Psychology and Human Factors News

Author: Leanna Keleher

Bridging Minds and Miles: MTU Students Shine at the Inaugural Superior Psychology Data Blizzard

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A group of our Michigan Tech graduate and undergraduate students made the trek to Northern Michigan University for the first annual Superior Psychology Data Blizzard. The brand-new event is the result of Dr. Jason Harman (MTU) and Dr. Jon Barch’s (NMU) desire to establish and foster a collaborative ecosystem between our two programs. The two groups held a poster session and gave presentations about their ongoing research.

Poster Presentations

Sarah Atkinson, an MS student at MTU, shared that “The poster presentations were filled with the sharing of ideas and differing research areas that everyone was working on. Questions were welcome, along with curiosity about the different research areas that each institution/students were working on.”

MTU and NMU students mingle around easels displaying research posters in a hall at NMU
The poster session featured current research conducted by MTU and NMU students.

Elijah Nieman, a 2nd-year PhD student at MTU and an NMU alumnus, noted the strategic value of the visit: “The main goal for the event was to present and share our research generally, but also to find or create opportunities to collaborate on future projects.” 

For Nithish Raja Loganathan, the event marked a significant personal milestone. “It was my first time presenting at a human factors–related event. Presenting my project, Recovery Ninja, and receiving questions and feedback from others made the experience both encouraging and really valuable.”

Nithish Raja Loganathan presents his project on a large projection screen to a group of students
Nithish Raja Loganathan presented his project Recovery Ninja

The Impact of Collaboration

Many of our students reported that the draw to NMU was the chance to see research through a different lens. While MTU is a powerhouse for Human Factors and PhD-level research, NMU’s Department of Psychological Science offers a vibrant, neuroscience-centric environment. 

Nithish shared his experience viewing the research from NMU students: “One thing that really stood out to me was the strong focus on neuroscience in many of the projects. It was really interesting to learn about the different ways students are studying human behavior through neuroscience. Seeing that perspective gave me a new way of thinking about how neuroscience and human factors research can connect.” 

Beyond the research, the event also highlighted clear pathways for student growth. Elijah noted how the relationship between the two schools can benefit academic careers. “There’s some potential for MTU undergrads to consider going there for an MS, or for students from their programs to come here—that’s what I did, getting my BS in Neuroscience and MS in Psychology before coming to the PhD program at Tech.” 

When asked to sum up his experience in a single sentence, Stanley Oshimeje said, “The event highlighted the value of bringing students and researchers together to exchange ideas, strengthen connections, and inspire future work.” 

Looking Forward to Next Year

A huge round of applause goes out to all the students who shared their hard work. We are already looking forward to making this a staple of the academic calendar for years to come!

Both NMU and MTU students gather for a group photo
After all the presentations and discussion, both MTU and NMU students agreed that they were looking forward to visiting again next year.

Graduate Students:

Brandon Woolman, Jessica Brassard, Nithish Raja Karuppiah Loganathan, Elijah Nieman, Stanley Oshimeje, and Sarah.

Undergraduate Students:

Morgan Aufdencamp, Brianna Sleeman, and Justine Klein.

Special thanks to Jason Harman for coordinating and to Jon Barch at NMU for hosting such a productive exchange. Everyone is already looking forward to doing it again next year!

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Setting the Stage: My Undergraduate Start at MPA

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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.

Viviana Cotter walking along a river in Chicago at night
Picture of Viviana Cotter walking the Chicago Riverwalk in downtown Chicago, Illinois during the night

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. 

Elijah Nieman standing to the side of his research poster "Using Pupillometry to Predict Secondary Chat Task Performance"
Elijah Nieman presented his research on “Using Pupillometry to Predict Secondary Chat Task Performance” during the poster board session.
Lauren Sprague standing next to their research poster “What Makes a Gamer: Exploring Dual-Tasking and Video Game Experience.”
During the same session, Lauren Sprague presented their research on “What Makes a Gamer: Exploring Dual-Tasking and Video Game Experience.
Jen Shaud standing beside her research poster "Perceptions of Accommodations: Faculty and Student Views on Course Integrity, Fairness, Knowledge Demonstration and Credit Equivaliency”
On Saturday, Jen Shaud presented their research on “Perceptions of Accommodations: Faculty and Student Views on Course Integrity, Fairness, Knowledge Demonstration and Credit Equivaliency” during the morning poster session. 
Brandon Woolman standing at a podium in front of a crowd presenting his research “Characterizing Age Difference in a Novel Motor Sequence Learning Task.”
Also on Saturday, Brandon Woolman participated in a paper talk, discussing his research on “Characterizing Age Difference in a Novel Motor Sequence Learning Task.” 

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.  

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Dr. Jeffery Pettibone Nominated for Deans’ Teaching Showcase

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“Good morning, Psychology!” That’s how Dr. Jeff Pettibone greets the department most mornings as he heads for his first cup of coffee. It’s a fittingly warm start for a professor whose office—complete with a cozy couch, vibrant plants, and a table of snacks for any hungry passerby—has become a sanctuary for students. It’s a good thing he’s so prepared; his friendly, kind-hearted nature draws out the best in his students, and his office hours are rarely quiet.

Because of this dedication, we are thrilled to announce that Dr. Pettibone has been nominated for the Deans’ Teaching Showcase.

Established in 2017 by the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning, this award recognizes instructors who demonstrate exceptional skill in the classroom. Whether it’s managing large introductory courses, implementing innovative teaching methods, or developing a world-class curriculum, the showcase highlights the best of the best. Nominees are celebrated throughout the spring semester leading up to a formal ceremony in the fall.

We want to take this opportunity to honor Dr. Pettibone for the tremendous impact he has made on our Psychology and Human Factors students. Congratulations, Jeff!

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Graduate students: Creating community through study and tradition

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Weekly Study Group

Written by Jen Shaud

Every week, our department’s graduate students gather for study groups that have become much more than just academic meetings. These sessions are where collaboration meets camaraderie, creating a supportive environment that helps everyone succeed.

The study groups serve as a vital space where students discuss classwork, share insights about their research, and workshop their writing. Whether someone is wrestling with a challenging concept from class, wrestling with stats work or looking for feedback on a draft, there’s always a fellow student ready to offer a fresh perspective or lend a helping hand.

Recently, the groups have taken on an even warmer atmosphere. Holiday carols filled the room as students balanced festive cheer with productive work on class projects. Some students dedicated their time to collaborating on grant proposals, knowing that funding their research is crucial to their academic journey. Through it all, the underlying thread remained the same: graduate students supporting graduate students.

These weekly gatherings remind us that graduate school doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. When we come together to share knowledge, resources, and encouragement, we all benefit. The study groups have become proof that academic success and community support go hand in hand.

Four people standing in a group wearing festive holiday sweaters
Students gather for an Ugly Sweater party just before winter break
Our co-working space offers large whiteboards, hot coffee, and plenty of outlets for all of your electronic needs.

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