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Kentucky State University undergraduate students in the Psychology program, the MA Program in Interdisciplinary Science, and faculty from the School of Psychology presented a total of 9 oral papers at the 7^th Annual Meeting of the Mid-Southern Interdisciplinary Sciences Association, held on October 26 at the Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville in Franklin, TN. In addition to the nine papers contributed by Kentucky State University, scholarly works were contributed by faculty and students from Fisk University, Belmont University, Austin Peay University, Tennessee Southern University, and other institutions. 

Congratulations to undergraduate students Ashley Koffi and Sonia Herb, who received awards for their participation in the undergraduate research paper competition. Congratulations also to graduate students Avery Thompson and Dawn Clay, who received awards for their papers in the graduate student paper competition. Student participation and preparation for conference presentations were mentored by Dr. Mara Merlino. Travel and participation in the conference was supported by a KSU Title III funding request. Brief paper abstracts are presented here: 

Psychology and Law Enforcement 

Dawn Clay, Graduate Student, MA Program in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science, Kentucky State University (pre-recorded) 

Ms. Clay discussed how the broad-based use and acceptance of psychologists and other mental health service providers in law enforcement have been supported by a series of events that represent the building blocks of professional development and signify a major shift in the culture. 

Practicing Psychology in Correctional Settings 

Avery Thompson, Graduate Student, MA Program in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science, Kentucky State University (pre-recorded) 

Ms. Thompson discussed theories of crime and delinquency, theories of corrections, and influential factors that improve prisoner outcomes, such as satisfactory management, reducing prisoner misconduct that may lead to increased recidivism rates, and avoiding prison overcrowding. 

The Influences of Post-Event Interviewing on Eyewitness Testimony of Adults 

Avery Thompson, Graduate Student, MA Program in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science, Kentucky State University (pre-recorded) 

Ms. Thompson discussed possible influences on the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, and possible sources of cognitive bias introduced by eyewitness interviews. 

Evaluating Eyewitness Testimony of Children 

Dawn Clay, Graduate Student, MA Program in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science, Kentucky State University (pre-recorded) 

Ms. Clay discussed areas of controversy that will assist in building theoretical understanding and optimal legal application concerning children’s eyewitness reports.  

Systemic Racism and Complex Trauma among Marginalized Communities 

Sonia Herb, Undergraduate Student, School of Psychology, Kentucky State University 

Ms. Herb discussed the relationship between systemic racism, complex trauma, and its implications for the mental health and well-being of marginalized communities. 

Barriers to Developing Coping Skills through Counseling in the Black Community 

Ashley Koffi, Undergraduate Student, School of Psychology, Kentucky State University 

Ms. Koffi discussed the possible barriers to marital counseling and learning coping skills through therapy among Black couples. 

Media Coverage of Students in the Transgender Community 

Amaya Cooper, Undergraduate Student, School of Psychology, Kentucky State University 

Ms. Cooper discussed issues recently reported in the media, such as diverse pronouns, gendered restrooms, and civil rights of students, and the impact of media coverage on the physical and mental health of students who are transgendered.  

Faculty Perceptions of Workload and Student Relationships Following COVID-19 

Lana M. Browning, M.A. and Mara L. Merlino, Ph.D., Faculty, School of Psychology, Kentucky State University 

Ms. Browning and Dr. Merlino explored the impact of increased work responsibilities of faculty outside the classroom on supportive relationships with students at HBCUs and impact student and faculty resilience.  

Cognitive Bias: Sensation, Perception, and Interpreting Forensic Findings in Biasing Decisionmaking Situations 

Mara L. Merlino, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Sociology and Coordinator, MA Program in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science, School of Psychology, Kentucky State University 

Dr. Merlino demonstrated different sources of cognitive distortion and how cognitive bias causes people to search for or interpret new information in a way that confirms their preconceptions and avoids information and interpretations which contradict prior beliefs (2004).