In a first-ever initiative made possible by a $70,000 grant from Empire State Development (ESD), the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) BA in Psychology program brought 32 undergraduate psychology majors to Washington, D.C. this past May for the 2025 Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention.
The three-day conference gave students the chance to attend keynote talks, professional workshops, poster sessions, and networking events at one of the field’s most prestigious gatherings. The experience, fully funded through the grant, was designed to expand access and prepare students for future careers in psychology, while underscoring the transformative power of hands-on academic opportunities.
Dr. Carla Marquez-Lewis, academic director of the CUNY SPS Psychology program, called the trip a professional milestone for the students, noting it will help shape their academic and career paths for years to come.
“This opportunity allowed our students to engage with leading voices in the field while building connections with peers and faculty in person,” Dr. Marquez-Lewis said. “Thanks to the generous support of Empire State Development, our students came away inspired, more confident in their goals, and better prepared to take the next steps in their psychology studies and careers.”
Faculty members Dr. Isabelle Elisha, the associate director for the Psychology program, and Dr. Chelsea Hansen joined Dr. Marquez-Lewis in leading the trip. Looking back afterwards, Dr. Elisha noted the effort required to coordinate such a large group.
“Planning the trip to the 2025 APS Convention required a significant amount of time, coordination with multiple entities, and perseverance. At a few points, last-minute changes and glitches added to our task,” Dr. Elisha said. “However, student enthusiasm about attending a professional conference was a true motivator to push through the obstacles. In the end, we shared a wonderful and unforgettable experience in DC.”
For the undergrad psychology majors attending the APS conference, the experience really helped them gain a deeper sense of the discipline—while also building community.
“The trip was a wonderful experience that motivated me to pursue higher education after completing my bachelor’s degree. Meeting my peers and professor in person also made me feel more connected to the CUNY SPS community, which added a sense of belonging to my academic journey,” said Beyra Thomas (pictured left). “The biggest highlight for me, aside from attending all the conferences, was having the chance to speak with professionals working in different areas of psychology and hearing their stories. I also enjoyed connecting with students from other campuses and interacting with fellow SPS classmates in person.”
“I am grateful for the incredible impact of attending the 2025 APS conference, where I had the opportunity to connect with my fellow classmates from CUNY SPS in person. Being in their presence and sharing a common passion for psychology was truly awe-inspiring,” Amilia Shen observed. “…Attending a fully asynchronous online college can sometimes feel isolating, but opportunities like this field trip made me feel connected and gave me a sense of belonging, along with the added joy of making lifelong friends. “
For Nurhan Michel (pictured right), the conference offered a behind-the-scenes peek into the field. “The poster sessions became my favorite part. I spent hours in the poster sessions, asking question after question about every study I encountered,” Michel explained. “What surprised me was the stage work. Some were not even technically polished, but that made it more interesting. I could see research at every stage, from rough ideas to published studies. Seeing this range of research gave me real inspiration for my future. "
Chance Nalley (pictured left) noted the conference motivated him to consider a future career in psychology. “CUNY SPS providing me with the opportunity to attend the APS conference last May was an invaluable experience,” Nalley said. “…I was able to see how the concepts taught in our assignments are being applied in careers and society. I even met the authors of some of the research that I learned about in my classes, which was inspirational. Prior to this conference, I had not really considered pursuing a doctorate, but now I am contemplating that possibility for my future. “
In addition to the trip, the Empire State Development grant also funded the participating students’ membership to the APS, as well as several preliminary workshops and talks designed to prepare the students for the conference and careers in the field.
About the CUNY SPS BA in Psychology Program
The CUNY SPS BA in Psychology online degree program focuses on scientifically studying the human mind and behavior. Throughout the program, students also gain a solid foundation in research methodology, motivation, learning, social behavior, and development that they can apply toward a variety of careers in psychology and related fields as well as graduate studies. Recognized for its quality, the CUNY SPS BA in Psychology program is ranked annually among the top ten in the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology programs.
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
Press Contact
Prerna Dar
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