School psychology students Noreen Netzsosie, Anais Medina Flores, Emily Johnson, Kenia Lopez, and Jenna Palacios showcased their research at different workshops at the professional association’s conference. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents more than 25,000 school psychologists, graduate students, and related professionals throughout the United States and 25 other countries.
The students said they liked the experience of presenting their research and encourage more students to submit presentation proposals in the future.
“I really enjoyed doing the presentation at the conference because it was about how we are using the indigenous conceptual framework with Native American youth and we would like to share information for those that are interested,” said Neztsosie, who presented with Counseling and School Psychology faculty Dr. Carol Robinson-Zañartu.
Johnson’s presentation was about enhancing consultation skills for work in culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) schools.
“We presented preliminary findings from our research investigating the use of peer feedback for developing consultation skills for work in CLD schools,” said Johnson, who presented with Medina Flores, Kenia Lopez and Dr. Colette Ingraham. “I really enjoyed presenting at NASP! Our session was well attended (about 50+ people) so I was happy that our team was able to present something meaningful to others and I was glad we were able to represent SDSU’s School Psychology Program at the conference.”
Lopez said practice helped her to overcome her nerves and to remember and deliver her part of the presentation.
“I was very nervous but we had practiced more than 10 times with and without an audience before presenting the real thing at NASP, so I knew that I was well prepared,” Lopez said. “I loved presenting at the conference. I was surprised at how engaged the audience was.”
Medina Flores was also nervous about presenting at a national conference, but she found the experience very rewarding.
“It was nerve-wracking but overall very rewarding,” said Medina Flores. “It was very validating seeing a lot of people at our presentation and seeing how engaged they were and the questions they had.”
Ingraham said presenting research at national conferences is an excellent way for students to contribute to the profession and become involved.
“They realized that their research is valuable to the profession and that they have an important role in helping education professionals across the country in working within culturally and linguistically diverse schools,” said Ingraham. “I love mentoring my students in our research projects and seeing them grow exponentially!”