Behavioral Science Showcase 2023: An education celebration

The Department of Psychology and Criminology’s annual Behavioral Science showcase on November 12 brought three young alumni panelists back to campus to talk about their careers, while current students in the department presented about their culminating research or internship experiences. 

This year, the panel of former students consisted of Meredith Higgins ’15, Julia Campbell ’21, and Jarett Wasson ’18.  Meredith, who majored in psychology and international studies at the ’Berg, is in the final stages of earning her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman’s University. Julia, who majored in psychology and criminology, has just completed her master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, and is working as an Executive Team Leader in Assets Protection for Target. Jarett, also double majored in psychology and criminology and worked for several years as a member of the United States Secret Service at the White House and as part of the Emergency Response Team. He’s recently left his post and now works for Matrix International, an organization that responds to high-priority threats to national security, as a Mission Manager.

This year, 15 students presented their Junior Year Experiences. All students in the Department of Psychology and Criminology must complete a Junior Year Experience, which can be an internship, an independent research project, or a study abroad experience. These experiences are meant to be determined and tailored by the students, with help from their academic advisors, to align with their career goals. This year, these students presented: Cassidy Beringer, MaKenzie Brooks, Logyn Chamber, Paige Collins, Darian Dick, Anthony Grecol, Trevor Hawkins, Kyle Krummen, Madeline Moore, Levi Ramirez, Taylor Ratliff, Taylor Rooker, Quinton Smith, Erica Thornhill, and Cheyenne Wright.

Although the Behavioral Science Showcase is a tradition at this point, this year it was exceptionally special. Dr. Neil Sass, longtime assistant professor of psychology, is nearing retirement. Dr. Sass has been at Heidelberg since 2000, and often serves as emcee for the showcase.  In honor of his retirement, faculty from across campus pooled together to get him a nice rocking chair. And as his last time emceeing the Behavioral Science Showcase as a faculty member, this event featured an orange and yellow cake with the words “One Day More, Neil!” “At the end of each semester, he blasts the song, “One Day More” from Les Miserables,” Dr. Sarah Lazzari, his colleague, explained.

Thank you to the alumni who traveled back to campus to share their experiences and advice with current students. Congratulations to the 15 presenters as they begin the final stretch toward graduation. And a thank you and congratulations to Dr. Neil Sass for his 23 years of work at Heidelberg and his upcoming retirement!