A good way to get a sense of that is to hear from the students (see below). If you're interested in chatting with Prof. Leigh Ann Vaughn about the team, please feel free to contact her, too (lvaughn@ithaca.edu).
Emma Dessureau
There are many fantastic things to say about being on Leigh Ann Vaughn’s research team. First, she establishes and maintains a structure for her team. You know exactly what to expect from each class period and what is expected of you in turn. I found this predictability extremely comforting. At the same time, this schedule keeps you constantly busy and thinking about the concepts you’ll employ in research. I found that I always had a good sense of what topics we were discussing, and they were well-defined in my head. Leigh Ann also cultivates a supportive and fun team environment in which you are encouraged to ask questions and make mistakes. It is easy to learn and grow in an environment like that. I would recommend joining her research team to just about anyone; it is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Hailey Petrucci
Being on Leigh Ann’s research team has been a class like no other. I have significantly improved my SPSS knowledge, understanding of research articles, abstract writing skills, and appreciation of what it means to do psych research. Not only have I gained tangible and transferable skills, but I have also strengthened my collaboration skills through weekly group presentations. The workload is very manageable and never feels like busy work. The assignments are interesting and help me gain more proficiency with various psychological concepts. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with a close group on real research, and I feel lucky to be on a team that is full of laughs, teamwork, and purpose. Research Team 11 even gave me the opportunity to present at the Whalen Symposium last semester, which gave me experience in a professional setting and looks great on a resume. Although it can sometimes be a little challenging, research team is always fun. Leigh Ann creates an environment with a perfect mix of collaboration, creativity, and learning.
Mary Townsend
For anyone who might be interested in Social Psychology at all, this team is a great way to expand your knowledge of the literature, learn how to present effectively, and create connections. The workload is rigorous and you need consistent time management skills to succeed, but I feel it’s an incredibly valuable experience, even more so the more you engage with the material. The unique setup of this class offers an incredibly welcoming environment that encourages members to make mistakes comfortably, and to find opportunities for growth. This makes the frequent presentations and public speaking significantly less daunting, while ensuring that every student feels confident in every role as a presenter. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on this team, and I would highly recommend it for those who are motivated to dig into social questions or who might have a focus on research.
Lauren Plunkett
For me, research team has been such a cool experience! We have been able to look at research in ways that you can’t in a normal classroom setting and develop a bond with your research team colleagues. The thing I enjoy most from being a part of Leigh Ann’s research team is the Stat Mages, which are a way to collaborate with you classmates and dive into research as a group. Creativity is also highly encouraged in this research team, and it has been extremely beneficial to me to have an outlet to be creative in an academic setting. Working specifically on social psychology, I have been able to broaden my horizons on the type of psychology I have been studying, and it is easily applicable to other branches of psychology as well.
Spencer Ellis
My experience on Research Team 11 has been one that has brought me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Every week, we participate in group presentations that allow each of us to build confidence speaking about psychological findings in front of an audience, work collaboratively as a team, and express ourselves creatively. While there are many aspects of team that certainly feel challenging at times, the work we do always feels meaningful and engaging. This isn’t just a class you’re required to take in order to graduate, it’s a valuable opportunity to be a real research collaborator, something you won’t find in most undergraduate psychology programs. Initially, the demands of team seemed a bit intimidating, but I have not had to go through the motions alone by any means. There is always someone there to offer guidance or mentorship, whether that’s Leigh Ann or another team member. That sense of community, along with the unique perspectives and experiences each person brings to team, is a huge part of what makes me excited to come every day.
Leigh Naturale
My third semester on the research team has pushed me out of my shell while continuing to show me what being a researcher is really like. Leigh Ann creates a class environment that balances collaboration with academic challenges in a supportive way, which makes the learning process both engaging and rewarding. Through this experience, I’ve gained confidence in presenting, using SPSS, writing abstracts, and working effectively with others—skills I once struggled with and now feel proud of. The interactive nature of the class encourages participation and growth, while also giving me the chance to build meaningful friendships with some of the nicest people. Overall, this experience has strengthened both my research abilities and my confidence, making it one of the most valuable and memorable parts of my college journey so far.
Elizabeth Edmonds
The dynamic of Leigh Ann’s research team is nothing like any class I’ve been in before. It is only my first semester on research team, and I already feel that my SPSS knowledge, ability to present, understanding of reading studies, and writing abstracts has grown immensely. The team dynamic allows for open discussion of findings and connecting those findings to things outside of the psychology world. Also, past members of the team are peer mentors to new members, which has helped me immensely becoming comfortable with the coursework. Being on Leigh Ann’s research team allows you to be challenged while still being engaged in and enjoying the material.
Sienna Berkheiser
My second semester on this research team has been a time of refinement and growth. Research team still challenges me in every good way it should, but things are also starting to click into place now. It’s given me invaluable experience in terms of my degree and career in psychology. This team will build your skill set and give enhanced academic experience here at Ithaca. Whether it’s working with others on statistical presentations, or helping each other understand articles and commenting on abstracts, this class has a unique and inclusive format that helps build one’s skill set. At first glance it sounded terrifying, but Leigh Ann does a great job at making it a safe and comfortable environment where we can learn and receive comments in a positive manner. This team allows me to grow as a person in a way that other classes cannot provide. Not only that, but you get to learn the applications of content and apply it in real time with peers. Leigh Ann is also very receptive to our opinions and feedback and caters the course to the best of her ability to what will help us succeed. I cannot recommend joining this team enough and having Leigh Ann as a mentor.
Camilla Hill
Being on Research Team 11 has been one of the most rewarding and engaging courses throughout my time at Ithaca College. Since joining the team, I’ve improved my SPSS, presentation, writing, and comprehension skills immensely. The workload is very consistent week to week, and it never feels like busy work. Additionally, the environment of the team has been welcoming above everything else, everyone works very collaboratively, and all questions are always welcomed!
Mary Simpson
Research team is a class like no other. The learning we do is active and collaborative. We are challenged every week to think critically about psychological research and learn new statistical methods. The workload is very consistent and manageable. We spend a lot of time breaking down and understanding research articles and psychological findings. We also have weekly presentations which have helped me grow and feel much more comfortable speaking in front of others. This class has already helped improve my knowledge of SPSS, writing abstracts, presenting, and understanding research articles. Research team can seem intimidating, but Leigh Ann creates a safe, comfortable, and collaborative environment where we can all learn and grow.
Chase Breichbel
My first semester on this research team has brought me out of my comfort zone and challenged me while also providing a safe space to learn. I have experienced so much growth in such a short amount of time being a part of this team. Team has helped me understand data, articles, and writing abstracts like no other class and allowed me to become more comfortable presenting. Leigh Ann does an amazing job of making you feel that it is okay to be wrong and allowing you to work through it as it goes on. All the work we do feels like there is a purpose and it never feels like busy work. This class is very interactive and makes coming to class exciting. The people on this team are seriously amazing, and I am very happy to be a part of it!