Honor society takes home national awards

NORWALK - The Cerritos College chapter of Psi Beta was honored with three national awards at the 2013 American Psychological Association national convention.Dr. Kimberley Duff and two Cerritos College students were on hand to receive these awards. The Psi Beta National Honor Society in Psychology for Community and Junior Colleges awarded the Cerritos College chapter of Psi Beta a Chapter Excellence Award. Dr. Duff, chapter advisor and professor of psychology, was named the 2013 Psi Beta/Virginia Staudt Sexton National Faculty Advisor and Dr. Jaclyn Ronquillo, psychology instructor, received the Building Bridges award. Chapter Excellence Awards are given to chapters that have achieved the mission of Psi Beta -- professional development of psychology students at community colleges through promotion and recognition of excellence in scholarship, leadership, research and community service. Some of the scholarly events that the Psychology Club participated in this last year include: 18 students presented their own research at professional conferences, held weekly meetings including a speaker series, volunteer work at mental health facilities, and attendance at Psychology Day at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB.) The Psi Beta/Virginia Staudt Sexton National Faculty Advisor Award recognizes an advisor who has contributed in bringing out the best in students and helping them to develop a sense of professionalism and ethics. Dr. Duff has taught introductory psychology, research methods and other psychology courses at Cerritos College since 1999. She has mentored students in directed studies and through tutorial hours, resulting in students presenting their research at regional conferences. Many of her students have gone on to graduate work in psychology and successfully found employment in the field. Dr. Duff was nominated by Cerritos students and faculty for her commitment to mentoring students in psychological science. Dr. Jaclyn Ronquillo was recognized for her efforts to partner with CSULB on a Psychology Day event in spring 2013. Students from both Cerritos College and CSULB presented their research in a formal setting and received feedback on their work. As part of this one day event, students had the opportunity to network with faculty and hear presentations by psychologists. Dr. Ronquillo will be coordinating Psychology Day at Cerritos College in spring 2014.

********** Published: Aug. 29, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 20