USU Students and Faculty Present at 2023 APA Conference 

This summer, several of our faculty members and students had the opportunity to attend and present their research at the annual conference of the American Psychological Association (APA) in Washington D.C.

The APA conference is one of many conferences in the field of psychology that our faculty and students regularly attend. Founded in 1892, APA is the leading scientific and professional organization that represents the field of psychology within the United States. Today, APA is made up of more than 146,000 members who work as researchers, educators, clinicians, and students to elevate the public’s understanding of psychology and prepare the discipline and profession of psychology for the future.

A total of nineteen members from USU’s Psychology department were involved in this year’s conference, with nine posters presented, four members presenting at symposiums, and two faculty members invited to present at invitation-only events about their areas of interest. We also had an alum from our graduate program, Devon Isaacs, attend and present at this year’s conference on the topic of “Belonging as a Trauma Informed Len for Healing Indigenous Communities.”  

Sam Skidmore from the Combined Clinical/Counseling program attended this year’s APA conference and presented on several posters. “I have attended conferences each year of my graduate training, and have gotten something new from each experience,” said Skidmore. “Conferences are an excellent place to practice your presenting skills, share your findings, meet and collaborate with others, and learn about new and exciting emerging topics in the field of psychology.”

Skidmore’s research focuses on how clinicians working with religious LGBTQ+ individuals can help their clients maximize the benefits that religious engagement can provide while mitigating some of the harms. Skidmore shared that he believes, “attending conferences provides valuable experience in connecting with others, learning about current research, expanding worldview, and more effectively disseminating existing work.”