Eight students presented research at the 95th annual EPA conference in Philadelphia, PA

by Liz Mendicino ’26

The Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) hosts a conference annually with the purpose of bringing psychologists from across all disciplines to present the newest advances in professional and scientific work to their peers. Ramapo students, recent alumni, and faculty presented their research at the conference’s competitive Undergraduate Poster Session. Alexandra Sacchinelli ‘24, Elizabeth Sandoval ‘24, Angelina Avetissian ‘24, Dayamaris Cuello-Pena ‘23, Michael Zampini ‘24, Lyndsay Horn ‘24, Danielle Rosengrant ‘24, and Suzanne Zaugg ‘24 presented posters that they completed with the support of faculty members Nasseem Choudhary, PhD, Joseph Cattaliotti, PhD, and Shaziela Ishak, PhD.

“The Eastern Psychological Association’s annual conferences are an amazing opportunity for students to present their research in the fields of psychology and neuroscience,” Rosengrant said. “Our lab has presented at this conference in the past, so we knew that we wanted to apply again and present our most recent study. The conference itself is a huge learning experience and it’s a great opportunity to network with other researchers, including both undergraduate and graduate students, who are interested in similar research areas.”

Alexandra Sacchinelli ‘24

Contrast Effect Differences and Eye Movements

Alexandra Sacchinelli ‘24 and Professor Cataliotti’s research focused on Contrast Effect Differences and eye movements. They conducted an experiment studying how eye movement affects perception of Simultaneous Lightness Contrasts (SLC’s).

Elizabeth Sandoval ‘24 and Angelina Avetissian ‘24

Body Size Bias: Limiting Potential Occupations

Elizabeth Sandoval ‘24, Angelina Avetissian ‘24, and Dayamaris Cuello-Pena ‘23 have worked with Professor Ishak for over a year on the research they presented at the conference, and it is clear that that time was very well spent. Their research intended to determine whether there is a body size bias in hiring. “The most rewarding part of applying to the conference was being able to bring light to a topic that has been a controversial issue for many years,” said Cuello-Pena. Sandoval, Avetissian, and Cuello-Pena each noted their appreciation to Professor Ishak throughout the process, citing her as an incredible support and resource. The conference itself, they noted, was a fantastic opportunity for presenting their research. “What drew me to this conference was really the environment,” Sandoval said.” I thought it would be a great way to network with fellow researchers in psychology and get talking about not only my research but research others worked so hard on.”

Michael Zampini ‘24 and Lyndsay Horn ‘24

The Parental Influence: Restrictive Social Media Practices and their Consequences

Michael Zampini ‘24 and Lyndsay Horn ‘24 conducted their research on the effects of restrictive social media practices in parenting. 

Danielle Rosengrant ‘24 and Suzanne Zaugg ‘24

P3b Auditory Processing Differences in Adults with Self-Reported Attentional Deficits

Danielle Rosengrant ‘24 and Suzanne Zaugg ‘24 worked with Professor Choudhury, presenting a poster on early auditory processing differences seen in adults with self-reported attentional deficits at the conference. They conducted research utilizing EEG (electroencephalogram) recordings of the brain’s activity during attentional attacks with auditory stimuli, as the mechanisms of adult ADHD are vastly misunderstood and understudied. “Seeing the results of my hard work and having the opportunity to present them to other students and researchers in the field is highly rewarding, especially after being in this lab and working on this project over the past three years,” Rosengrant said. Rosengrant was additionally selected as the recipient of the 2024 Faculty-Student Research Award for the School of Social Science and Human Services for her research.

Flip through the EPA Conference program, and visit the School of Social Sciences and Human Services website to learn more about academic programs and faculty in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields.