BW Psychology Grad Awarded Master's Assistantship

Ashely Smith '10

Recent BW graduate, Ashley Smith '15, is now working as a graduate assistant for the College of Public Health at Kent State University. While at BW, Smith combined studies in behavioral sciences and public health to essentially created a customized education in "Health Psychology," although her official major was psychology.

Smith (R) with BW professor Jen Perry on graduation day

Smith's exceptional grade point average of 3.988, combined with an impressive list of activities on and off campus during her undergraduate career, helped to land the assistantship as she pursue's a master's degree in public health with a concentration in social and behavioral sciences.

As a BW undergrad, the Berea native was especially active in BW's Psychology Department, serving as Psychology Student Research Coordinator, President of Psi Chi, Treasurer of the Psychology Club, and avid researcher.

Smith received BW's William Prokasy Award for her academic achievements and contributions to the field of psychology, and also was a White Rose Ceremony participant.

As she pursues her graduate degree, she is working on two separate grant funded projects. 

BW Grad Featured on ABC-TV's "Scandal"

Seth Bellinger '10

Seth Bellinger '10, a Fairview, Ohio native who graduated from Baldwin Wallace with a Film/Broadcasting major and Psychology minor, was recently featured on ABC's season premiere of the hit drama series, Scandal.

Following graduation, Bellinger traveled to Los Angeles in pursuit of a career in film. After a few months in LA, he started getting offers for small parts in independent films, commercials and television shows.

Bellinger (left) on the Season 5 Premiere of Scandal on ABC-TV

He has acted in commercials for Spiklit and Golden Era Productions and also played the campus stalker on the television series, Dead of Night. Bellinger has also been featured in print advertising, including a appearance alongside CeeLo Green for a Fast Company Magazine ad.

A man of many talents, Bellinger, creates film, directs, acts and instructs tennis during his free time.

The Season 5 Premiere of Scandal aired on September 24 and is available on ABC.com.

Alumna "Lives Justice" as a Leading Voice for Equality in Ohio

Alana Jochum, Managing Director of Equality Ohio. Courtesy Equality Ohio

Alumna Alana Jochum ’05 has been fighting for LGBT equality long before the recent Supreme Court ruling that legalized same sex marriage. Now an attorney and managing director for Equality Ohio, Jochum was a campus leader on equality as a BW undergrad. She headed up BW Allies a gay-straight alliance that promotes an accepting campus environment for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. After earning a bachelor’s degree in both English and psychology, she has continued to advocate for LGBT equality for more than a decade.

Following graduation, volunteered in Mumbai, India with the nongovernmental organization, Humsafar Trust, which focuses on advancing LGBT rights in India. When she returned to the U.S., Jochum worked with United Way of Greater Cleveland and volunteered for the Human Rights Campaign.

In 2007, she continued her education at the Cleveland State University Marshall College of Law where she served as Editor in Chief of the Cleveland State Law Review, won a regional moot court Best Brief award and, at her 2010 graduation, was given the very first “Learn Law, Live Justice” award for dedicating her education to the cause of justice.

After practicing law as an associate at Squire Patton Boggs, LLC for four years,  Jochum joined Equality Ohio as managing director in 2014 where she now works full-time as an advocate for statewide LGBT equality.

Freshman Cancer Survivor's Story Prompts Televised Surprise

The courage and service of BW freshman Arshawna Warren '19 inspired a national television audience this week, as Steve Harvey's syndicated talk show honored the teen breast cancer survivor for giving back to her community — and surprised her with a brand new Ford Focus and $5,000!

Even before she arrived at BW this fall to study psychology, Warren was applauded for the award-winning and life-saving outreach program she developed as a young cancer survivor. At 16, Warren discovered a lump during a routine self-exam and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection saved her life and inspired Warren to spread the word about self-exams and early detection. She developed a workshop and website, "Be Pretty in Pink," to empower middle school and high school students.

“I figured why not put a workshop on for young people about young people getting breast cancer or any type of cancer,” she tells the media. “It’s not too early to start checking.”

This summer, Warren's work also earned her the presitgious Girl Scout Gold Award, presented to young women who “demonstrate extraordinary leadership through remarkable Take Action projects that have sustainable impact in their communities — and beyond.”

Before the recognition by Steve Harvey (which you can replay in its entirety below), Warren's story was featured on WKYC-TV and USA TODAY, as well as Romona's Kids on 19 News. The story has since been shared on news sites all over the world. 

