Congratulations, Graduates!

As the academic year draws to a close, it’s remarkable to reflect on how quickly the months have passed. The end of the school year brings a special kind of energy to campus, as students mark their achievements and families, friends and mentors gather to celebrate alongside them. It is a powerful reminder to all of us here in the Department of Psychology of why we do this work.

Spring also is a time to look back on what we have accomplished—and we have accomplished a lot. We have celebrated new beginnings—innovative research initiatives, new courses and soon, the arrival of a new colleague—while also navigating challenges that asked a great deal of us. Through all of this, I have been continually struck by the dedication, creativity and care that define our department. That spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that is the hallmark of our department is something I deeply value, and it is what sustains and strengthens our work.

To our graduating students: thank you for the curiosity, vitality, and new ideas that you have brought to our department. I hope you leave with a strong sense of what you are capable of, and with the confidence to pursue what matters most to you. We are proud of all that you have accomplished, and we are cheering you on as you take the next step toward your future.

Finally, to our faculty, staff, families and all who support this community: thank you. Your efforts make a difference. I am grateful to be part of this community with you.

I wish you all a summer that offers rest, renewal, and some fun.

--Dr. Jennifer Read

The Scott and Paul Pearsall Grant supports graduate students and early career researchers studying the psychological pain and stigma experienced by adults with visible physical disabilities. The grant provides $10,000 in research funding. 

NealeyClare Wheat

NealeyClare is a student in the Social-Personality PhD program. Her research focuses on the stigmatization of people with disabilities, how people with disabilities disclose their identity to others and their lived experiences of others downplaying their disability identity. With the Pearsall grant funding, NealeyClare will utilize a mixed-method design to document the psychological and social outcomes associated with spending time in spaces that downplay the importance of disability. She is mentored by Dr. Rebecca Cipollina. 

The American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) and Psi Chi Junior Scientist Fellowship recognizes exemplary beginning graduate students enrolled in a research-oriented program. The fellowship provides $1,000 for direct support of research endeavors.

Juliette Bichon

Juliette is in her second year of the Clinical Psychology PhD program. Her research explores the connection between trauma and substance use, modifiable risk and protective factors for substance-use disorders, and the development of community-based interventions tailored to diverse cultural contexts. Juliette's advisor is Dr. Jennifer Read.

The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) Grants-in-Aid program supports scientific research in social problem areas, particularly those not likely to receive support from traditional sources. The grant provides $1,000 in research funding.

Izilda Pereira-Jorge

Izilda's grant-funded research investigates techniques designed to foster acceptance of inclusive education. Her work specifically focuses on utilizing persuasion and communication approaches to facilitate cisgender-heterosexual parents’ acceptance and support of an LGBTQ+-inclusive elementary school classroom. Izilda is a student in the Social-Personality PhD program. Her mentor is Dr. Kim Chaney.

The SUNY Graduate Research Empowering and Accelerating Talent (GREAT) Award provides $7,500 in flexible funding from the SUNY Office of Research and Economic Development that students can use for research expenses, related travel, professional development and stipend augmentation.

Adwoa Ampiah-Bonney

Adwoa's work is focused on understanding sociocultural influences on auditory perception and production. Her current research explores cross-linguistic vocal imitation across song and speech. She also studies the social functions of music, particularly in its role in social bonding and identity safety. Adwoa is a student in the Cognitive Psychology PhD program under the advisement of Dr. Peter Pfordresher.

Maggie Azu-Narcisse

Maggie's work examines the role young children play in shaping the social and emotional development of their peers. Specifically, Maggie investigates how parents' responses to children's emotions predict how children then respond to their peers' emotions, as well as the combined influence of parent and peer emotion socialization on preschoolers' aggressive behavior, social skills, and emotion regulation. Maggie is enrolled in the Clinical Psychology PhD program and is mentored by Dr. Jamie Ostrov.

