McNair Scholars
Elizabeth Pierce
Beth Pierce is a senior attending Southern Oregon University working toward dual bachelor degrees in Psychology and Criminology/Criminal Justice with a minor in Women’s Studies, and anticipates graduating Magna Cum Laude in June 2012. She is most interested in the fields of: bereavement therapy, grief education, poverty and homelessness, at-risk youth sexual assault and recovery, juvenile justice reformation, behavioral and cognitive processes and feminist theory and action. In addition, she is a member of both the Southern Oregon University Psychology Club and Psi Chi National Honor Society of Psychology.
Beth intends to pursue a doctoral degree in counseling psychology. After the completion of her doctorate she intends to conduct research in the fields of bereavement therapy, and effective policy and programs for the prevention of juvenile delinquency. She greatly appreciates the education experience and also plans to teach at the university level. Her perseverance and dedication is significant to her academic success. She is influential in the classroom with her openness, constructive contribution and dedication. Her passion for learning is a motivating force to elicit dynamic change in the lives of students and is exhibited by her active role as a teaching assistant, group facilitator and writing tutor.
Beth possesses a powerful commitment in providing healing and resolution to those who are experiencing the pain of grief and loss, and she is passionate toward finding sound solutions to poverty and homelessness in the community and society. She believes that communities can only develop continuity through the self-acceptance and growth of each individual. Strengthening and building community is important to Beth. Her commitment to community involvement is demonstrated by her volunteer service with Lovejoy Hospice, First Call Funeral Services and her advocacy to bring positive change into the lives of at-risk youth through her dedication as a foster parent.
Mentor:
Dr. Mary Russell-Miller, Psychology
Curriculum Vitae
2010 McNair Scholar Symposium
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Slide Presentation: Does Broken Heart Syndrome, Following the Death of a Long-term Spouse, Actually Exist or is it a Romantic Notion? |
Metamorphosis
Broken Heart Syndrome: Folklore or Reality? (Published in Metamorphosis, a publication of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, Fall 2010)