Media, Awards, Announcements

David Barker, a professor in the Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, studies the pathways in the brain involved with psychiatric disorders with the goal of finding effective treatments. His work has recently focused on a receptor—a key protein for communication in the brain—that shows promise in promoting pain relief without triggering the addictive response associated with opioid receptors. Addiction to opioid prescription painkillers has fueled a public health crisis over

In a study published in Psychological Review, Drs. Sommer, Hemmer, and Musolino analyzed previous studies and have developed a new scientific theory they say is behind the psychology of belief.

Study Examines What Drives Belief

The Barker Lab was awarded the Grossman Innovation Prize. The Prize, named for Alan H. Grossman, provides funding for proof-of-concept studies that allow faculty innovators to develop product ideas with the hope that these nascent products might eventually transform into an independent business or attract venture capital funding.His work has recently focused on an 'orphan' receptor—a key protein for communication in the brain with no known binding target—that shows promise in promoting pain

Professor Torres, Director of the Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, receives Career Development Award from the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation. The award, a second in her tenure at Rutgers University, is to lend continuity to her research program in autism and embodied cognition. This brings the generous contributions of the Foundation to over 1.3 million dollars to the Torres lab, for research in autism.

Professor Torres’ Sensory Motor Integration Lab has received the Community Partner Award from the International Association for Spelling as Communication. This award is for developing accionable science that helps autistic non-speakers understand their sensory motor differences and educates society to support them and help improve communication. The SMIL students and postdocs hosted Autistic Non-Speakers and their families at their April 2023 NJACE Global conference.

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Dr. Diana Sanchez has recently been elected as the the 2025 president of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), the largest organization of personality and social psychologists in the world. She will begin her term as president-elect in 2024 and past president in 2026. During her term, Dr. Sanchez will strengthen SPSP’s outreach and advocacy efforts, and work to diversify representation at all levels of SPSP. For more info, visit

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The Rutgers of Innovation Ventures celebrated the Research Inventors on May 22, 2023 and Prof. Torres received an award for her US patents. They will accelerate the translation of the Sensory Motor Integration Lab discoveries to real-world applications and will bring revenue to the SAS unit, the Psychology Dept. and the Torres SMIL.

Professor Tracey Shors provided the Richard D. Church Public Lecture in Neuroscience at St. Lawrence University this April.

Everyone experiences trauma. Whether it’s a specific harrowing event or a series of stressful moments that accumulate over time, trauma can echo and etch itself into our brains. In her lecture, neuroscientist Dr. Tracey Shors will discuss how our brains are inclined to ruminate on painful memories and how this process can interfere with our everyday lives, while making

Dear Honors Students, Graduate Students, Faculty, and Staff,

You undoubtedly know that we are part of a very large department with a huge undergraduate education and research component. This year, over 700 students will graduate as Psychology majors. Of those 700+ majors, only 22 will graduate with the designation “Honors Research Scholar in Psychology”. These 22 represent our most dedicated, intellectually engaged, and hard-working students.

Completing an Honors Thesis is a test of tenacity,

Allison Bond has been features in multiple publications at The Press of Atlantic City and the Rutgers SAS News Digest.

https://pressofatlanticcity.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/health-care-providers-rarely-screen-for-firearm-access/article_db88a408-4549-5bcf-8450-f5e9c79fccdd.html