Pia Montenegro

The Psychological Association of Western New York (PAWNY) recognizes the importance of supporting and encouraging underrepresented racial and ethnic minority students to pursue and complete doctoral training in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. To assist with this goal, a $1000 scholarship gift is awarded once annually to qualified applicants who are currently enrolled in a local WNY doctoral program in Clinical or Counseling Psychology. Pia is a student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program, focusing on how culture and different types of relationships (e.g., family, friends, peers) can affect youth mental health. Her advisor is Dr. Julie Bowker.

Samantha Johnstone

Established by the late Morton D. Brooks (1926-2021), a clinical psychologist in WNY known for his specialty in school psychology, this award from the Psychological Association of Western New York (PAWNY) bestows $500 to a doctoral student or early career psychologist who has excelled in both academic and clinical areas and who has shown promise in making significant contributions to the field of psychology. Samantha, a student in our Clinical Psychology PhD program, focuses on understanding and treating cooccurring substance use disorders and serious mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia), along with identifying potential treatment mechanisms. She is mentored by Dr. Larry Hawk. 

The Bugelski Award recognizes outstanding doctoral scholarship in psychology. The award is named after former UB faculty member Dr. B. Richard Bugelski, an expert in learning and memory who was a member of UB's Psychology Department for over 30 years (1946-1978). Established by his student Dr. Donahue Tremaine, the Bugelski award is given based on excellence in scholarly productivity during doctoral studies, and significance and quality of the doctoral dissertation project.

Hope White

Hope received this award for her dissertation research on couples’ use of psychological distancing to regulate their emotions during conflict. Using linguistic analysis, Hope examined whether romantic partners’ distancing changes together, or synchronizes, as they interact during a conflict discussion and how this process is related to relationship functioning. Findings revealed that couples with very low synchrony in distancing and mismatched levels of distancing experienced the greatest distress during conflict and may be at risk for negative relationship outcomes. In addition to the honor, she will receive a monetary award of $2500. Hope is a student in the Social-Personality PhD program and is mentored by Dr. Sandra Murray. 

Runners-up: Verenice Ascencio Gutierrez (mentored by Dr. Ann-Marie Torregrossa) and Sarah Honeycutt (mentored by Dr. Greg Loney) each received a monetary award of $1000.

The Rice Award honors early excellence in scientific research for an empirical paper completed by a graduate student during the first three years of graduate training. Robert W. Rice, an internationally recognized scholar in social-organizational psychology, joined UB in 1975. He was known for his prolific research on job satisfaction and work-family dynamics, as well as his dedication to teaching and mentorship. His legacy continues through the Robert W. Rice Memorial Award, established by a generous donation from his estate.

Maggie Azu-Narcisse

Maggie received the award for her paper titled, “The Role of Parenting and Cortisol in Children’s Early Peer Relationships,” published in Child Psychiatry and Human Development. Her study found that preschool children with low baseline levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and high levels of physical peer victimization, such as being hit or kicked by other children, demonstrated decreases in physical aggression across the school year. The strength of the association between peer victimization and later aggression did not differ for children who experienced high versus low levels of warm parenting at home. These findings highlight the important role of biology in children's susceptibility to environmental influences on behavior and may help identify children who may benefit from intervention. In addition to the honor, Maggie will receive a cash award of $1,500 and will be recognized on our Robert W. Rice Memorial Award Plaque. Her mentor is Dr. Jamie Ostrov.

Dr. Murray Levine was a member of the UB Psychology Department from 1968 until 2000. He was a member of the clinical area and a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor. Dr. Levine was among a core group of influential psychologists who helped launch the field of community psychology. At the graduate level, this award recognizes original research that is poised to make a significant impact on the community surrounding UB. At the undergraduate level, it honors a record of consistent and impactful service to the department, UB community and beyond. The award is sponsored by the generous support of Dr. Robert Fink, a UB alumnus and one of Dr. Levine’s former students, and Dr. Levine's sons, Zachary and David Levine.

