Criminology, psychology students showcase research, internships

The annual Department of Psychology and Criminology’s Behavioral Science Showcase on Nov. 10 featured four young alumni who spoke about their careers with current students, who presented their research, internships and study-abroad study experiences.

This year, the panel of ’Berg alumni included David Haines, ’22, Jacob Rigsby ’21, Michaela Ueberroth ’16 and Kendall Wright ’22. David, who majored in Accounting and Psychology, is a grad student at the University of Dayton School of Law planning to graduate in May 2025. Jacob majored in Criminology and Psychology and was a student-athlete at the ‘Berg. He completed the Columbus Police academy and currently serves as a third-shift patrol officer in Gahanna, Ohio and a member of the department’s Peer Support and Recruitment Teams. Michaela majored in Criminology and Psychology. A correctional officer for the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, she graduated from the Owens Police Academy and was sworn in as a deputy sheriff. Kendall graduated with honors with her degree in Biology and Criminology. She is pursuing her master’s degree in Forensic Science at Grand Canyon University and works as a caseworker and ministry coordinator for Open Doors, a prison ministry with Vineyard Columbus.

Three of the four alumni panelists experienced disruptions to their education because of COVID, which impacted their abilities to be engaged in internships. Yet, they stressed the importance of experiential learning as part of their Heidelberg journey. The panelists also talked about the importance of strong writing, meeting deadlines and the importance of being a strong public speaker.

This year, 20 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 study research project of a study abroad experiences. The experiences are designed to be determined and tailored by the students, with help from their academic advisors, to align with their career goals. Seventeen of the students completed internships, two completed study-abroad experiences and one completed an independent study research project.

This year’s presenters included: Tyler Alexander, Jacqueline Beach, Madison Clark, Lindsey Cline, Sarah D’Egidio, Jorge Diaz, Derek Gonzalez, Demitrius Hernandez, Natalie Hicks, Koen Hill, Jaxon Howard, Hope Kreais, Madison Mosier, Huntergrace Overmyer, Amber Parks, George Pecar, Rayce Speter, Easton St. Clair, Rylie Swander and Madison Wise.

The department wishes to thank Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson and his wife, Susan, for attending the showcase, along with community partners from Oriana House Inc. and the Seneca County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Assistance Program.

Additionally, faculty and students were excited to welcome back Neil Sass, former psychology professor at Heidelberg who came out of retirement temporarily to reprise his role as emcee at the showcase.
Thank you to the alumni panelists who traveled back to campus to share their experiences and advice with current students. Congratulations to the 20 presenters as they begin the final stretch toward graduation.