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Psychological Science

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The Department of Psychological Science provides challenging and engaging opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities of psychology as a scientific discipline. The department follows the American Psychological Association’s 2013 standards of undergraduate education, supporting faculty who:

  • Deliver high quality teaching
  • Create research opportunities
  • Foster close student-faculty mentorship
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Mission & Department History

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Contact

Department Chair
James Diller
Webb Hall, Room 231
(860) 465-0214
(860) 465-4541
dillerj@easternct.edu		 Secretary
Dale Dubina
Webb Hall, Room 122
(860) 465-4540
(860) 465-4541
dubinad@easternct.edu
Assistant Chair
Lyndsey Lanagan-Leitzel
Webb Hall, Room 142
(860) 465-5065
(860) 465-4541
lanaganleitzell@easternct.edu		  
student presenting her work
professor speaking to class
student psychological testing
department faculty group photo

Faculty Spotlights

T. Caitlin Vasquez-O'Brien

Assistant Professor

“Students should feel the same sense of excitement about learning that professors do, and students should be able to engage with the material and draw connections to the world around them.” Read More

T. Caitlin Vasquez-O'Brien

Christopher Krebs

Assistant Professor

“Eastern is a small public liberal arts college similar to that to which I attended during my undergraduate studies, and I am surrounded by colleagues who share a passion for teaching and genuinely care about our students.” Read More

Christopher Krebs

Madeleine Fugere

Professor

“I really enjoy the interesting class discussions which arise during our classes. I also love mentoring undergraduate students who are interested in doing research in social psychology.” Read More

Madeleine Fugere

James Diller

Professor and Department Chair

Dr. James Diller is an expert in the field of behavior analysis. He is credited with developing the concentration in behavior analysis at Eastern, which allows students to sit for national certification. Read More

James Diller

Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault

Professor

“It gives me such a sense of accomplishment to hear about our alumni’s lives and to know that I was able to join them on part of that journey.” Read More

Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault

Jenna L. Scisco

Associate Professor

“I have taken Eastern students to study abroad in England, Ireland and Italy. It is such a rewarding experience to be able to expose students to new cultures and the experience of international travel.” Read More

Jenna L. Scisco
View All Faculty Spotlights

In the News

Chris Krebs teaches class

Psychology recognized for behavior analysis program

 February 15, 2024

A new recognition for the behavior analysis concentration in Eastern Connecticut State University’s Psychology Department is “a real mark of distinction for the University” and will attract incoming students to the program, said James Diller, professor and department head.

Best Poster winners

Psychology students recognized for posters at research event

 December 12, 2023

Six psychology students at Eastern Connecticut State University were recently recognized for the quality of their research posters, and senior Ali Junior Ezedine presented his research at a conference. Timothy Jacques, Kaylee Drobish, Victoria Janosi, Kylie Rataic, Stacie Kinlen and Samantha Shatas won “best poster” awards at the fall 2023 Psychological Science Research Event.

Students reimagine liberal arts resume strengths

Workshop helps students articulate their liberal arts education

 December 12, 2023

Students of all majors joined Arts and Sciences Dean Emily Todd on Nov. 30 to better understand the ways to market their skills to employers and graduate schools. The students, with the guidance of Todd, evaluated the pillars of the university's Liberal Arts Core to articulate instances during their undergraduate career that highlight their capabilities.

Programs of Study

  • Eastern’s Psychology program provides a solid scientific background for students seeking a research, teaching or service career in the behavioral science or mental health fields. Through coursework and extensive applied learning experiences, psychology majors develop an understanding of the diversity of human behavior and the variables that influence it. Students receive a firm grounding in the science of psychology, including courses in research methods and statistics, from faculty whose own research reflects the breadth and diversity within the field. Six concentrations in Behavior Analysis, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, General Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and Mental Health Counseling allow students to focus their studies in preparation for graduate school or employment. A Psychology minor is also available.

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  • The only undergraduate program of its kind in New England, Eastern’s multidisciplinary Labor and Human Resources major teaches students how to evaluate issues related to work and employment relationships. With a focus on creative, analytical and critical thinking, the program offers a unique approach to complex employment issues. Students develop a critical perspective and understanding of the roles of workers, employers, unions, institutions and labor laws. Faculty members come from the Business, Economics and Psychology departments.

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