First-Year Doctoral Student Honored with Neuropsychology Research Award

Christina Korotki, a first-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program, has been awarded the Rolland S. Parker Award for Outstanding Neuropsychology Research. Korotki received the honor at the Greater New York Behavioral Research Conference, held on November 2, 2024, at St. Francis College in Brooklyn. Her paper “Does Social Play Encourage Cognitive Stay?” explores building cognitive reserve through social gameboard play.

In addition to receiving the award, Korotki presented a summary of her findings on behalf of herself and co-author Nathan George, Ph.D. of Adelphi University. The presentation delved into how engaging in social play activities might influence cognitive performance and neurodevelopment, offering valuable insights for practitioners and researchers in psychology and neuropsychology.

“My goal was to find an accessible and fun means to mental exercise to people exposed to neurodegenerative diseases. My grandmother had early onset Alzheimer’s, and I wanted to create a new way to help people like her,” Korotki explained.

The conference also featured contributions from Chad Larsen, a student in the M.A. in Psychological Studies program, and Peggy Brady-Amoon, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Professional Psychology and Family Therapy. Larsen, collaborating with Professor and Psychological Studies Program Director Sandra Lee, Ph.D., presented their work “Decoding Flow for Enhanced Sports Performance,” which explained what flow state is and how it enhances sports performance. Brady-Amoon’s presentation, “What Can You Do with a Degree in Psychology?” provided attendees with practical guidance on career pathways and opportunities in the field of psychology.

Categories: Health and Medicine, Research