Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (Summer 2019)

“During the summer of 2019 I had the opportunity to research bullying with a specific focus on bystander behavior in urban communities as part of the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at CIRP. Under the mentorship of Dr. Tracy Waasdorp, I was able to conduct thorough literature reviews, create my own research aims, and analyze program data on SPSS to verify my aims. By looking at numerous variables such as sympathy for victims, bystander behaviors, and classroom environment, my results contributed to a better understanding of bullying prevention in elementary schools.

Throughout my time at CIRP, I was given the opportunity to improve my SPSS skills -- more than I ever have throughout my time at college. I have learned R/R-Studio, the real world research process, and how to manage a work-life balance.

Entering my senior year at Muhlenberg College, I am a double major in Psychology and Film. I have previously assisted my professors in conducting research and have had an internship at a nonprofit for underprivileged children that included an inpatient program for adolescents. However, my time here at CIRP has been the most insightful and has given me the most direction for what I want to do after college. I plan to attend graduate school to obtain a doctoral degree in Psychology and to continue my career as both a clinician and researcher.”