This past week, we witnessed the tragedy that results from hate and intolerance. A violent act of anti-Semitic hatred in Pittsburgh at the Tree of Life Synagogue resulted in the death of 11 innocent people and the wounding of several others. This is being reported as the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history. We are keeping the victims, their families, first responders, our PAU family, and the larger Jewish communities in our thoughts.

Kimberly F. Balsam, Ph.D., chair of PAU Department of Psychology and professor, announced the appointment of faculty to leadership positions within the department.

When Amar A.B. Robinson completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at PAU in 2015, she never imagined she would be spending her time working with the homeless, inmates at the county jail, and collaborating with police while conducting psychological for an innovative program for people with severe mental illness.  As an Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) psychologist for San Mateo County, Dr. Robinson’s job is to assess potential clients for the County’s AOT program, write mental health declarations and serve as an expert court witness. Every day is different.

PAU Professor Robert D. Friedberg, Ph.D., ABPP, ACT leads the child and family emphasis area at PAU and is director and research group advisor for the Center for the Study and Treatment of Anxious Youth. His professional passion is cognitive behavioral therapy with children, adolescents, and families. Dr. Friedberg is recognized as one of the leading experts in applying Aaron T. Beck’s model of cognitive therapy to children.

Excellence in teaching and clinical practice, as well as improving lives through service to our community, are core to PAU’s mission. The university’s Gronowski Center is a wonderful example of where these attributes are lived daily. Under the supervision of licensed psychologists, the Gronowski Center is staffed by PAU doctoral-level psychology students, who offer a range of counseling and psychotherapy services on a sliding scale basis to clients in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

Sita G. Patel, Ph.D., PAU associate professor of clinical psychology and board member of Partnerships for Trauma Recovery (PTR), has been selected to speak about the traumatic experience of refugees and victims of human rights violations during a public forum at San Francisco’s Commonwealth Club on November 15.

Palo Alto University’s student trauma club, the Association of Traumatic Stress Studies (ATSS), is presenting a speaker series featuring six speakers who are experts in the field of trauma. Two speakers each quarter will present one-hour ‘grand rounds’ on a topic of their choice related to trauma, including foundational concepts, current assessment approaches, and evidence-based treatment of trauma in diverse populations. The series will take place starting September 26 at PAU’s Gronowski Center, 5150 El Camino Real, Los Altos, room C15. 

From the Desk of PAU President Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D.
Whether you are new to PAU this year, a returning student, alum, faculty or staff – it is my honor to welcome you to the 2018-2019 academic year! Now, in my third year as president, I continue to be impressed by the caliber and passion of our students and faculty, the work our graduates are pursuing and the difference we are making to improve lives in our communities.

Whether advocating for changes in mental health legislation or bringing civility and respect to the legislative process, psychologists can play an important role in shaping public policy. That was the message during a symposium titled “Psychology's Voice at the Table: Psychologists as Advocates and Elected Officials” at the American Psychological Association Convention last month in San Francisco.

Elizabeth Choi, an international student in her third-year of the Ph.D. program with a focus in neuropsychology, was awarded two separate student research awards from the American Psychological Association (APA). Both awards were presented during the APA 2018 Convention, which took place in August at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

Students rarely win more than one APA research award in a given year. Submissions are selected based on the quality of the research and the fit with the mission of various APA divisions.