Written by Viviana Cotter
My name is Viviana Cotter. I am a second year Psychology major concentrating in Clinical/Counseling and minoring in Law and Society. Within the Psychology and Human Factors Department, I serve as a Student/Administrative Aide, Teaching Assistant, and Research Assistant. I also serve as the Treasurer for the Association of Psychology Students.
In April, I was given the opportunity to attend the Midwestern Psychological Association conference in Chicago.
During the conference, I attended a variety of poster sessions and paper presentations. There were so many researchers covering topics such as the direct and indirect benefits of animal companionship and the social, epistemic, and existential functions of blame. It was a wonderful experience because not only was I given the opportunity to learn about current research, but I was also able to see how the field of psychology is advancing and evolving.
It was enlightening to talk with fellow undergraduate students – discussing their research, asking questions, and learning about their future plans with their research. Additionally, the space provided me the opportunity to engage with graduate school representatives, where I was able to learn about different graduate programs and the opportunities they provide.
Learning From MTU Graduate Students
I traveled with four MTU graduate researchers: Elijah Nieman, Lauren Sprague, Jen Shaud, and Brandon Woolman. Each presented their research findings during a poster session or paper talk.
This opportunity was a significant moment for me as an undergraduate and aspiring researcher. I am walking away from this conference with a much clearer understanding of how it all works, and what I can expect in my own future.
I plan to return next year to present the research that Dr. Destaney Sauls and I are currently working on. Currently, we are deep into research on communal narcissism and working to map its complex traits onto the Trifurcated Model. Stepping back onto that conference floor next year to present our model will feel like a full-circle moment in my development as a researcher and I can’t wait.