DU Psychology blends research, learning, and community in a fun, inclusive space—where diverse perspectives thrive and exploring the mind is just the beginning!
Congratulations to our 2026 Psychology Spring Award recipients! 🎉 We loved celebrating the incredible achievements of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Thank you to all who joined us for an evening recognizing excellence in research, leadership, teaching, and service.
🎉 Congrats to Dr. Heidi Vuletich on being named a 2026 Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science! A well-deserved recognition of her impactful research and future contributions 👏
#DUPsychology#RisingStar
✨ Faculty Spotlight ✨
Congrats to Dr. Erika Manczak on receiving a Mental Research Institute grant! 👏
Her research explores how adolescents’ mental health may impact parents’ long-term physical health 🧠
#ResearchMatters#Psychology
Curious how the brain shapes how we think, feel, and behave? 🧠
Explore DU’s Cognitive Neuroscience concentration and dive into the science behind mind brain.
#Neuroscience#Psychology#HigherEd
ALT Promotional graphic for a Cognitive Neuroscience concentration from the University of Denver Department of Psychology. The image includes photos of a researcher interacting with a young child using toys, a brain scan, and a baby wearing an EEG cap while sitting with an adult. A red banner across the center reads “Concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience.”
DCN Research Night 2026 🧠
Grad students presented fast-paced flash talks on topics from AI in child development to emotion, ADHD, and cognitive control. Inspiring work and an amazing turnout—thank you to everyone who joined!
#DCN#ResearchNight#Neuroscience#GraduateResearch
ALT Red promotional graphic for Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Research Night 2026, featuring bold white text reading “Research Night” with a subtle repeated background pattern of the same phrase.
ALT Event graphic for Research Night 2026 showing a lineup of graduate student speakers with headshots and talk titles, including topics such as adaptive recovery after mistakes, cognitive biases and anxiety, ADHD and cognitive control in children, AI and storytelling in early development, visual perception, and group emotion perception.
Huge congrats to psychology student Katie Lamberton for being named a finalist for the 2026 Boettcher Foundation Colorado Student Leader of the Year Award! 🎉
We’re so proud of her leadership, mentorship, and impact on our community. Go Katie! 👏
🎥 lnkd.in/gVWWUCd4
ALT Graphic celebrating Katie Lamberton as a finalist for the Boettcher Foundation Student Leader of the Year Award. The design features her headshot on the left, with text on the right reading “Boettcher Foundation Student Leader of the Year Finalist – Katie Lamberton.” The background includes stylized clouds and sun above, and an illustrated University of Denver campus scene with mountains and the DU entrance sign below.
Congrats to our Psychology Department Chair, Kateri McRae, on receiving the 2026 Service Award from the Social & Affective Neuroscience Society! Her research on cognitive reappraisal explores how shifting perspective strengthens emotional well-being. #ResearchSpotlight
Join us for DCN Research Night! Explore Cognitive Neuroscience through engaging grad student presentations, connect with peers and faculty, and enjoy snacks. Learn something new and build community!
RSVP: udenver.qualtrics.com/jfe/fo…... Questions? Contact Michelle.Rozenman@du.edu
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Flyer for “Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Research Night.” Large white and red text over a tan background with faint letters and numbers reads “DEVELOPMENTAL COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH NIGHT.” A pink cartoon brain with small yellow lightning bolts appears in the center. Below, a red box with white text says: “Join us for snacks & drinks, flash talks highlighting graduate student research, and discussion/community-building!” At the bottom: “Monday, Feb. 23 5–7pm – CCOM 1600.”
Congratulations to Dr. Angela Narayan on receiving a $25,000 grant from the Mental Research Institute! 🎉Her research explores how positive childhood experiences shape family relationships, parenting practices, and mental health across three generations.
#FacultySpotlight#DUPsych
This season isn’t about how many gifts we give — it’s about how present we are. Dr. Angela Narayan gives us tips on why keeping Christmas simple can be better for kids (and adults too!)
#LessIsMore#MindfulHolidays
Full interview link in bio
🎃 Feeling brave this Halloween? Safe scares like haunted houses or horror movies aren’t just fun—they actually boost your brain and make you feel sharper! 🧠Plus, screaming together can strengthen friendships and create memories you won’t forget. #SpookySeason#BrainBoost
ALT "What kind of bread do zombies like to eat? Whole Brain! Creepy zombie and brain on a plate. Happy Halloween from the Psychology Department! Check out the caption for some spooky psychology facts."
Dr. Zoe Smith, our new faculty member in the Psychology Department has recently earned 3 notable awards, including the RWJF Health Equity Scholar Grant, APA Division 12 Early Career Award, & ABCT Change Leader Fellowship. Congrats, Dr. Smith! 👏 ACCTIONLab.com
Spotlight: DU Safe App
The DU Safe App provides a fast and easy way for students to access safety resources on campus! We recommend that students keep this app downloaded and on their home screen for quick accessibility.
App available on Apple and Android
ALT Screenshot of the DU Safe app home screen from the University of Denver. The top shows the DU logo and "DU SAFE" title. Below is a "DU Safe News Feed" header, followed by a 3x3 grid of red buttons with white icons and labels: Emergency Contacts, Mobile BlueLight, Friend Walk, Virtual Walkhome, Report a Tip, Safety Toolbox, Campus Maps, Emergency Plans, and Support Resources. A large button at the bottom reads "About/Preference."
Congrats to Özlü Aran, Ph.D., DU alum, on winning the 2025 ISDP Dissertation Award! Now a postdoc at Northeastern’s REID Lab, Dr. Aran studies intergenerational health, perinatal stress, and early development.
isdp.org/.../2025-dissertati…#ISDP2025#DissertationAward
ALT Portrait of Dr. Özlü Aran smiling in a professional setting. She has received the 2025 Dissertation Award from the International Society for Developmental Psychobiology (ISDP) in recognition of her outstanding research in developmental psychobiology. The image may include her name, affiliation with Northeastern University, and a visual element representing the award or ISDP branding.
As summer ends, we celebrate our graduating honors seniors who completed rigorous coursework and Distinction Program theses with original research. We’re proud to have them represent DU Psychology! Learn more: du.digication.com/cahss