Students psyched about research

Five Lawrence High seniors to present at Association for Psychological Science conference

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Dahlia Forte, Gabriella Jan, Gabrielle Levey, Kiana Nunez and Samantha Rubenstein will present their original behavioral science research projects at the 26th annual Association for Psychological Science convention in Chicago in May.

This is the second straight year that Lawrence High School seniors were selected to take part in this prestigious professional conference. In 2015, seven students presented their work at the APS gathering in Manhattan. At the four-day convention, one of the two largest events of its kind in the world, several thousand professional psychologists share the latest research. The students’ projects were chosen by way of a blind judging process in which the level of education of those who submit research is not known.

It is becoming de rigueur for Lawrence seniors with behavioral science projects to be chosen to participate in prominent psychological conclaves. “This is amazing — I didn’t do this [research] when I was in high school,” said Dr. Stephen Sullivan, the social studies teacher who helps guide the students through a process that includes choosing topics, conducting research and submitting the projects to a variety of competitions and associations. “The kids have real poise in the way they present.”

Working independently as well as collaboratively, the students receive guidance from Sullivan — even if it may interrupt his sleep. “The great thing about him is he cares so much, you could call him at 2:30 a.m. and he’ll answer your question,” said Levey, an Atlantic Beach resident.

“At 5 a.m.,” Sullivan shot back. “I’m sleeping at 2:30 a.m.”

“Even so, he pulls us in and helps us,” added Levey, who hopes to major in biomedical engineering in college. “No one would be as successful without him.”

The collegial environment fostered by Sullivan keeps the students motivated through the research process, they say. “I love Sullivan,” said Nunez, an Inwood resident who, like her classmates, refers to her mentor rather informally. “He’s so nice, and puts students first and always has time for us.” Nunez said she would like to major in business and the humanities in college, and perhaps go to law school after that.

In another indication of their unique working relationship, Sullivan is known to makes allowances for the student researchers when they’re working hard on their projects. Forte showed up at school four days in a row wearing pajamas — a different pair each day — as she hunkered down to finish, walking to the restroom in socks. “This was so much like doing my own thing,” said Forte, who also lives in Inwood. “I got help from Sullivan, but this was more on me. I learned that I was capable of so much more.” Economics will be her college major, she said, with a minor in psychology.

Rubenstein said she valued working on her own, but she also appreciates how much Sullivan assists her and her peers. “It’s his dedication and willingness to help you that makes us successful,” said the North Woodmere resident, who wants to major in business.

Sullivan deflected the praise, noting that it helps to have a supportive principal in Dr. Jennifer Lagnado, who oversaw the high school’s science program before becoming an administrator, and Dr. Rebecca Isseroff, a Lawrence chemistry teacher who supervises the program now and mentors Siemens and Intel competition participants.

“It’s great to have the support from Dr. Lagnado and Rebecca,” Sullivan said. “The social sciences tend be real hands-on, and people don’t know how important the research is.”

What the students gain from completing the projects is as significant, they say, as the research itself. “I know I’m capable of doing an independent project,” said Jan, another Inwood resident, who is thinking of studying nutrition.

“You finally have to think for yourself and see what you can do,” Nunez added.
The five seniors were scheduled to present their work at the Long Island Psychology Fair on Thursday, a competition with other high school students.

“People are always surprised by what high school children can achieve,” Lagnado said. “We know what they can do, and we keep raising the bar. I’m very proud to see the success continue.”

Lawrence High School students behavioral research projects

Dahlia Forte: “Towards a ‘Majority Minority’ Nation: White Teens’ Responses to a Perceived Status Threat from Racial Demographic Shifts” — a study of racism.

Kiana Nunez: “The Effects of Objectifying Hip-Hop Lyrics on Female Listeners” — how song lyrics impact young women.

Gabriella Jan: “Strategic Presentation of Academic Performance and Effort in High School: A Longitudinal Approach” — how “senioritis” affects academic performance.

Samantha Rubenstein: “Depressive Symptoms, Personality Traits, Academic Performance & Sleep Habits in High School” — the effects of limited sleep.

Gabrielle Levey: “Can Bandura’s Model of Self-Efficacy be Used to Expand Our Understanding of Coaching Efficacy?” — how coaches impact the learning and performance of their athletes.