WMU Department of Psychology Chair Report

Report from the Chair, R. Wayne Fuqua, Ph.D.

Chair's Report March 2006

Department of Psychology,
Western Michigan University

Submitted by R. Wayne Fuqua

Announcements

Galen Alessi is recovering from eye surgery to repair a macular hole in one eye. He's required to be face down for approximately two weeks during the healing period. He's listening to lots of books on tape and music. The department has sent a get-well card and a gift basket.

Laptop Initiative: Psychology is scheduled for laptop pick up on Friday March 17. Laptops can be picked up in 5415 Friedman Hall. I donÕt know how to predict wait time but processing time should be about 5-10 minutes per computer (for paperwork). The department will provide a firewire and consultation from Susan Makdisi (Graduate Student Lab Coordinator) for those wishing to transfer files from an old computer to the new laptop In early April (at a date to be scheduled), your trade in computer will be collected by Arts and Sciences. IÕll need to know if you will need help in erasing sensitive information and licensed software from any computer that youÕll be trading in.

Nominations for Graduate Student Teaching and Research Awards have been received. In several categories, more than one nomination was received and the Executive Committee will meet to select the winner those categories.

GA/DA allocations for the 06-07 academic year have been received. These allocations reflect a reduction of $29,266 from the 05-06 budget. The Executive Committee has identified several strategies to mitigate the impact of this budget cut, including a) directing funds from Amy NaugleÕs buy out for HSIRB to hire a graduate student instructor for PSY 2500, b) funding a student line from grant monies (Dr. Pietras of Dr. Spates).

The Department has been asked to review and update the initiatives on its Compact Plan. A table summarizing those initiatives is attached to this report. Faculty members are asked to review those initiatives and suggest revisions or additions to the Department Chairperson or the Chair of the Executive Committee.

The Department will be hosting a Retirement Reception for Carol Haines on March 30 at 4PM at the Oaklands. Faculty and friends will be invited to offer reflections and appreciations on Carol's many years of outstanding service to the students and faculty of the Psychology Department.

Calendar of Upcoming Events and Deadlines

4-7	A&S Research Awards Day, 3PM South Ballroom
4-12	Faculty Meeting, Select Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient
4-14	Colloquium, Mark Reilly, CMU
4-24	Final Exam week begins
4-29	Commencement
5-2	Grades due at noon
5-8	Summer I classes begin
5-25	ABA Convention begins, Atlanta

Kudos

Jim Carr and Linda LeBlanc have been appointed as Associate Editors for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Caio Miguel has accepted a faculty position at Cal State-Sacramento

Cullen J., Spates, C. R., Pagoto, S. & Doran, N. (2006). Behavioral activation treatment for major depressive disorder: A pilot investigation, In Press Behavior Analyst Today

Kozak, Andrea T., Spates, C. R., McChargue, D E., Bailey, Schneider, K., and Liepman, M. R. (2006). Naltrexone facilitates avoidance after one-session Exposure treatment: A controlled pilot study. In Press - Journal of Anxiety Disorders

Austin, J. Sigurdsson, S., & Helton, B. (2006). Using supervisory feedback and public posting to increase safety in a manufacturing setting. Brazilian Journal of Behavior Analysis, 1(2).

Alvero, A. M., & Austin, J. (2006). An Implementation of Protocol Analysis and the Silent Dog Method in the Area of Behavioral Safety. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 22.

Presentations:

Samaraweera, Nishani & Spates, C. Richard (2006). Smaller Hippocampal Volume in PTSD: A Hypothesis Regarding Comorbid Depression. Presentation accepted at American Psychological Society, May 26, New York City.

Spates, C. R. (2006). Evidence Based Mental Health Practices for Children in Michigan's Child Welfare System. Presentation to Mental Health Needs in Child Welfare: Addressing the Needs of Children & Families Conference (March, East Lansing)

Austin, J. (2006, March). How Applied Behavior Analysis Techniques Can Improve Your Safety Training. Paper presented at the 1st World Conference on Behavior Based Safety, Milan, Italy.

Austin, J. (2005, November). Innovative techniques for reducing injuries at work. Paper presented at Oregon Health and Science University CROET conference, Portland, OR.

Grant submissions:

VanHouten, R. CrimeNET: The development and evaluation o of a smart-resident location based internat alert system to improve police-community communications and reduce crime. Submitted to National Institute of Justice.

Spates, C. R., Liberzon, I., & Samaraweera, N. (P.I. and Co-P.I.s) The Effects of Life History of Traumatic Stress Exposure and Hippocampal Volume on Current Development of PTSD in Response to Natural Disaster, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [In collaboration with Kalamazoo County and Calhoun County Community Mental Health Services]

Spates, C. R. (P.I.) Evaluation of the Michigan Medication Algorithm (MIMA) and Behavioral Activation Interventions for Major Depressive Disorder. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [In collaboration with Kalamazoo County Community Mental Health Services]

Please relay announcements of publications, accomplishments, awards, etc. to Wayne Fuqua.

Department of Psychology
3700 Wood Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 387-4500
To send feedback via e-mail contact psy_ask@wmich.edu