WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS PRESENT SCIENTIFIC STUDY AT PRESTIGOUS CONFERENCE IN MAY

Two Westchester Community College students will present a scientific study at a prestigious California conference in May. Edward Han and Jason Anderson (both Yonkers residents) will attend a meeting of the American Psychological Society (APS), an important professional conference. It is rare for community college students to participate on this level. Most students who present at this gathering of leaders in the field are graduate students.

The students’ study focuses on a potential new treatment for phobias called “Unconscious Exposure.” They were mentored by Dr. Paul Siegel, who sponsored their application to present at APS. “Their level of motivation and intellect in conducting the study was amazing,” says Siegel. “It was on the level of advanced undergraduates at elite universities.”

Last summer, the two students participated in the Purchase College-Westchester Community College Bridges Program which brings community college students from underrepresented background to Purchase for a five-week immersion in conducting scientific research. “Our students went above and beyond the call of duty in the Bridges Program,” says Siegel. “They made original contributions to my research, for which I am indebted.”