College of Charleston Department of Psychology

Congrats to Dr. Chelsea Reid on the publication of her article in The Conversation: “Nostalgic foods and scents like fresh-cut grass and hamburgers grilling bring comfort, connection and well-being.” Learn more:

Nostalgic foods and scents like fresh-cut grass and hamburgers grilling bring comfort, connection and well-being Once thought to be an unhealthy experience, researchers now know that feelings of nostalgia can promote greater social connectedness and a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! You've poured in tremendous effort, overcome obstacles, and are ready for what's next. May your journey ahead be fulfilling and brimming with happiness.

Interested in summer classes? We’re offering a variety of online courses for Summer 2025. Currently enrolled student registration is now open!

Tri-county S.P.E.A.K.S. Executive Director Deborah Freel, MSW (center) was pleased to receive another donation from the CofC chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. With her from the nonprofit sexual assault advocacy program is Victoria Padgette, far left, and David Duvall, far right.
Presenting the check is Psi Chi Secretary Marley Leventis (second from left) and advisor Lisa Ross (2nd from right).
For more information on the important work of Tri-county S.P.E.A.K.S., please see https://tricountyspeaks.org/

Congratulations to Lia Hansen, who is graduating this May and has been awarded Outstanding Student and Departmental Honors! Lia majored in both Psychology and German studies. She is a member of Charleston’s chapter of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the Iota Pi chapter of the German Honor Society Delta Phi Alpha and qualified for the President’s List every year of her time at CofC. Following a five-month semester abroad in Austria, she spent seven weeks in Bremen, Germany at the BRISE (Bremen Initiative to Foster Early Childhood Development) laboratory at Universität Bremen. While working in the BRISE lab, she completed an independent study in the summer of 2024 under the supervision of PSYC’s Dr. Michael Ruscio. As a part of the independent study project, Lia analyzed differences in focused attention and distractibility in toddlers and presented her findings in a poster alongside another student at the 2025 Research EXPO. Additionally, she engaged in an independent study (PSYC 498) with PSYC’s Dr. Cindi May during the fall of 2024. Here, she examined the function and development of memory by challenging the survival processing effect, the results of which will be submitted for publication, likely during the coming summer. Lia presented findings from her work with Dr. May in an oral presentation at the 2025 Research EXPO and gave an oral presentation of the research at the Carolinas Psychology Conference (CPC). She received the 2025 Alumni Award in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) for her oral presentation at EXPO and received the HSS Student Travel Award for her oral presentation at CPC. She will also be receiving the Global Scholar Award from the German Department. During her winter breaks, she volunteered at Good Grief as a Peer Facilitator, providing support to grieving children on bi-weekly Nights of Support. She also recently completed the PSYC 397 internship course at Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center and will be working at their Mount Pleasant branch full time following graduation. In the future, Lia wishes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology with a specialty in clinical child psychology and conduct research on child psychopathology. Of her time at CofC, Lia says: “I feel so supported by the psych faculty at CofC and could not have chosen a better place to learn and grow as student of Psychology”

Congratulations to Dr. Gabrielle Principe, who was recognized with CofC's Distinguished Undergraduate Mentor Award!

Congratulations to Ella Young, who earned an Outstanding Student Award and Departmental Honors for Spring 2025! During her time at CofC, Ella worked in the lab with Dr. Adam Doughty studying the effects of changeover placement on behavioral strength in pigeons. She also studied abroad to Florence, Italy with Dr. Susan Simonian in 2023 and studied cultural effects on child development. Ella went back to Italy with Dr. Simonian in June of 2024, where she conducted Independent Study research on the relationship between child-caregiver interaction and facial affect. Ella continued studying this for her Bachelor’s Essay, where she further investigated the cultural effects and compared her results in Italy to those in the United States. Outside of research, Ella worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) with SOSCare, volunteered with Tri-County SPEAKS as an advocate, and completed an internship with the Charleston County Public Defender’s Office. After graduation, Ella will be attending Charleston School of Law to pursue her dreams of becoming an attorney.

Congratulations to Marley Leventis, who is graduating this May and has been awarded Departmental Honors! Marley completed two individual enrollments under the supervision of PSYC’s Dr. Gabrielle Principe and will have the honor of presenting her research from the Principe lab at the Society for Applied Research in Memory & Cognition 2025 conference in Ireland! She has also served as member, secretary, and president of Psi Chi Honor Society. Reflecting on the award and her time at CofC, Marley said: "The College of Charleston Psychology Department has supported, prepared, and uplifted me in the most invaluable ways, and I am so grateful for my time here. Thank you sincerely to the wonderful psych faculty and staff for all your indispensable guidance—I wouldn't be where I am without you!"

Congratulations to William Bischoff Memorial Scholarship Awardee Victoria Jones!! Victoria says “I was so excited and honored the psych department believes in me and that I was deserving of this award. I love the program at CofC and am so happy for this help to continue my studies!”

Congratulations to Janet Nash, who is graduating this May and has been awarded Departmental Honors! While at CofC, Janet completed an independent study with PSYC’s Dr. Cynthia May examining influences on remembering and gave a presentation on the research at EXPO. She also completed an independent study and bachelor’s essay with PSYC’s Dr. Adam Doughty on Transfer of Function, or how we make connections between stimuli that are seemingly unrelated. She was a member of the Motor Board, the Neurodiversity Club and the Red Cross club. Janet was on the College’s Dean's List last semester. In her spare time, she volunteers for the Wando High School marching band, making the props for the band and serving on the uniform crew. Of her time at CofC, Janet says “Overall, I'm just so grateful to have the opportunity to get my degree and in such a beautiful place. I'm so glad that I picked to major in Psychology. The Psychology Department here is just full of amazing professors and staff! It's been an amazing experience to learn and be lucky enough to have their mentorship.”

Congrats to Dr. Cindi May on the publication of her article in The Conversation: “Why people with autism struggle to get hired-and how businesses can help by changing how they look at job interviews.” Learn more:

Why people with autism struggle to get hired − and how businesses can help by changing how they look at job interviews People on the autism spectrum are often overlooked in hiring because of how they come across in interviews. But with the right understanding and fixes to the process, employers can make smarter choices.

Congratulations to Madeline Keller, who is graduating this May and has been awarded Outstanding Student and Departmental Honors! While at CofC, Madeline completed an independent study with PSYC’s Dr. Gabrielle Principe. She examined the effects of expert witness testimony on helping to educate a jury on appropriate questioning techniques for children during forensic testimony. She presented this research last year at the Cognitive Development Society (CDS) conference in Pasadena, California. She was also awarded a SURF grant this past summer to continue her research. Currently, Madeline is completing her Bachelor's Essay on whether age differences impact a jury's belief of a child's testimony. Madeline has been involved as a Peer Counselor with Students 4 Support since her sophomore year. She served as Diversity Director her junior year and currently serves as Outreach Coordinator for the organization. She was also a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader for the Center for Student Learning (CSL) for six semesters. She led course review sessions for introductory chemistry and biology students to help with exam preparation. She also served as a Senior SI leader for three semesters where she supervised new and current SI leaders. Madeline is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society and Psi Chi Honors Society. She also received the William Bischoff Memorial Scholarship through the PSYC Department. After graduation, Madeline will be working at Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital as a psychometrist. Of her time at CofC, Madeline says “My time as a psychology major at CofC has helped prepare me for my future career as a speech-language pathologist. I am so grateful for all the opportunities and support from the psych faculty!"