Psychology Student Alexandra Steel Awarded Departmental Honors

2017 May 2

Fifteen high-achieving psychology students from Eastern Connecticut State University were awarded Departmental Honors on April 24 at the Psychology Honors Night and Psi Chi Induction Ceremony. Thirteen more students were awarded High Distinction and two others with the award of Highest Distinction.

Alexandra Steel '17 of Foxboro was one of the students awarded High Distinction Departmental Honors. The award was presented by Carlos Escoto, chair of the Psychology Department.

"I came to Eastern because I saw it as a garden that I could cultivate my ideas freely in," said Steel. "So much of my success has blossomed from the unconditional support that my professors in the psych department have given me throughout the years. I am thrilled to announce that I will be receiving my masters degree in Bilingual and Multicultural Education next year in Madrid, Spain. Thank you ECSU Psych department for your superior education and commitment to your students."

Students awarded High Distinction must complete Statistics and Research Methods I courses with a grade of A- or higher, maintain a GPA of a 3.5 or higher within the Psychology major as well as an overall GPA of a 3.5 or higher, complete an independent study, teaching assistantship or research assistantship, and present a first-author/co-author research project at CSU Psychology Day.

Students awarded Highest Distinction must satisfy the aforementioned criteria in addition to scoring at the 80th percentile or higher on the pre-graduate exit exam and present their research at a state, regional or national conference.

"The Departmental honors provided by Psychological Sciences recognize the best of the best among our graduates," said psychology professor Peter Bachiochi. "These 15 students embody the qualities of academic excellence and commitment to research that are hallmarks of our department and our field."