Furman University Psychology Department

Today marked the final day of Dr. Putnam’s Psychology of Magic MayX class. To close out the course, each student performed a magic trick they had researched and written about, explaining the psychology behind how the illusion worked. Furman staff served as the audience, and they were truly wowed by the students’ performances! ✨🧠🎩

Congratulations to Dr. Veronica Flores and four Furman alumni—Bailey Tanner, Hanna Gemmell, Kaliana Reifsnyder, and KT Headley—on their newly published research in Behavioral Neuroscience!

Their study reveals that early taste experiences (even before birth!) can shape how we learn about food later in life.

Read more here!

psycnet.apa.org

One more look back at a wonderful evening celebrating our graduates. We’re so grateful for the impact you made at Furman—congratulations, and we miss you already! See you at Homecoming (October 24)!

We were so glad to welcome Landon Minor '23 back to campus today! Landon made sure to stop by the Sleep Lab, where he and Will Livingston '24 spent countless hours on sleep research during their undergrad days. Catching up with our alumni is always a treat! 💜

Day 4 of celebrating our graduates 🎓
Looking back on these moments from the Senior Reception and missing our Psychology and Neuroscience graduates a little extra today. We look forward to catching up with you again at Homecoming (October 24)!

Day 3 of celebrating our graduates 💜🎓
It was a joy to gather and celebrate this outstanding group at the Senior Reception. Congratulations again, grads!

Day 2 of celebrating our graduates 🎓✨
Still thinking about the conversations and memories from the Senior Reception. We miss our Psychology and Neuroscience grads and are so proud of all they’ve accomplished!

Celebrating our Graduates 🎓💜
We’re looking back on a special night at the Senior Reception honoring our Psychology and Neuroscience graduates. Already missing this group!

We’re thrilled to celebrate neuroscience major Makayla Ellison ’27
who earned a perfect score from all judges—not only winning Best Neuroscience Poster, but also taking home the highest-scoring poster of the entire day among more than 100 students representing universities across South Carolina.

Despite being a first-time presenter and facing pre-presentation nerves, Makayla rose to the occasion:

“When I heard my name announced, I was stunned—I was so happy and proud. It made me realize I’m capable of things I didn’t think were possible.”

Makayla credits her success in part to the mentorship she received:

“Dr. Flores has been an exceptional mentor… I discovered my love for the research process because of this experience.”

Makayla Ellison ’27 wins poster award at SC INBRE Science Symposium Ellison didn't let a few jitters get in the way of delivering an outstanding poster presentation. She won best neuroscience poster and a perfect score from all judges for her research that explores eating disorders and overall eating behaviors.

✨ Senior Spotlight: Psychology senior, Arnav Desai ’26 ✨
Arnav Desai ’26 has always had a servant’s heart—and during his time at Furman, he discovered exactly how to put it into action.
From discovering his passion for legal research through Mock Trial to building confidence and leadership in ROTC, Arnav embraced every opportunity to grow.

This fall, Arnav will continue his journey at Wake Forest University School of Law.

📣 “It’s the people who have fueled my passions the whole way.”

Arnav Desai ’26 found his focus at Furman with ROTC and mock trial The psychology major took the pre-law track and will carry the confidence he gained through his experiences as a Paladin with him as he goes into law school.