WHAT'S HAPPENING

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Congratulations to Aaron J. Fischer on the publication of his book Computer-Assisted and Web-Based Innovations in Psychology, Special Education, and Health co-edited with J.K. Luiselli. This book examines the rapid evolution of technology among educational, behavioral healthcare, and human services professionals from a multidisciplinary perspective. Kirsten Butcher (EDPS), Matt Jameson (SPED), and Brian Baucom (Psychology) all contributed to the book.

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Congratulations to A.J. on the release of her new book Connections. It is an innovative new text that offers the ideal balance of motivation, academics, and life skills. It starts with comprehensive coverage of the topics typically covered in the introductory course but has a unique emphasis on goal-setting, life skills and career planning. When packaged with LaunchPad for Connections, it integrates a state-of-the-art, norm-referenced, student-self assessment of non-cognitive and cognitive skills tool called ACES.  

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University of Utah professors and a Utah company have developed a new type of lie detector that claims deception is all in our eyes. And recently the Converus company showed us how the EyeDetect technology works. Dr. John Kircher, Ph.D. says "Lying is more difficult than telling the truth. So, you are going to see increases in pupil size." The U of U Educational Psychology Professor helped develop the technology behind EyeDetect. Read More...

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John Davis will be joining the School Psychology faculty this Fall. John comes to us from Texas A&M University. He is excited to begin working with students. As an active researcher John is interested in investigating effective intervention and assessment practices in schools. Students interested in working on research in schools should make an appointment to visit with him.

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Kirsten Butcher, our wonderful associate professor has been selected as a U of U Presidential Scholar. The purpose of this award is to promote retention of exceptionally promising mid-career faculty who are significant contributors to scholarship, education, and outreach at the U. Congrats, Kirsten!

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The Science Channel’s television series “Through the Wormhole” recently featured the eye tracker lie detection software developed by Ed Psych professors John Kircher, Doug Hacker, Anne Cook, Dan Woltz and David Raskin. Congratulations on this wonderful recognition. To read more about the eye tracking method for detecting lies read this University News Center article >>.

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Aaron Fischer has received two awards for his research and training support. He received the 2015 Early Career Research Award from the Society For the Study of School Psychology for his work on An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Conjoint Behavioral Consultation through Telepresence Robots. He also received the Autism Council of Utah grant for his work on Training and Support for Early Identification of Autism in Early Intervention Systems. Please join us in congratulating him for his amazing efforts.

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Sue Morrow, professor of Counseling Psychology received several prestigious awards recently. She received the 2015 American Psychological Association Division 35 Strickland Daniel Mentoring Award and the the 2015 Laura Brown Award for Outstanding Contributions in Advancing Lesbian & Bisexual Women’s Psychology. These awards are presented to people who have demonstrated many skills in the areas. Congratulations Sue!!!

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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Robyn Riley, a School Psychology Doctorate student, has taken over as the assistant clinic director of our Assessment and Support Clinic. As the director, these students typically help run the clinic and make sure that everything goes smoothly. The previous student in charge of this was Mackenzie Boon, and we thank her for her work as well as welcome Robyn as the new director. Good luck to both of them.