Sera Levy (Graduate)

Sera received the award for her research, which examined cannabis stigma and symptom management considerations in cancer survivors. Her findings indicate that some cancer survivors did not disclose cannabis use to their providers. However, most cancer survivors did not experience stigma for cannabis use, did not feel judged by their medical providers, and indicated a feeling of empowerment to do whatever was needed to feel better. Overall, Sera's work identifies important points of intervention for health care providers who work with cancer survivors to support open and non-judgmental discussions about pain management. Sera is mentored by Dr. Rebecca Ashare in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. As a recipient of the Murray Levine Award, she will receive $1200.

Katherine (Katie) Kremer (Undergraduate)

Katie received the award for her countless hours of service to the Psychology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, UB Honors College and the greater Buffalo community. Katie has held multiple officer positions in Psi Chi, the International Honors Society in Psychology. She has served as an Honors College peer mentor and ambassador, as well as a tour guide and admissions assistant. Katie worked with children of immigrant families at Buffalo Stringworks, children with ADHD at the Summer Treatment Program and children with developmental disabilities at People Inc. She is completing an Honors Thesis advised by Dr. Jamie Ostrov. As a recipient of the Murray Levine Award, Katie will receive $1000.

Runner-up: Salwa Nadeem, the undergraduate runner-up, will receive $500.

Bestowed by UB's Graduate School and Graduate Student Association, the Excellence in Teaching Awards for Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) recognize graduate students who demonstrate exceptional performance in the execution of teaching responsibilities, teaching competence, effective mentorship of students, and maintenance of high academic standards and expectations of student performance.

Gabby Pascuzzi

Gabby, a student in the Social-Personality Psychology PhD program, has served as a teaching assistant for a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Introductory Psychology, Scientific Inquiry, Social Psychology and Advanced Statistical Methods 1. She has also independently taught an upper-level undergraduate course in Close Relationships. Gabby's advisor is Dr. Sandra Murray.

Veronica (Vee) Schneider

Vee, who is enrolled in the Social-Personality PhD program, has been a teaching assistant for some of the most demanding courses in the psychology curriculum, including Introductory Psychology, Psychological Statistics, Social Psychology and Advanced Research Methods. Additionally, she has taught the Psychology of Identity, an upper-level course for undergraduates. Vee is mentored by Dr. Shira Gabriel.

The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students for outstanding achievements that have demonstrated the integration of SUNY excellence within many aspects of their lives in areas such as academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service or the arts. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the University.

Katherine (Katie) Kremer

Katie, of Youngstown, NY, graduates summa cum laude with a 3.99 GPA, receiving a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in music. Katie is a University Honors College scholar where she also serves as an honors ambassador, peer mentor and teaching assistant. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and the president of UB's chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honors Society in Psychology. Katie also serves as a College of Arts and Sciences research advocate, works for the Office of Admissions and plays cello in the UB symphony orchestra. Additionally, Katie is completing the Psychology Honors Program, conducting research on aggression in early childhood under the mentorship of Dr. Jamie Ostrov.

Psi Chi, the International Honors Society in Psychology, recognizes undergraduate excellence in empirical research with the Regional Research Award. The awards are intended to promote student authors' careers in psychology by conferring official recognition of scientific merit from Psi Chi and a $400 cash prize.

Grace LeVea

Grace received a Psi Chi Regional Research Award for her research titled, “From Stress to Decline: Noise Exposure, Social Context, and Enrichment in an Alzheimer’s Mouse Model,” which she presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association annual conference in Chicago, IL. Grace is a member of the Psychology Honors Program and is advised by Dr. Micheal Dent.

This award honors the most outstanding graduating senior from each department in UB’s College of Arts and Sciences. We recognize the undergraduate who has best demonstrated the highest level of academic achievement and involvement in the Department of Psychology and the field of psychological science.

