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Opening Minds
Thoughts and profiles from Avila University’s School of Psychology & Cognitive Science professors and graduates.
- Memory, Mind Wandering, and Counterfactual Thinking Drives Avila University’s Cognitive Science Lab
While invented in the late 1950s, virtual reality technology is at a new level of cultural awareness thanks to the accessibility of personal VR systems like Oculus and Meta’s creation and promotion of the virtual “Metaverse.” Assistant Professor of Cognitive… - Wagge Wins Historic $267,741 National Science Foundation Grant
Avila Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science Jordan Wagge, Ph.D., received a $267,741 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant from the Division of Undergraduate Education to fund, evaluate, and enhance the activities of the Collaborative Replications and Education Project (CREP). “CREP… - Q&A: Eleanor Dick, current MSP student
Eleanor Dick has a fascination with human behavior and a love for research. Her passion and curiosity brought her to Avila to pursue a Master of Science in Psychology. What surprised you about Avila or the psychology program? I am… - Q&A: Megan Deaver, MSCP ’17
Megan Deaver attended Avila University as an undergrad and loved the small environment and “culture of caring.” She decided to earn her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. Deaver graduated with her MSCP in 2017. She is now a Private… - Avila Commencement Celebrates 391 New Graduates
Avila University Welcomes its 105th Graduating Class During commencement exercises on May 14 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, the Colleges of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Science & Health, and Professional Schools held individual graduation ceremonies for undergraduate and… - Helping Students Become Better Scientists Through Authentic Research
In addition to being a full-time professor of psychology and cognitive science at Avila, Jordan Wagge, Ph.D., is also, among many things, the Executive Director of CREP (Collaborative Replication and Education Project) and, most recently, a podcast star. She led… - Q&A: Jennifer Attila, MSP ’12
Jennifer Attila came to Avila to earn her Master of Science in Psychology. She started rapidly developing new health symptoms, which complicated her studies. She was diagnosed with Dystonia. “Upon consulting with my teachers I chose to complete my MS… - Q&A: Iri Torres, MSP ’22
Iri Torres came to Avila as an international student to earn her Master of Science in Psychology and pursue a career in research psychology in the United States. Torres is currently a Psychometrist at the KU Alzheimer’s Research Disease Center…. - Q&A: Hope Davis, MSP student
Hope Davis fell in love with psychology in high school and never looked back. She chose Avila’s Master of Science in Psychology because she was looking for a smaller campus community. What surprised you about Avila or the psychology program?… - Q&A: Holly France, MSP student
Holly France chose Avila’s Master of Science in Psychology to gain research experience before applying for a Ph.D. program. Avila’s program has also allowed her to explore career options in the field of psychology. France specifically chose Avila because, What… - Q&A: Penny Howard, MSCP ’21
Penny Howard graduated from Avila University with her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology in 2021. Howard is now provisionally licensed to provide psychotherapy in Kansas and plans to work in group private practice with individuals and couples. “Avila challenged… - Q&A: Samual Ziglinski, MSCP student
Samual Ziglinski is pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Avila University. “I wanted the opportunity to work closely with a wide variety of individuals, and approach the field of psychology from a unique, focused perspective,” said Ziglinski…. - Q&A: Dariah Wixon, MSCP ’19
Dariah Wixon was drawn to Avila University’s smaller class sizes, affordable tuition, and notable counseling program. She graduated with her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology in December of 2019. Wixon is now a Therapist/Counselor at a private practice in… - Q&A: Brandon Brewster, MSP ’20
Brandon Brewster has always been interested in research. He earned his BA in 2018 from Avila and returned to complete his Master of Science in Psychology in 2020. He is currently a 2nd Year Graduate Student in the Experimental Psychology… - Q&A: Lea Morvan, MSP student
Lea Morvan is an international student who transferred to Avila to complete her Master of Science in Psychology. She wanted a smaller school environment and was drawn into Avila’s MSP program because it offers a variety of research opportunities. These… - Q&A: Matt Arnet, MSCP ’06
Matt Arnet is the Clinical Director of Outpatient Services at KVC Behavioral Healthcare. He chose Avila University to earn his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. “I was looking for a smaller program where I could get to know the… - Avila Graduate Students Earn Awards at Great Plains Students Psychology Convention
Two Avila University psychology graduate students, Eleanor Dick and Lindsay Wing won awards at the 2022 Great Plains Students Psychology Convention held on March 15 & 16 in Emporia, Kansas. This convention brings psychology students together to exchange ideas, discuss… - Q&A: Samantha Johnson, MSP ’20
Samantha Johnson chose Avila to earn her Master of Science in Psychology because she wanted to be a part of a meaningful community. “If you are looking for quality education and relationships, Avila is the right choice for you,” said… - Q&A: Alfred Hoppert, MSCP ’17
Alfred Hoppert earned his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Avila University in 2017. “I would highly recommend Avila’s MSCP program over others, mainly due to the growth you achieve in the program being very personalized,” said Hoppert who… - Q&A: Sarah Josephson, MSCP student
Sarah Josephson loves talking to people about their emotions and being a listening ear. “I want to help others become the best versions of themselves and find true happiness so they can live a fulfilled life,” said Josephson. She is… - Q&A: Terry Hartley, MSP ’18
Terry Hartley graduated from Avila in 2018 with her Master of Science in Psychology. After raising a family, she was ready for that next life step. She found that Avila’s MSP was a great fit. “The class sizes were small,… - Q&A: Shamita Mahajan, MSP ’22
After raising two kids, Shamita Mahajan realized she has a strong passion for helping adolescents navigate life’s challenges. She decided she wanted to return to school to earn a master’s degree. “When I began exploring options to get a master’s…
School of Psychology & Cognitive Science Newsroom
- Memory, Mind Wandering, and Counterfactual Thinking Drives Avila University’s Cognitive Science LabWhile invented in the late 1950s, virtual reality technology is at a new level of cultural awareness thanks to the accessibility of personal VR systems…
- Avila University Welcomes 2022 Activist-in-ResidenceAfter a few challenging years of policy changes and the pandemic, Avila is proud to welcome a special guest from Nairobi, Kenya – Mary Kinyanjui,…
- $130 Million Scholarship Agreement Between Avila University, KC Scholars to Benefit Up to 800 StudentsKANSAS CITY — On Thursday, Sept. 8, Avila University and KC Scholars announced a new scholarship partnership that will benefit up to 800 low-to-modest income…
- Avila University Mourns the Death of Student-AthleteIt is with great sadness that Avila University Athletics announces today, August 24, 2022, that student-athlete Justin Barbee has passed away after a car accident in Belton,…
- In Memoriam’51 Helen (Bessenbacher) Colwell of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on May 24, 2022. Colwell earned her bachelor’s in sociology from the College of St….