BW Graduate Lands Dream Job in Korea

(L to R) Asia Foundation Country Representative Dylan Davis, Shinyoung Park,
U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, and Chairman of the Friends
of Asia Foundation Han Sung-Joo. Courtesy of the Asia Foundation

A diverse liberal arts education can be an instrumental foundation for a successful career and Dylan Davis ’03 offers a perfect example. Davis graduated from BW with a double major in psychology and music and now works as The Asia Foundation’s Country Representative in Korea.

It’s a position that Davis says he had been “following for at least ten years” and an opportunity he could not pass up. The passion that Davis has for the Korean people and culture was ignited when he became the first BW student to Study Abroad at Ewha University in Seoul. In a news release, The Asia Foundation pointed to his liberal arts education, in combination with graduate coursework at Yonsei University Graduate School of Public Health and his deep work experience in Korea as helping to prepare him for this new dream job.

Prior to landing his current post, Davis was program director for the Center of Korean Studies at University of California, Berkeley where he promoted knowledge of Korea on campus while working to build and expand programming centered around the country.

Before Berkeley, Davis spent eight years residing in Korea, working for the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, serving as an International Affairs Officer at Yonsei University’s Severance Hospital, and working for the Korean-American Educational Commission where he had formerly been a Fulbright Grantee. Davis is exceptional in not only speaking, but writing Korean.

Davis has been recognized for his service by several distinguished organizations including the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. In 2013, the Mansfield Foundation also selected him as one of only ten Korea specialists to partake in the first gathering of Korea-Foundation-Mansfield Foundation Korea Nexus Scholars.

Senior Takes Psychology Research to NYC

Undergraduate research successes at BW often result in impressive national presentation opportunities. That's the case for BW psychology/ pre-medical major Kyle Johnston '16, who spent three semesters researching the effects of concussion in athletes. His unique study analyzed information from all 23 athletic teams at BW. 

In May, the rising senior and aspiring medical professional took his research on the road. Johnston and his faculty advisor, Dr. Dale Grubb presented the research at the American Psychology Society's 27th annual Conference in New York City. APS not only provided an excellent conference for showcasing the research, but allowed Johnston to gain insight on similar psychological studies.

BW Grad Goes Global

BW alumnus, Dylan Davis '03 has recently earned an appointment as The Asia Foundation's new Country Representative in Seoul, South Korea, the latest step in a fascinating international career that was sparked by an undergraduate study abroad experience.

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international organization that seeks to improve lives, expand opportunities and help Asian nations unite and flourish. The longstanding partnership of The Asia Foundation spans across 18 Asian countries.

Prior to his appointment, Davis was involved in 
extensive in-country work with Korean and American institutions. Davis also served in the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and most recently, as Program Director for the Center for Korean Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

While attending BW, Davis majored in both psychology and music. As an undergrad, he studied abroad in Seoul and told political science and international studies professor Dr. Judy Krutky that "I have you and Baldwin Wallace to thank for the study abroad experience at Ewha that led to a Fulbright grant, and now this new opportunity."

Davis has received many awards from high-level institutions around the globe. His tenure as Country Representative in Seoul will begin on March 2.

Grad Featured as "Millennial Expert" in Forbes Article

Author and career coach Antoine Moss, PhD. '05 was asked to weigh in on the generation now entering the job market for a "Forbes" article, "What Millennials And Their Leaders Must Know To Succeed" --published shortly before he will begin sharing his knowledge back on campus later this semester.

The BW grad majored in criminal justice with a minor in psychology, going on to receive his doctorate degree from Cleveland State University at the age of 28. Specializing professionally in helping young college graduates to secure job placement in their dream jobs, Moss offered "Forbes" insight on the Millennial mindset and provided tips on developing workplace leadership tailored to helping the new generation succeed.

"[T]ry to understand millennials [generally those who were born in the 1980s and 1990s] in an effort to understand the ways they can help your company grow," Moss gave as one key piece of advice: "Work towards problem-seeking solutions."

Moss will be bringing his expertise back to the BW community this year, joining the Advisory Committee for the Political Science Department and serving as a guest speaker in a political science class taught by Dr. Tom Sutton.

Psychology and Public Health Majors Serve in Ghana

For many students, summer includes bonfires at the beach, road trips with friends, and naps by the pool. Two Baldwin Wallace students, Nuha Alshabani ’15 (pictured above) and Mary McHale ’16, spent part of their summer serving in the Cape Coast of Ghana on issues related to public health and education. Both have plans to return to the African nation.

As part of their ProWorld-Intrax internships, Nuha and Mary assisted Cape Coast teachers in classrooms for students with disabilities. The pair also interned in a department for social welfare focusing on health promotion for such issues as HIV/AIDS awareness, personal hygiene, and basic first aid.

