Students examined Behavioral Science career options in Special Project course
Behavioral Science professionals who offered a virtual panel discussion for CS students included (top row, from left) Nathan Lynch, Dr. Kamaria Tyehimba, Dr. Lauren Hill, (bottom row, from left) Sarah Kodras, and Morgan Gibson.
During Spring Semester, students in a Special Project course facilitated by Jayne Dressing, Co-op Coordinator for the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, joined students in Dr. Heather Hatchett’s Abnormal Psychology (PSY 200) course while also building their understanding of future careers in behavioral sciences fields.
The Co-op Special Project students who were enrolled in the Psychology course also participated in a series of virtual learning opportunities offered by local professionals in these fields.
A similar paired course was offered in Fall Semester.
Jayne said, “When Heather and I originally envisioned the Special Project, we expected to use a service-learning model where the Arts and Sciences students would partner with an organization to apply their learning from the Abnormal Psychology course.”
“When the pandemic hit, we quickly changed gears to bring the practitioners to the students.”
In both Fall and Spring, the Special Project students took part in several virtual experiences, including learning about psychiatric emergency admissions from a social worker, and taking part in training focused on Trauma Informed Care.
On Apr. 15, students wrapped up the Spring Special Project by attending a panel discussion with psychology and social work practitioners representing area nonprofit organizations, including:
- Morgan Gibson, First Step Home
- Emily Grace, Hamilton County Job and Family Services
- Dr. Lauren Hill, Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services
- Sarah Kodras, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health
- Nathan Lynch, Lighthouse Youth Services
- Dr. Kamaria Tyehimba, Talbert House
Students learned about education, training, and licensure requirements; work experiences; and career mobility in these organizations.
- During a Q&A session, students gained more information about entry level work experiences and how to prepare to be effective practitioners.
- Nathan Lynch from Lighthouse Youth Services advised students, “Understanding is literally ‘standing under’ and being willing to learn from others.”
In addition to the interactions with professionals, Special Project students also had virtual meetings with advisors from four-year institutions. The university representatives answered questions and provided more information about bachelor’s degree majors that focus on the behavioral sciences.
Jayne said, “The goal of the paired course was to broaden opportunities for experiential learning, while helping our transfer-focused students to prepare for life beyond Cincinnati State.”
Heather added, “Bringing this programming to students sparks a passion in them. They begin to make real connections between what they’re learning in the classroom and how that knowledge applies in practice.”
Participating organizations in addition to those mentioned above included UC Medical Center, The Family Nurturing Center, the University of Cincinnati, Miami University, Ohio University, and Xavier University.
(Zoom screenshots provided by Jayne Dressing)