Psychology Department Honors Student Achievement
The Department of Psychology celebrated its graduating students and honored four outstanding seniors at its annual spring awards ceremony. The event also included the induction of new members into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and recognized the undergraduate Class of 2026 as well as the research and scholarly accomplishments of graduate students.
Four undergraduates received individual awards recognizing their distinct contributions to the discipline.
Lola Connelly, a double major in psychology and neuroscience nominated by Professor Bradley Seymour, received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, which recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional performance in the classroom. This includes a high grade-point average, active participation, leadership in group projects and strong public-speaking skills.
Carly Cersani, a psychology major nominated by Professor Leonard Newman, earned the Eric F. Gardner Outstanding Psychology Student Award. The award, established in memory of a longtime department chair and scholar in evaluation, measurement and statistics, is given to students who excel in academic achievement, research involvement and service to the university and community.
Sarah Alamarie, a double major in psychology and neuroscience with a minor in biology, nominated by Professor Natalie Russo, received the Floyd Allport Outstanding Research Achievement Award. Named for a pioneer of social psychology who founded Syracuse's first Ph.D. program in the field, the award recognizes undergraduates who have worked as research assistants in a psychology lab and completed an independent research project under faculty supervision.
Britt Vanlerberghe, a double major in psychology and neuroscience nominated by Professor Seymour, was honored with the Outstanding Service Award. The award recognizes students whose dedication to service spans student leadership and campus involvement, as well as meaningful engagement in the broader community. This includes supporting at-risk populations, volunteering with mental health initiatives and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
In addition to the undergraduate awards, a commemorative booklet was distributed at the ceremony that included a list of Psi Chi inductees and highlighted graduate student accomplishments.
Published: June 16, 2026
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