SXU Student Receives Outstanding Psychology Student Researcher Award
Saint Xavier University (SXU) student Vincent Stella has received the College of Liberal Arts and Education's Outstanding Psychology Student Researcher Award. As a junior, Stella worked with a faculty member on a research study for 10 months and presented their findings at the Midwestern Psychological Association conference.
"It feels great to receive recognition for this intensive research project. While it took a year and a half to complete from start to finish, I knew it would turn out to be an excellent end product," said Stella.
Stella, who also minored in communication, didn't start his SXU career as a psychology major, but as soon as he began his studies, he realized his immense interest in psychological processes and human behavior.
"My classes have given me a well-rounded understanding of how the human mind operates, why people behave the way they do, and how complex the brain actually is," said Stella.
Stella has been very involved on campus during his time at SXU. In his work with SXU's Office of Human Resources as a compliance/recruitment specialist, Stella is able to apply the knowledge he's attained from his classes in a practical, yet unconventional way. He has also spent three years as a resident assistant (RA) on campus, which has given him hands-on training for managing high-stress scenarios, working collaboratively within a team, and upholding confidentiality.
"On a personal level, I have been most pleased to distance myself from the very black and white thinker I was and become a person with a much greater understanding of how gray everything in life truly is," said Stella.
Stella has participated in SXU's Spring Break Service Trips, traveling to Jerusalem Farm with Campus Ministry. He also has fond memories of his RA experiences, like going on retreats and collaborating with his peers for training, and his research experiences, which he found thoroughly enjoyable.
Though Stella plans to continue his work with the Office of Human Resources for the foreseeable future, he is interested in eventually pursuing counseling.