Clarkson Students Present Psychology Research at National Conference
Potsdam, NY (03/17/2026) — Three Clarkson University psychology students presented original research at the 2026 Society for Personality and Social Psychology Annual Convention in Chicago, one of the field's leading international gatherings.
Undergraduates Makayla Kepner from Watervliet, NY and Genevieve Mucitelli from Buffalo, NY, along with recent graduate Naana Hutchful from Hangzhou, China, shared their work at the conference, which brings together researchers from around the world. Their projects were conducted under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Ying Zhang, who leads the Cultural, Family and Child Development Lab, and Lisa Legault, professor, chair of psychology and director of the Motivation and Emotion Lab.
Hutchful presented "Barriers to Mental Health Help-Seeking: How Racism Erodes Perceptions of Therapy," a study examining how racism influences perceptions of mental health stigma and trust in providers. She said the experience of presenting and connecting with international researchers was meaningful and reinforced her commitment to addressing mental health disparities.
Kepner presented "Family Engagement Pathways in Early Head Start: Understanding How Service Use Experiences Shape Parenting," co-designed with Zhang, Qingyang Liu of Arizona State University and Fei Shen of Kean University. The project uses longitudinal data to explore how participation in Early Head Start programs influences parenting outcomes. Kepner said the conference expanded her perspective on research and strengthened her interest in pursuing a career in psychology.
Mucitelli presented two research posters. Her primary project, "The Hidden Strain: Investigating the Link Between Relationship Stress and Maternal Postpartum Depression," examines how relationship dynamics affect the mental health of new mothers using nationwide survey data. She emphasized the importance of research that highlights gaps in support for women within health care and policy systems.
Her second presentation, "From Parenting to Prosociality: Early Head Start Pathways to Children's Social-Emotional Skills," was co-authored with Kepner, Liu and Zhang and explores how early childhood programs influence parenting behaviors and children's development. Mucitelli described the conference as an important step in her professional growth.
Student participation at SPSP was partially supported by a Head Start research grant from the Administration for Children and Families.
For more information about psychology research opportunities at Clarkson University, visit clarkson.edu/psychology.
Clarkson University is a proven leader in technological education, research, innovation and sustainable economic development. With its main campus in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, Clarkson faculty have a direct impact on more than 7,800 students annually through nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate STEM designated degrees in engineering, business, science and health professions; executive education, industry-relevant credentials and K-12 STEM programs. Alumni earn salaries among the top 2% in the nation: one in five already leads in the c-suite. To learn more go to www.clarkson.edu.
