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In the late 1990s an outside reviewer of the East Stroudsburg University psychology department praised many aspects of the department but noted that it was not keeping up with national trends related to undergraduate student research. In response, Sussie Eshun, Ph.D., professor of psychology, initiated the department’s Biannual Research Forum in 1996. The following year, Richard Wesp, Ph.D., distinguished professor of psychology, helped to expand the forum to include student poster presentations. Now in its 20^th year, all members of the psychology department are actively involved in the paramount event which engages students in the field and acknowledges their involvement in the discipline in each semester.

In recognition of the 20^th anniversary of the forum, the psychology department will hold its 41^st Biannual Research Forum on Tuesday, April 25. This year over 250 students will present or be lauded for their accomplishments. The program will begin at 2 p.m. in room 117 of ESU’s Hoeffner Science and Technology Center with an oral presentation about research conducted by a current student, induction of new members of the International Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi, and the announcement of several departmental awards. At 2:45 p.m. participants will move to the first floor of Stroud Hall where students will display posters describing classroom-based research and internship experiences.

The celebration will move back to room 117 of the Science and Technology Center at 5:15 p.m. for a brief history of the forum and highlights of research accomplishments of some psychology students. ESU psychology alumni have also been invited to speak about how the ESU experience has influenced their careers. The event will conclude with an informal reception to allow current students to network with alumni.

Over the past 20 years, the research efforts in psychology have involved over 250 undergraduate students as authors or co-authors in 11 peer-reviewed publications, 125 peer-reviewed poster presentations, and five externally-funded grants.

For more information about the psychology department’s Biannual Research Forum, contact Anthony Drago, Ed.D., professor and chair of psychology, in the college of arts and science, at 570-422-3499 or tdrago@esu.edu.