Bellevue University Psychology Students and Faculty Present Research at RMPA Conference
Bellevue University psychology students and faculty presented research at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association’s 96th Annual Convention in Boise, Idaho. Three students delivered presentations, including two faculty‑student research collaborations and one student‑led project. One faculty‑student presentation earned recognition for collaborative research excellence.
Key Facts
- Conference: Rocky Mountain Psychological Association (RMPA) 96th Annual Convention
- Dates: March 26–28
- Location: Boise, Idaho
- Participants: Three Bellevue University psychology students and one faculty member
- Presentations: Two oral presentations and one poster
- Recognition: Award for faculty‑student collaboration
Conference Participation Overview
Bellevue University’s Psychology Department, represented by Associate Professor Dr. Jerome Lewis and three students, presented research at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association’s 96th Annual Convention, held March 26–28 in Boise, Idaho. Three psychology students delivered research presentations, including two faculty‑student collaborations and one student‑led project.
"Presenting at a national conference allows students to move beyond the classroom and contribute to ongoing conversations in the field," said Dr. Lewis. "These projects reflect strong critical thinking, careful research design, and the value of mentoring partnerships that support student scholarships."
Faculty‑Student Research Presentations
Students Lillian Bryson and Maria Delfin Alvarado presented research developed in collaboration with Dr. Jerome Lewis. Bryson and Dr. Lewis delivered an oral presentation titled Engendered Evil: The Effect of Gender Stereotypes on Evaluations of Moral Transgressions, which examined how gender stereotypes influence judgments of moral wrongdoing. Their work received an award recognizing faculty‑student collaboration.
Alvarado and Dr. Lewis presented Victims of Moral Reasoning: The Effects of Moral Realism on Sympathy, a study that explored how beliefs about moral objectivity affect sympathy for victims. The project included samples from the United States and Mexico and highlighted Bellevue University’s international research efforts.
"Preparing for and presenting at the conference challenged me to think more deeply about our research and how to communicate it to a wider audience," said Bryson. "Sharing our work with other students and professionals helped me see how research questions connect to real‑world conversations in psychology."
Student‑Led Research Presentation
One student presented an independent research project. Kathryn Cunningham delivered a presentation titled Encountering Evil: The Effects of Objects Associated with Evil on Fear and Existential Dread, which examined how interaction with objects linked to evil influences fear responses and worldview beliefs.
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 70,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 85 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).