Katherine (Katie) Kremer

Along with her stellar academic record and many other accomplishments (see above), Katie has worked as a research assistant in the UBMD Neuropsychology Center, served as a teaching assistant for Dr. Joyce Lacy's neuropsychology course and interned at the UB Psychological Services Center. Katie has been a member of Dr. Jamie Ostrov's Social Development Laboratory at UB for three years, and she recently completed an independent Psychology Honors thesis under his advisement that focused on executive function, emotion regulation, and aggression subtypes in early childhood. Katie plans to attend a master's program in psychological sciences next year with the long-term goal of earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

The Psychology Honors Program enables senior Psychology majors to complete an individual research project (i.e., Honors Thesis) under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Students work on completing their Honors Thesis throughout both the Fall and Spring semesters, then defend it in an oral examination at the end of Spring. This challenging yet highly rewarding experience involves all steps in the research process and prepares students for a wide variety of educational and career opportunities. The Honors Program Director is Dr. Wendy Quinton.

The Feldman-Cohen Award recognizes the most exceptional undergraduate Psychology Honors Thesis. Named in honor of two of the Department’s most distinguished former faculty, the award goes to the undergraduate whose Honors Thesis receives the highest ranking by the student’s examination committee and faculty advisor.

Keegan DeLap

Keegan's Honors Thesis, supervised by Dr. Greg Loney, investigated the role of insular cortical activity in encoding individual variation in food-cue reactivity. In the study, rats were conditioned to associate a signal with receiving food, and brain activity in the insular cortex was recorded using fiber photometry both before and after conditioning. Rats that became highly attracted to the food-predicting signal (sign-trackers) showed increased insular brain activity in response to that signal, but less-reactive rats (goal-trackers) did not. Further, increases in insular neural activity were correlated with increases in sign-tracking behavior but not goal-tracking behavior. Notably, rats that would eventually become categorized as sign-trackers showed a greater increase in neural activity in response to food consumption on the first day of conditioning. These findings suggest that the insular cortex plays a key role in how the brain assigns motivational value to food-related cues, which may help explain why some individuals are more vulnerable to overeating and obesity than others. Along with the honor, Keegan will receive a monetary award of $750.

Runner-up: Katie Kremer, supervised by Dr. Jamie Ostrov, examined the joint roles of executive function and emotional regulation in aggression during early childhood. As the runner-up, she will receive a monetary award of $250.

Psi Chi was founded in 1929 to encourage excellence in scholarship and advance the science of psychology. Membership in Psi Chi is an earned lifetime honor. UB's award-winning Psi Chi chapter is student run and advised by Dr. Joyce Lacy. Our Psi Chi officers and members work closely with officers from our Undergraduate Psychology Association (UPA) on fun and enriching activities for psychology undergraduates (e.g., guest speakers, informational sessions on careers and graduate school, social events and volunteer activities).

The SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence are system-level honors conferred to acknowledge and provide system-wide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities specifically recognizes the work of those who make extraordinary contributions to their academic disciplines through research, scholarly works or other creative endeavors. 

Dr. Jamie Ostrov

Dr. Ostrov received the award in recognition of his groundbreaking research on childhood aggression. His work focuses on understanding the development and causes of aggressive behavior in children and adolescents, with particular attention to individual (e.g., child temperament, self-regulation) and interpersonal (e.g., peer and family relationships) factors. Dr. Ostrov was among the first researchers to demonstrate that aggression develops in early childhood, and made the landmark discovery that relational aggression is more prevalent in girls than boys at an early age. His methodologically sophisticated research combines school-based observations, teacher and parent reports, physiological measures, biological markers and child interviews to build a comprehensive picture of how and why childhood aggression develops. Applying his findings to real-world impact, Dr. Ostrov developed an early childhood friendship intervention designed to reduce aggressive behavior in young children. He has published nearly 90 peer-reviewed manuscripts and over a dozen book chapters, with over 9,600 citations and an h-index of 47, reflecting both the volume and influence of his scholarly output. His research has been generative in the fullest sense, supporting numerous collaborations across institutions and helping launch the careers of many pre- and post-doctoral trainees. Distinguished colleagues across the field have described Dr. Ostrov as a pioneer, thought leader and “star” whose work has shaped the direction of developmental psychology nationally and internationally.

