The Westminster College Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning awarded undergraduate research grants to three psychology students.

Beth Porter, a senior psychology major, is a daughter of William and Julie Porter of Natrona Heights and a graduate of Highlands High School. She will use the grant to conduct research on "The Long Term Effects of Rejection Sensitivity and Coping on Aggression in College Students." Her adviser is Dr. Mandy Medvin, Westminster College professor and Gibson-Drinko Distinguished Chair of psychology.

Two students will use the grants to present their research at the Midwestern Psychology Association meeting April 30-May 4 in Chicago:

Amy Whitling, a senior psychology major, is a daughter of Nelson and Linda Whitling of Shippenville and a graduate of Clarion Area High School. She will present "Source of Self-Esteem, Similarity, and Competition among College Roommates during the First Year of College." Dr. Sherri Pataki, Westminster College assistant professor of psychology, is her adviser.

Elise Woomer, a senior psychology and religion major, is a daughter of Thomas and Gail Woomer of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Penn Hills High School. She will present "Parasympathetic Arousal Following Religious versus Non-Religious Meditation Based on Level of Participant Religiosity." Dr. Kirk Lunnen, Westminster College assistant professor of psychology, is her 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 over 80 students have been awarded grants to conduct and present research."

All grant recipients are invited to participate in Westminster's 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.