Student Receives Grant for Undergraduate Research Presentation

The Westminster College Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning awarded an undergraduate research grant to Cristen Chiri, a senior psychology major, to present her research at the Midwestern Psychology Association meeting April 30-May 4 in Chicago.

Chiri is a daughter of Leon Chiri of Imperial and Wendy Heinz of Oakdale. She is a graduate of West Allegheny High School. She will present "Effects of Therapist Self-Disclosure on Therapeutic Alliance."

Dr. Kirk Lunnen, Westminster College assistant professor of psychology, is her faculty adviser.

"Enhancing opportunities for undergraduate research is an important component of the work of the Drinko Center in enriching undergraduate education," said Dr. Virginia Tomlinson, Westminster College associate professor of sociology and director of the Drinko Center. "The Undergraduate Research Initiative provides funding for students to conduct research and to present their research at regional and national conferences. So far this year 64 students have been awarded grants to conduct and present research."

All grant recipients are invited to participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium held on campus April 19.

Contact Tomlinson at (724) 946-6033 or e-mail tomlinvm@westminster.edu or visit www.westminster.edu/drinko for additional information.