PSYCHOLOGY CLUB RISES AGAIN

In 2014, The Advocate reported how Mt. Hood Community College’s first Psychology Club was sanctioned as an official club on campus. (See: https://www.advocate-online.net/understanding-the-human-brain-psychology-club/)

Leading the new group were student Alexa Lopez, as president, and faculty adviser Jennifer Herrig. But when Herrig later left Mt. Hood, the club became inactive.

However, the Psychology Club has made a recent comeback, spearheaded by Joshua Herrington, a full-time psychology instructor at MHCC with a doctorate degree in the field.

The club is open to members whether or not they are majoring in psychology or seek work in the field. Its stated goal is to “maintain a learning community and provide enriching experiences for Psychology majors and non-majors that have a keen interest in Psychological Science.” It works to bring awareness to psychology and its merits to the MHCC community, providing an introduction to anyone wishing to inquire about studying psychology.

What it calls “enrichment experiences” for students include the organization and promotion of guest talks by experts in various fields of psychology. In February, one such speaker came to MHCC to speak about trust in the health information found on the internet.

While in-person events are not possible during the COVID-19 crisis, the group hopes to provide a lab environment to teach members how researchers discover new findings related to human behavior. It also will seek ways to provide suitable lessons online.

Known informally as the “Psych Club,” the group invites participants to speak freely and to learn about a variety of topics that can range widely, from the “history of paranormal psychology to current perspectives on the field of neuroscience,” according to Herrington.

Those interested in joining are expected to attend club meetings as well as club events if their schedule allows. They also are encouraged to run for office within the club “and gain valuable leadership skills with mentorship and support from the MHCC psychology faculty,” Herrington added.

Those who might consider joining the Psychology Club and want more information may contact Herrington at [email protected].