First Psychology PhD Awarded!

On Friday, April 25, 2008, Samantha Harvell, MPP, successfully defended her doctoral dissertation and became the Developmental Science PhD program's first ever graduate.  Samantha's five-year research program in the lab of Dr. Jennifer Woolard focused on adolescent development in justice system contexts.  Her dissertation, entitled "A Developmental Approach to Procedural Justice: Does Process Matter to Juvenile Detainees?", tested procedural justice models in a sample of detained adolescents.

Samantha's committee members included Dr. Jennifer Woolard (Psychology), Dr. Sandra Calvert (Psychology), Dr. Donna Morrison (GPPI), and Dr. Rusan Chen (CNDLS).

Samantha has been awarded a highly competitive SRCD Congressional Fellowship for 2008-2009.  She will spend one year working in the office of a U.S. Senator or Representative on a variety of current policy issues.

The Psychology Department wishes Samantha warm congratulations and best wishes for her future endeavors!