While living in Ghana, Nuha and Mary faced the challenges that come with cultural immersion. Both students noted that their liberal arts education at BW helped prepare them. Nuha said, “I realized how important a liberal arts education is and how it can prepare you for practical issues. I felt like I had knowledge in many different areas that I could draw on to help me in my internship and interactions in the community.”

Mary found the experience to be a confidence booster. “I think I have become a friendlier person. In Africa, everyone says hello to each other, and since I have left, I’ve definitely picked that up and do it in the States.”

As a Public Health major, Mary’s experience also supported her career development. She aspires to attend graduate school for public health and an accelerated nursing program after earning her undergraduate degree, and would like to serve in the Peace Corps. After graduation, Nuha hopes to apply her degree in Psychology towards becoming a child and family counselor.

This December, Mary and Nuha will return to Ghana to continue their internships during winter break.

Neuroscience Major Secures Major Grant for Thesis Project

Rachel Zacharias '15 won a prestigious $5,000 grant from the International Honor Society in Psychology, Psi Chi, to fund the research for her thesis project. This is just one of many successes for the impressive neuroscience and psychology major.

Zacharias just wrapped up a summer internship at West Virginia University where she won recognition and a cash prize for her poster presentation. She spent the summer at WVU as part of a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.

"I learned lab techniques, such as running western blots and radial arm water maze testing, that will be helpful as I continue my career in neuroscience,” she said of the experience. "One of the highlights was attending the WVU Neuroscience Retreat at Oglebay, where I won an award for my poster presentation of my research project.” She was one of just four undergrads to receive recognition.

With a successful summer behind her, Zacharias now turns to her thesis research, which focuses on possible treatments for the negative impacts of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on daily life. She hopes to "discover more about the effectiveness of (the drugs) acetazolamide and corticosterone as either prophylactics or treatments for PTSD."

Senior Rocks Elite Internship Opportunity

Nicholas Wilders '15, who designed an interdepartmental major in "theatre and concert production" by combining coursework in the Conservatory of Music, theatre and business,  rocked a Cleveland Foundation-supported summer internship at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Nick, one of 16 interns chosen from more than 300 applicants, worked with the Strategy & Planning department collecting surveys and crunching the data. "Essentially, I explored trends in visitors and visitations so that we could correlate the needs and displayed behaviors of the visitors with potential future opportunities for the museum," he explains.

His top takeaway from the summer? "I learned that it's very dangerous to assume things about your customers. Our data showed some interesting trends in Rock Hall visitors that weren't necessarily common sense." The Mechanicsburg, Penn. native's ultimate career goal is to work as a producer/director in theatre, with an emphasis on social justice.

At BW, Nick is also pursuing minors in management, arts management and psychology while plugging into a host of campus activities including the PRISM concert, BW Beatles, BW Music Theatre Showcase, Arts Management Association, Psychology Honors Society, BW Opera, College Democrats and, this week, Weekend of Welcome orientation leader!

Big Dogs on Campus Pass Therapy Dog Exam

Two dogs that trained on campus with BW psychology department students are now certified therapy dogs.  Luca, the Great Dane, and Chloe, the Sheltie, passed the Therapy Dog International (TDI ™) test this summer. The dogs will begin working with OhioGuidestone clients as soon as the licenses are in hand. OhioGuidestone's Rivienne Levin says Luca has already been identified to work with an autistic client,  as well as a client diagnosed with anxiety.

That success doesn't mean the BW community won't continue to benefit from canine companionship. OhioGuidestone's Lori Hanson and Levin will be assessing dogs who belong to current OhioGuidestone licensed therapists in the next few weeks. Once dogs are selected, they will be looking for volunteer BW students to again train the dogs in the upcoming academic year.

And, the gentle giant, Luca, and little Chloe also will continue to make appearances on the BW campus in order to keep their public access skills sharp. Levin says student trainers will gain new insights as they evaluate and work with dogs who are in the beginning stages of learning, as well as experienced dogs that need continuing supportive training.

Congrats to our student trainers and good luck to Luca and Chloe as they embark on their new roles as healing helpers!

Read more on BW's therapy dog training program.

BW Student Performs In Innovative Cleveland Orchestra Opera

The "grasshopper" on stage in a recent groundbreaking production at Severance Hall was also a Yellow Jacket!

The Cleveland Orchestra's innovative production of Leoą Janáček’s opera, The Cunning Little Vixen, featured BW sophomore Miranda Scholl '16 who says, "It was a surreal experience to be performing on stage with Martina Jankova, and backstage sitting with Jennifer Johnson Cano!"

