Psychology Announces 2025-2026 Student Award Winners

The Department of Psychology at Kutztown University hosted its annual Psi Chi Induction and Student Awards Ceremony Thursday, April 30, 2026. The ceremony honored nine department student award winners.

The psychology department awarded six seniors and three juniors with departmental awards based on their individual achievements within the fields of Research, Fieldwork, Internships, Leadership, GPA and Service.

The year's Psychology Department Student Award recipients are:

Lauren Schikel '26

Lauren Schikel is this year's recipient of the prestigious Gill-Lauer Sharp award; for committing herself over the past four years and maintaining high academic standards. The winner will receive a monetary check to be used for funds for graduate school. Lauren is also the Fall semester's Field Experience Award recipient, for excellence in field and internship experience. Lauren is a psychology major and has been accepted into the M.A. program in Allied Behavior Analysis at Ball State University.

Two students received the Psi Chi Model Student Award for upholding and exemplifying Psi Chi's twin ideals of scholarship and service. They are:

Maggie Beatty '26: Maggie is the Spring recipient of the Psi Chi Model Award. Maggie is also this year's recipient of the Student Leadership award; this award goes to the student who expressed leadership in departmental activities and psychology organizations, as well as leadership in other on- or off campus organizations. A psychology major, Maggie held various positions in Psi-chology Club throughout her years at Kutztown University. She recently completed an internship with Valley Youth House's THRIVE program and is preparing for a future career as a school guidance counselor.

Derek Jester '27: Derek Jester is the Fall semester winner of the Psi Chi Model Student Award. Derek is also this Spring's recipient of the Field Experience award; this award goes to the student for excellence in field and internship experience. A psychology major with a minor in case management, he has served as the treasurer of Psichology Club. Derek also served as a faculty research assistant under Dr. Robinson. He is currently in the process of completing an independent study and is interested in pursuing a career as a therapist after graduation.

Two Students will receive the Scientist/Practitioner Award for excellence in research and fieldwork. They are:

Alex Reed '25: Alex is our Fall recipient of the Scientist/Practitioner Award winner. A psychology major with a minor in sociology, Alex graduated in Winter 2025. He completed several studies alongside Dr. Joanne Cohen in Counselor Education and Dr. Baranczyk in psychology.

Adalyn Ober '26: Adalyn is our Spring recipient of the Scientist/Practitioner Award winner. She is also one of three recipients for the Independent Research Award; this award goes to the student who shows excellence in research projects conducted independently from a classroom experience or faculty research project. A psychology major with a minor in studio art, Adalyn is currently conducting research alongside Drs. Alycha Boehm and Heather Evans. She hopes to continue her education in art therapy after graduating from Kutztown.

Two Students received the Research Award for excellence in research projects, including research experiences as faculty research assistants. They are:

Rebecca Franklin '26: Rebecca is one of our Spring Research Award winners and this year's recipient of the Academic Achievement award; this award goes to the student who has the highest GPAs. A psychology major with minors in mathematics, spanish, and data science, Rebecca is currently working on an independent study under the supervision of Dr. Shelley. Her research will be presented at the Northeast Regional Honors Conference in New Haven, CT. She hopes to present her research at the Association of Psychological Sciences in Barcelona. After her time at Kutztown, she hopes to gain admission to a School Psychology program.

Tamara Holmes '26: Tamara is our other Spring Research Award Winner. A double major in psychology and spanish with a minor in multicultural studies, Tamara is currently working on an independent study under the supervision of Dr. Jackson. She plans to present her research at the National Conference of Undergraduate in Richmond, VA. She also hopes to continue her research in graduate school. Tamara is currently the Assistant Resident Director of Dixon Hall. She hopes to one day become a proffer in the field of cognitive neuroscience.

Three students received the Independent Research Award for excellence in research projects conducted independently from a classroom experience or faculty research project. They are:

Adalyn Ober '26: Adalyn is also our Spring recipient of the Scientist/Practitioner Award winner.

Samantha Koneski '27: Samantha is one of our Fall Independent Research Award recipients. A psychology major with a minor in sociology, she completed a clinical internship at Valley Youth House's THRIVE program and recently completed research alongside Dr. Mace titled "Networking, Growing Connection, and Building your Resume." Samantha plans to apply to graduate school for Clinical and Mental Health.

Colin Hogan '26: Colin is the recipient of our Spring Independent Research Award. A psychology major with a minor in sociology, he recently completed an independent study under Drs. Baranczyk, McLeod and Vogel. He will be presenting his research at the Psychology Poster Session and Honors WIPS. He was accepted to the Widener Delaware Law School and hopes to work in the public sector as a criminal defense litigator after he passes the bar.

To view these students click here: https://kutztown.meritpages.com/achievements/Psychology-Announces-2025-2026-Student-Award-Winners/200242