Psychology students present novel research at national convention

Psychology studentsPsychology students Marco Perez, Noe Watson, Melany Aguilar, Freddy Torres, Paolo Patag, Shyanne Ainsworth, and Julie Molina attended the Western Psychological Association (WPA) Conference in Las Vegas from May 1 to May 4. Marco and Paolo presented their novel research on the relationship between mentorship and academic success during the conference. Their study examined students with mentors and how their academic performance and self-confidence compare to those without mentors. 

The conference saw the full circle of the Cerritos College psychology program, with alumni actively engaged in the psychology field joining the event. Milton Enriquez, a psychology alumnus who had attended the same conference as a student, returned as a part-time faculty member and mentored two current students on their research project. Another alumna, Abby Samawi, who participated in the WPA conference last year while still at Cerritos College, returned this year as a student from UCI, where she continued to network with current students.

“Our students attended the WPA conference and presented original research alongside peers from four-year universities and graduate programs,” said Psychology Professor Dr. Kimberley Duff. “Their presence at this conference reflects their dedication, academic excellence, and commitment to their field of study. Moreover, the experience allowed them to develop transferable skills—public speaking, critical thinking, professional networking, and scholarly communication—that will serve them well in any future academic or professional setting."

"I learned from this conference that there are many opportunities offered to students who go out and look for them, whether you are a first-year student, a returning student, a community college student, or a four-year university student,” said Marco, who presented at the conference. “It was also a great place to network with graduate programs and meet other people with like-minded ideas.” Marco plans to transfer to UCLA or UCSD this fall to pursue a career as a neuropsychologist.