Mixing projected animation and live action, Vixen earned positive reviews from a variety of newspapers including The New York Times and Cleveland Plain Dealer, which dubbed it "a veritable feast, a dynamic and groundbreaking spectacle."

Scholl, a psychology and theatre double major who auditioned and won the featured roles of Grasshopper/Frantík, is pictured at right in the production photo below. The young soprano says she feels incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity.

"I distinctly remember being in the audience for the Cleveland Orchestra's performance of The Seasons by F. Joseph Hayden, watching the soloists and promising to myself, 'I will someday solo for the Cleveland Orchestra.' Never in a million years did I think it would be this soon!"

Growing Ovation Day Highlights Student Success

In an expanded format and new location BW's 2014 Ovation celebration set records for the number of projects, number of participants, number of volunteers, number of reviewers and number of attendees. When the reviews were tallied, this year's Ovation Presentation Awards went to: 

• "We All Want to Change the World: A Deconstruction of the 'White Album'" by Patrick Hyzy with support from faculty sponsor Beth Hiser, Conservatory
• "Exposure to NMDA Receptor Antagonists at P7 Alters Prepulse Inhibition at P21 in Rats" presented by students Janace Gifford and Rachel Zacharias; faculty sponsor Brian Thomas, Psychology
• "SPROUT: Long-Term Impacts of Residential Programs for Single-Parent Students in Higher Education," presented by student(s) Rebecca Shisler, Brook Hradisky, faculty sponsor Jill Stephens Fleisher, Sociology

The Greek Life Award was presented to Katie Nadson from Alpha Gama Delta for her project, "Seasonal Patterns of Anthocyanin Production in NE Ohio Plants," and the People’s Choice Awards went to "YJ4L."

BW Provost Steve Stahl said the Ovation performances and presentations embodied BW's mission. "We demonstrated our commitment as an academic community to the liberal arts and sciences; we conducted rigorous scholarship and illustrated the excellence in teaching and learning within a challenging and supportive environment."

One 2014 Ovation presenter, Jenn Lenart, had her work with biology professor Chris Stanton and other students featured in the Plain Dealer.  Follow this link to see full list of awards and scholarships presented at Ovation's Honors Ceremony.

Student Therapy Dog Training Grabs Media Spotlight

BW's innovative partnership that allows psychology majors to train therapy dogs on campus has grabbed the media spotlight in the past week.
The story first appeared in Monday's Plain Dealer; yesterday, two Cleveland television stations profiled the program with the help of three BW psychology majors who are gaining experience with service dog training, as well as internship or field credit. Psychology majors Annie Carver '14, Zoe Locascio '15 and Whitney Vura '14 and department chair Charles Levin were featured in the reports, along with OhioGuidestone therapy dogs in-training Luca and Chloe.

For the 6 and 10 p.m. report on FOX 8, Enrique Correa even used a GoPro "doggie cam" to capture footage from the collar of 190-pound Great Dane, Luca. The Fox 8 report and the story that aired at 4, 6 and 11 p.m. on WOIO TV 19 noted that the presence of the dogs on campus has been a bonus for all students, who frequently stop to interact with the dogs as they go about their training in classrooms, the union, etc.

Read even more about the therapy dog training program on the BW website.

BW Professor Guest Lectures On Love

How does the brain change while in love? BW's Dr. Michael Dwyer has the answer. The longtime and celebrated professor in BW's Department of Psychology was invited to give a lecture about these changes at the Westshore Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) on Wednesday, February 12, at 7 p.m.

Dr. Dwyer will teach the audience about the development of the love and attachment in the brain during the course of a lifetime.

"In a nutshell," says Dr. Dwyer, "I begin with what the poets say about the emotions and behavior of love, and then look at the physiology of love and how they all interact."

The lecture is free lecture and open to the public. More information can be found at  www.tri-c.edu/YearOfTheBrain

BW Professor Recognized for a Lifetime of Stellar Work

BW psychology professor Dr. Michael Dwyer has earned the Ohio Psychological Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors Ohio psychologists who advance psychology as a science and/or profession through 25 or more years of outstanding contributions to the field.

Dr. Dwyer has definitely had a productive career, which ranged from consulting on behalf of children to developing an early childhood intervention model involving the interaction of early brain development.

But what really defines his career is the way he has mentored so many students in more than 30 years at BW. As his faculty colleague, Dr. Jennifer Perry puts it, "He has been a supporter, cheerleader, critic, and overall support network for so many of our students – and so many of them attribute much of their success to his support."