Four C of O psychology students attended the convention at Emporia State University on March 11-12. From left to right: junior psychology majors Tucker Moss and Rheanna Mulvaney, senior psychology majors Alyssa Johnson and Julia Giesey.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks student Julia Giesey, senior psychology major, was awarded Outstanding Undergraduate Presentation for her oral, non-empirical presentation titled Instagram and the Other: Social Media’s Affect on Group Polarization at the Great Plains Students’ Psychology Convention. Four C of O psychology students attended the convention at Emporia State University on March 11-12. Jeff Elliott, professor of psychology and human and social services division chair, served as the faculty sponsor. The annual regional conference was developed to highlight student projects including empirical research, theoretical research, and research proposals.

College of the Ozarks students presented three papers at the conference. The students prepared 12-minute oral presentations and fielded questions following their presentation.

“I would be nowhere if it weren’t for the guidance and advising of the psychology department here at College of the Ozarks—especially from Dr. Elliott,” Giesey said. “He helped me so much in all aspects of the project, from figuring out what I wanted to create a research proposal on to developing my idea into a feasible experimental design and helping make sure my presentation was clear and concise! Overall, Dr. Elliott’s encouragement throughout the project was extremely beneficial. The psychology program here at C of O has always provided me with quality education and amazing opportunities in the field of psychology that I know I wouldn’t have received anywhere else.”

Alyssa Johnson, senior psychology major, gave her presentation entitled Social Media’s Association with College Student’s Interpersonal Conflict Resolution. Junior psychology majors Rheanna Mulvaney and Tucker Moss jointly presented their research, Social Media Influence on Group Conformity.

“Our four psychology student presenters exhibited the best qualities of a College of the Ozarks student: academic excellence and rigor, strong character, and the Hard Work U. work ethic,” Elliott said. “They went above and beyond what was required of them for class and put in the time, work, and effort necessary to set themselves apart from the norm."