Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Conference

May 5, 2026 - 09:46

A group of University of Northern Colorado students recently shared their original research at the annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association. The conference, held in Denver, provided a platform for undergraduates to present findings developed through close faculty mentorship and intensive lab work.

Students from UNC's Psychological Sciences department displayed projects ranging from cognitive bias studies to social behavior analysis. One standout presentation examined how sleep patterns affect memory retention in college students, a topic the team explored using data collected from campus volunteers. Another project looked at the impact of virtual reality environments on anxiety levels during public speaking tasks.

Faculty advisors emphasized that the hands-on lab experience was crucial to the students' success. "These students didn't just read about research methods in a textbook," said one professor. "They designed experiments, recruited participants, and analyzed real data. That kind of direct involvement builds confidence and critical thinking skills."

Several students noted that presenting at a professional conference helped them prepare for graduate school and careers in psychology. "It was nerve-wracking at first, but getting feedback from experts in the field was incredibly valuable," said one senior. The university plans to continue supporting undergraduate research opportunities, with faculty already recruiting students for next year's projects.