Linda M. Isbell, PhD

Graduate Researchers

elair@psych.umass.edu

My research interests include social cognition, political psychology, and the role of affect in both of these areas. My Master's thesis (from William & Mary) investigated attitude change during the 2008 Presidential Election. I am currently working on a project examining political scandals, apologies, and how the public reacts to these events on an emotional level. In addition, I am investigating the impact of affect on information processing styles in numerous content domains (e.g., impression formation, stereotyping).

Michael Parker

mtparker@psych.umass.edu

My research interests focus broadly within political psychology. I have focused on impression formation of candidates and voting behavior. This research examines the role of affect on information processing in the context of a hypothetical campaign and election. I am interested in how voters differentially use general and specific information as a function of discrete, politically-relevant emotions (e.g., anger and fear). The goal of this research is to establish more firmly the ways in which affect may redirect individuals to various types of information and guide voting decisions.

Undergraduate Project Leaders

Caitlin Gauvin

I am a junior and plan to graduate in May 2012 with a major in psychology and a minor in Spanish. My interests in the field are extensive and include clinical psychology, social psychology, and some aspects of neuroscience. I am also a huge fan of political psychology, which is a primary focus of mine in the lab. After graduation, I plan to take one or two years off to gain more Òreal worldÓ experience in the mental health field. I will then either attend graduate school or medical school, depending on what suits me best at that time. Outside of lab, I am a member of Habitat for Humanity, publicity chair of Psi Chi, and a resident assistant. I also play intramural basketball in the winter.

Josh Mauro

I am a junior with majors in both psychology and theater and will graduate in May 2012. After graduation I plan to attend graduate school and do some traveling. I am interested in both clinical and social psychology. In my free time I enjoy acting, being with friends, and listening to music.

Amanda Winkler

I am a junior and will be graduating in May 2012 with a BS in Psychology (with a Pre-Med concentration).Ê My current research focuses on the role of affect on perceptions of stigmatized groups (e.g., the homeless).Ê After graduation, I plan to go to medical school to become a psychiatrist so that I can combine psychotherapy with psychopharmacology.Ê Outside of work, I enjoy reading, rock climbing, yoga, and spending time with friends.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Dominic Ascioti

I am a junior and will graduate in the spring of 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Latin. My interests within psychology include both social and clinical,, as I found both fascinating. After graduation, I plan to enter the medical field either by attending Medical School (fingers crossed!) or by first pursuing a MasterÕs degree as a PhysicianÕs Assistant. In my free time I enjoy playing video games, going camping, and playing the my guitar.

Rebecca Heffron

I am a sophomore psychology major with a focus in neuroscience and a secondary major in anthropology. Outside of college, I practice classical dance including ballet, jazz, and modern. I am also a training runner and intend to participate in a few marathons this coming year. Lastly, I love to draw, and spend what little free time I have as a staff artist for a couple of websites. After college, I hope to attend medical school under an M.D., Ph.D. program where I intend to pursue Neuroscience and Psychiatry.

April Knapp

I'm a senior psychology major and will be graduating in May 2011 with a BA in Psychology. This is my first year working with the research team. After graduating I plan to attend graduate school for clinical psychology. Also, I enjoy studying developmental psychology. I work on campus in the Market Place Pita Pit. In my free time I enjoy traveling, watching movies, color guard, dance, and being in the UMass Marching Band

Liz Mancevice

I am a junior Psychology major pursuing a minor in Latin and a certificate in criminal justice. After graduation I plan to attend graduate school to earn a degree in forensic psychology. My favorite activity is watching movies that I have not previously seen and relaxing with friends. I work in the UMassÕ Residence Hall Security Department where I am a Head Supervisor and the Head Coordinator. Although this job is time consuming, I love it.

Jacqui Manning

I am a senior graduating in May 2011 with a major in Psychology.Ê I plan to attend graduate school next year to earn a master's degree in developmental psychology.Ê Outside of school, I work with special education children and enjoy hanging out with friends in spare time.

Barbara (Beth) Rutman

I am a senior majoring in psychology. This is my first semester conducting research, and I am excited about the opportunity. I have spent several summers working as a nanny with children, and am interested in studying child development. I am also interested in clinical and social psychology, and I am currently a teaching assistant for abnormal psychology. After graduation, I plan to attain a PsyD; however, I am still undecided about the primary focus of my research.Ê In my free time, I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, dancing, and being outdoors.