the department. We will miss her tremendously, but wish her all the best in this next phase of her life.