Dr. Shira Gabriel

The President Emeritus and Mrs. Meyerson Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching and Mentoring was established through a generous gift by the late UB President Emeritus Martin Meyerson and his wife, Margy Ellen. It is the highest university award given specifically for undergraduate mentoring. Dr. Gabriel, a member of our Social-Personality area, studies the social nature of the self, particularly humans' need to connect with others. Key areas of her expertise include social surrogacy, the need to belong and collective effervescence. She regularly teaches the discipline's most fundamental undergraduate course, Introductory Psychology, as well as UB seminars and special topics courses. Dr. Gabriel has mentored a remarkable 20 undergraduate Psychology Honors students since she joined UB in 2001, providing an independent research opportunity and devoting a year of supervision to each student. In addition, she has trained dozens of undergraduate research assistants in her Social Self Lab.

Dr. Matthew Paul

UB's CSTEP (Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program) provides research and professional development opportunities to economically disadvantaged students pursuing careers in mathematics, science, technology and health-related fields. The CSTEP Distinguished Research Mentor Award recognizes faculty who embody the best of student research advisement by nurturing students’ intellectual curiosity, fostering deep inquiry, and inspiring a lifelong commitment to learning. Dr. Paul's research investigates how hormones, the brain and the environment shape social and emotional behavior across the juvenile and adolescent phases of life. In his time at UB, he has served as a dedicated and generous advisor to seven CSTEP students.

Dr. Joyce Lacy

Named in honor of former Dean of Students Barb Ricotta, the Excellence in Student Service Award celebrates members of the UB community who prioritize student support and advocacy. The award, which is sponsored by the UB Student Association, recognizes members of the UB community on behalf of the undergraduate students who nominate them. Dr. Lacy, a Clinical/Teaching Associate Professor, is a tireless advocate for psychology undergraduates. She serves as the faculty advisor for UB's award-winning chapter of Psi Chi, The International Honors Society in Psychology. Dr. Lacy also has pioneered efforts to provide opportunities to students through her work co-chairing the department's Equity and Inclusion Committee, and starting, organizing and directing the Western New York Undergraduate Psychology Conference, now going into its seventh year.

Christa Greenberg

Bestowed by the UB Undergraduate Advisement Council, the Outstanding Academic Advisor Legacy Award recognizes extraordinary, enduring contributions to student success, departmental excellence and university impact. It is not hyperbole to state that Christa is a legend in UB's Psychology Department, having dedicated over three decades of extraordinary service since joining UB in 1990, serving as both Senior Academic Advisor and Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies. She is the backbone of the undergraduate program, serving more than 1,700 Psychology majors and minors, fielding over 200 emails a day and remaining an irreplaceable, ever-present force for every student who needs her. Known and beloved by virtually every student in the department, Christa transforms the advising experience by going far beyond expectations—she invests deeply in each student, tailoring guidance to their unique career aspirations and opening doors to research, internships, teaching assistantships and leadership opportunities that shape the trajectory of their lives. Her command of university policy is unparalleled, spanning course articulations, Honors requirements, double majors and far beyond—making her the person that students, faculty and staff across the university turn to when no one else has the answer. She is a fixture on campus, leading or supporting some of the department's most important functions, including recruitment weekends, undergraduate psychology club activities and the annual Western New York Undergraduate Psychology Conference. Christa does all of this with boundless warmth, unshakeable patience and a genuine smile. She's a once-in-a-generation advisor whose impact is felt by thousands of students long after they leave UB.

The Pillar of Pride Service Award recognizes UB faculty and staff who go above and beyond in their roles by demonstrating outstanding dedication, a positive attitude and a commitment to high-quality work. Recipients consistently exceed expectations in their daily responsibilities, uphold the values and reputation of the university with integrity and foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of the UB community.

