Cardinal Performance Series

Dr. Tennie McCabe, a 2004 graduate from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, has her undergraduate degree is in education. After graduating from SMU, she continued her education at Capella University. While there, she got her Masters in Sports Psychology and her PhD in General Psychology. She is one of the two new psychology professors here at SMU this year. This year she will be teaching General Psychology, Learning and Cognition, and Sport Psychology Seminar. In her free time, Dr. McCabe absolutely loves to be outside, with her favorite season being winter. She enjoys playing the Wii, or any video game that catches her interest as well.

Dr. Tennie McCabe has arranged from a series of talks, called the Cardinal Performance Series, to be give on campus. They are a series of psychological talks aimed towards student athletes here at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota to help enhance their performance. But, that isn’t to say that the talks would not be beneficial to anybody on campus. Over the course of the year, there will be at least 7 talks, roughly one talk per month. So far, there are two scheduled performance series. The first one will be on Monday, October 10^th in the Salvi Lecture Hall. It will be from 7 to 8 pm and the main focus will be “Using Imagery and Relaxation to Enhance Performance.” The second performance series talk will be on Monday, November 7^th from 7 to 8 pm. This one will also be held in the Salvi Lecture Hall and the focus will be “Self-talk: How to be Positive and How to Control the Negative.” Later talks will happen, roughly five more, and the dates, topics, and locations will be announced when known.

2011-2012 School Year Has Begun!

Welcome back to the students and a big welcome to the two new psychology professors!

This year we are delighted to have two new professors on board in the psych department. Let’s get to know them!

Dr. Casa de Calvo received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan, and his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Texas Tech University.
This fall Casa de Calvo is teaching two sections of General Psychology, and one section of Personality Psychology. He is also assisting Dr. Seebach with Internship Integration and Dr. Bucknam with Thesis Planning and Data Collection. He says “regardless of the course, I have really enjoyed working with the students of SMU - It's a tremendous group.”
When asked what he likes to do for fun in his free time, he answered, “I'm a film buff - I particularly enjoy the film noir movies of the 40's and 50's, as well as any film involving Orson Welles. I also have a jogging habit, and I love spending time with my wife Liz.”
Another fun fact, Dr. Casa de Calvo’s favorite season of the year is fall in the Midwest. “I enjoy seeing the leaves/trees change color, and the fall air is brisk without being overly cold. It's a peaceful time.”

Dr. Tennie McCabe is the second new professor in the psychology department. She is actually an alum of our very own Saint Mary’s University! She explains, “my undergraduate degree is from SMU. I'm an '04 graduate of the education department! Both my Masters in Sport Psychology and my PhD in General Psychology is from Capella University. “
This semester she is teaching General Psychology, Learning and Cognition and Sport Psychology Seminar. However, in her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her dog Cooper. “I also love kayaking, skiing, snow shoeing, hiking and mountain biking. I also enjoy playing Wii or any video game really.”
Good thing she choose to stay in Minneaosta, because she tells us her favorite season is definitely winter. “I love the snow. Any free time I have in the winter is spent on the slopes or cross-country ski trails here at SMU.”

Welcome aboard Dr. Casa de Calvo and Dr. McCabe!

Intern Panel Part I

The first internship panel session took place September 14, featuring 7 presentations by Saint Mary's Psychology seniors. Kelsi Addabbo ('12) spoke of her school psychology related internship at a Winona area elementary school. Carissa McMoore ('12) presented on her experiences at Sojourner for families that experienced domestic abuse. Bethany Hastings ('12) discussed her camp-related work with the Autism Society of Minnesota. Chelseanne Davidson ('12) presented on her work at the Family Service Center with homeless families. Allison Johnson ('12) spoke of her work at Children's Home Society and Family Services with children with autism. Cassie Berning ('12) presented on her work at Beacon House enhancing holistic health with women with chronic disease. Tiearra Johnson discussed her work in Washington, DC, with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The second internship panel will take place September 15, in the World Room at 3:15.

3 Collaborative Lab Options for Fall 2011

Three different collaborative research labs are being offered for the fall 2011 semester: Student Motivation (section A), Body Image (section B), and Alcohol (section C).

Talk to Dr. Seebach or Dr. Bucknam for more information about these opportunities for the fall and spring!

Congrats New PSI CHI Officers!

on behalf of the SMU Psych community would like to congratulate the newly voted PSI CHI (the International Honor Society of Psychology) officers for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year! Bethany Hastings will be the new PSI CHI president. Cassie Berning will take on the role of vise president and Kelsi Addaboo will be the new secretary. Congratulations ladies and we look forward to your leadership!

Sports Psychology Presentation

Dr. Aynsley Smith, a sport psychologist from the Mayo Clinic of sports Medicine, was kind enough to share some of her interesting research with SMU students and staff. She visited on Thursday, January 20th at 7pm here at Saint Mary's University. Seventy students attended her presentation titled "Concussions in Ice Hockey and beyond: Implications For the Psychology Major." A big thank you goes out to all those who attended and especailly to Dr. Aynsley Smith for sharing her knowledge with us.