ECU Department of Psychology

10/31/2026

🎃👻 Happy Stats-o-Ween from Dr. Baker and Dr. Schoemann’s graduate statistics classes!

Our graduate students got into the Halloween spirit with a variety of creative, stats-themed costumes inspired by the world of statistics and R packages, including mice 🐭 and Fisherman 🎣 for Fisher’s Exact Test!

Who knew statistics could be this spooky (and fun)? Wishing everyone a frightfully fun (and safe!) Halloween! 🧡📊

10/30/2026

Dr. Baudino and several students from the Clinical Health Psychology program recently volunteered at Greenville T1D Community Day, an event sponsored by Breakthrough T1D that brings together children living with type 1 diabetes and their families for a day of connection, support, and community.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect with local families, support a meaningful community initiative, and learn more about the experiences of children and families impacted by T1D. We are proud of their commitment to service and community engagement and grateful to have been part of such a meaningful event! 💙

10/27/2026

Dr. Matt Whited was able to “hook” up with several fellow Pirates to present a workshop on Behavioral Activation, an evidence-based treatment for depression, to interns and fellows at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas! 🏴‍☠️

We’re especially proud to see ECU Health Psychology alumni Dr. Jordan Ellis, director of the fellowship, and Kaley Kropp, co-director, continuing to make an impact in training the next generation of health professionals. 💜💛

10/19/2026

📰 Hot Off the Presses!

We’re spotlighting another new publication featuring Melissa Adkins-Hempel, a first-year doctoral student in ECU’s Clinical Health Psychology program!

📚 “Implementing Proactive Smoking Cessation Induction Interventions in a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic: A Pilot Type 2 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Study”

Published in the Community Mental Health Journal, this study explores strategies for integrating smoking cessation treatment into community behavioral health settings.

Because to***co use is especially prevalent among people with mental health and substance use disorders, making cessation support more accessible in these settings is an important step toward improving whole-person health. The study found that proactive outreach and implementation strategies to support providers were feasible and acceptable, supporting the need for a larger trial to evaluate their effectiveness.

We’re proud to highlight research that addresses important public health needs and advances the integration of behavioral health and to***co cessation care!

🔗 Read the open-access article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10597-026-01727-1

10/15/2026

📰 Hot Off the Presses! 📰

We’re excited to spotlight a new publication featuring Melissa Adkins-Hempel, a first-year doctoral student in ECU’s Clinical Health Psychology program!

📚 “Nicotine Replacement Therapy Sampling for Cigarette Cessation in Dental Care: A National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial”

This study explores whether providing starter supplies of ni****ne replacement therapy in dental practices can help support smoking cessation. By examining ways to integrate to***co cessation support into dental care, this research highlights opportunities for more accessible, interdisciplinary approaches to improving health.

We’re proud to see our Clinical Health Psychology students contributing to research with meaningful implications for public health and patient care.

🔗 Read the publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.70618

10/13/2026

The ECU Health Aortic Program is taking a comprehensive approach to aortic disease and that includes understanding the psychological and behavioral challenges patients may face after diagnosis and surgery.

In this story from ECU News Services, Dr. Sam Sears, faculty member in the Department of Psychology, discusses his team’s research on activity, confidence and the emotional impact of aortic disease.

Dr. Sears and his research team are working to help patients not only achieve outstanding surgical outcomes, but also regain confidence, manage the emotional impact of their diagnosis and return to active, meaningful lives.

We’re proud to see the important contributions of psychology represented in this innovative, multidisciplinary approach to patient care at ECU Health.

Read the full story here: https://news.ecu.edu/2026/09/28/actors-tyler-ritter-amy-yasbeck-headline-annual-aortic-awareness-day/

10/09/2026

The Department of Psychology is proud to celebrate Dr. Alexander Schoemann on his promotion to Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology!

In his new role, Dr. Schoemann looks forward to supporting the faculty, staff, and students in the department and building on the strong foundation established by our Psychology community.

We are also grateful to Dr. Alan Christensen for his many years of dedicated service as chair. His leadership and commitment to the department have made a lasting impact, and we thank him for all he has done to support our faculty, staff, and students.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Schoemann on this exciting achievement and welcoming him into his new role as chair! 💜💛

09/28/2026

Psychology Faculty Share Expertise at Behavioral Health Expo!

On Tuesday, September 22, Dr. Matt Whited and Dr. Kendahl Shortway represented the ECU Department of Psychology at the Behavioral Health Expo at AHEC in Greenville.

Dr. Whited presented on “Management & Prevention of Depression,” while Dr. Shortway presented on “Suicide Prevention.” The event brought together local mental health professionals and community members for an opportunity to learn, connect, and share knowledge around important behavioral health topics.

We’re proud of our faculty for contributing their expertise to support behavioral health education and the local community! 💜

09/25/2026

Raising Awareness for Aortic Health!

Dr. Sam Sears recently discussed ECU Aortic Day, an important initiative focused on raising awareness about aortic disease and the importance of cardiovascular health.

In the video, Dr. Sears shares more about ECU Aortic Day and the importance of education and awareness surrounding aortic health.

We’re proud to see our faculty sharing their expertise and helping bring greater awareness to important health issues in our community. 💜

🎥 Watch Dr. Sears’ discussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-3-FvhB44k

Take in some sights and sounds from ECU Health's Aortic Awareness D...

09/25/2026

Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Festival

CHP Ph.D. student Rasheedah Adisa joined Dr. Kendahl Shortway at the Breaking the Silence Mental Health Festival at St. James United Methodist Church in Greenville.

Representing the ECU Psychology Clinic, Rasheedah shared an important presentation on su***de prevention and the resources available to support mental health and well-being in our community.

The festival brought together speakers and organizations from across East Carolina University and the Greenville community, all committed to breaking down barriers, connecting individuals with resources, and promoting mental health and wellness.

We’re grateful to Rasheedah for representing ECU Psychology and contributing to this important community conversation. 💜