Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 9. Source pages: 7.
The small but innovative psychology department at Centenary College has a goal of teaching about modern social science research, supporting students as they pursue additional education in psychology, or as they follow a path to other graduate degrees, including law, occupational- therapy, physical-therapy, business or medicine.
Dr. Amy Hammond, Centenary faculty member, estimates that more than a third of their students go on to graduate school. She and her colleagues, Drs. Matthew Weeks and David Stafford, provide students a variety of opportunities to learn about psychology, general fundamentals of research, and internship opportunities including LSU Medical Center. Ms. Renée Do, an undergraduate with a double major of neuroscience and psychology, is setting her sights to become a physician. “I plan to attend medical school,” she said. “I would love to help people who are in need of improving their health…”
It wasn’t until Renée studied psychology that she realized she wanted a career where she scrutinized the mind. “…The more I delved into my major, the more I realized how truly amazing the mind works. I remember studying about H.M. who couldn't form new memories because his hippocampus was removed.” She became intrigued and has followed this path in both her coursework and her work endeavors.
Renée wants to specialize in neurology, and if she could pick her career focus now, it would involve Alzheimer’s disease. “I really want to research the development of this disease, what causes it and how can we make it stop deteriorating brain tissue.” She has gained experience through her work at a local physician’s office where she has seen the debilitating effects of the illness. Renée has also volunteered at Sutton Children’s Hospital.
Renée’s favorite course was Theories of Personality. “It really provided me a more in-depth look into the way I function in life.” Renée also enjoyed psychopharmacology and neuroscience. “I absolutely enjoyed making various connections between these classes and all of my other psychology courses.” The combinations of things she learned helped her to appreciate the brain. “Did you know that some people who suffer from Capgras' Delusion are lead to believe that their loved ones have been replaced by imposters? Only by a mere lesion somewhere in their temporal lobe?”
“The most memorable experience in my training, hands down,” Renée said, “is the experiment for my research methodology class.” In this course she examined the effects of memory games on retention. “I wanted to know, if you train your memory, could your retention skills improve?” Renée also completed an independent study with Dr. Stafford on the benefits of video games. She explored the use of Greek literature, history, and learning in role-playing games.
Dr. Hammond keeps things lively with all her students. She encourages interest in operant conditioning with her cat, trained to use a human toilet! She is developing a podcast series of on-air dating tips (“Dr. Amy’s Dating Advice”) for the student- run radio station at Centenary, KSCL, which will begin airing this summer. Dr. Hammond can be contacted at (ahammond@centenary.edu).
Ms. Renée Do (right), a Centenary psychology student teaches youngsters about the retinal pathway for “Brain Awareness Week.” Centenary psychology faculty (L to R): Drs. Matthew Weeks, David Stafford, and Amy Hammond. Centenary can be found at http://www.centenary.edu/psychology.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.