Linda Brandel

Linda, an Administrative Assistant, has been honored with the Pillar of Pride Service Award for her exceptional dedication, warmth and behind-the-scenes problem-solving that keeps the Department of Psychology running smoothly. As the welcoming face of the department, Linda ensures that students, faculty and visitors feel supported, whether she is coordinating complex travel arrangements, resolving building maintenance issues or troubleshooting technology problems, often within minutes of being notified. Her efficiency and responsiveness are incredible—she consistently drops whatever she is doing to help whoever needs it, performing this magic many times every day. Linda is widely regarded as one of the most dedicated, capable and cherished staff members the department has ever had, and this award is a reflection of the countless ways she brightens the lives of those around her.

Melissa Miller

Melissa, a Pre-Award Contract and Grant Specialist, received the award for her outstanding dedication to the Department of Psychology. Although she splits her time equally between Psychology and another department, Melissa consistently handles an impressive workload—averaging 44 Psychology grant proposals per year—and has helped the department reach record numbers of grant submissions. Faculty praise her as absolutely invaluable for making the complex process of applying for grants feel manageable, approaching her work with patience, kindness and deep expertise. She regularly goes beyond her job description, including recently guiding faculty and staff through new and rapidly changing federal grant policies. With over 10 years of service to UB, Melissa is a trusted and beloved member of the department who embodies the spirit of the Pillar of Pride Service Award.

Laurie Wikander

Laurie, a Post-Award Grant Administrator, has been honored with a Pillar of Pride Service Award for her remarkable contributions to the over nearly 20 years of service. Working at 75% time, she manages dozens of active, multifaceted research grants and has helped the Department of Psychology reach a five-year high in grant spending, consistently placing it among the top departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. Faculty describe Laurie as uniquely skilled at taking complicated federal, state and university regulations and translating them into clear, practical guidance that keeps research projects running smoothly. She regularly goes beyond her role to support faculty through unexpected challenges, including navigating new federal reporting requirements. Laurie's combination of wisdom, sound judgment, and her calm and patient approach has made her an indispensable member of the department.

Dr. Rebecca Ashare

Dr. Ashare was promoted to Professor in 2025. A member of our Clinical Psychology area, her work investigates health behaviors and clinical outcomes among populations at risk for health disparities. Dr. Ashare has focused on tobacco use in people with HIV, cannabis use for symptom management in cancer patients, and mental health access in underserved communities. Much of her work involves relationships with community partners. For example, through her community-based partnership with the National Witness Project, she has helped to develop tailored outreach strategies to reduce mental health service barriers in Buffalo's Black community.

The Excellence in Teaching Awards celebrate outstanding instruction in psychological science. We recognize those instructors whose quantitative and qualitative teaching evaluations reflect the exceptional teaching achievement in the Department of Psychology.

Dr. Ken DeMarree (Ladder Faculty)

Dr. DeMarree is a social psychologist and Associate Professor who regularly teaches undergraduate courses in Social Cognition and Cross-Cultural Psychology, as well as graduate courses in Attitudes and Social Cognition. As a professor, students describe him as incredible, entertaining, fantastic, enthusiastic, passionate and engaging. Dr. DeMarree’s Social Metacognition Lab examines attitudes and attitude change, emphasizing metacognitive, motivational and interpersonal processes. He has been teaching at UB since 2013.

Dr. Wendy Quinton (Clinical/Teaching Faculty or Adjunct)

Dr. Quinton is a social psychologist, Clinical/Teaching Professor and Director of the Psychology Honors Program. She has been teaching at UB since 2005, in courses such as Introductory Psychology, Scientific Inquiry and History of Psychology. Her research focuses on theoretically driven investigations of social issues in the context of higher education, such as the self, social identity, prejudice and discrimination, and stress and coping. Dr. Quinton’s students describe her as amazing, incredibly effective, excellent, informative, passionate and "the goat."

Nana Amissah (Graduate Student Instructor)

Nana is a doctoral student in the Behavioral Neuroscience PhD program under the advisement of Dr. Paul Meyer. He conducts research on how substance use is influenced by learning and memory consolidation processes, and how this is mediated by neurogenetic systems. Nana taught an undergraduate course in Drug Addiction. His students had high praise for his teaching effectiveness, describing him as entertaining, engaging, interactive, effective, amazing, passionate and knowledgeable.