Neuropsychology Research Team

The Center of Research in Clinical Neuropsychology (CRCN) has provided unique opportunities for professional development as an emerging psychologist. The CRCN welcomes students at any interest level, whether it's attending monthly didactics, volunteering at events, or participating in research. As a generalist program, PsyD students are afforded opportunities within the core curriculum to learn about biological bases of behavior, neurocognitive disorders, and common neuropsychological assessments. But, as a member of the CRCN, I’ve had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of neuropsychological concepts, administer testing in real world settings, and contribute to meaningful research projects.    

 

CRCN members can get involved starting in their first year in the program with a number of unique volunteer opportunities. The CRCN has partnered with the Hampton Roads Neuropsychology and the Norfolk Admirals, a local minor league hockey team, to assist with baseline concussion testing each Fall at the start of their season. The team also volunteers with other local charities and organizations throughout the year. Students who are interested in joining in with current research have opportunities to go to conferences, present research, or get published—depending on their level of interests. For those that just want to attend monthly meetings, we cover a broad variety of intriguing topics, such as having current neuropsychologists share their experience of navigating postdoc and board certification processes. The team has had a proven track record of helping students get real-world experience and research opportunities as an emerging neuropsychologist.

 

Like anything, you’ll get out what you put into the team. I have been fortunate to be a part of a number of these opportunities in the last few years. As a freshmen, I took advantage of the opportunity to participate with the baseline testing with the Admirals and attended the monthly didactic trainings. The next year, our team meetings focused on the impact physical health, lifestyle factors, and chronic pain have on neuropsychological functioning. I was able to be a part of some of the research that was published while others in the team presented at a regional conference that year. In the last two years, I’ve also been privileged to take a leadership role in the team, organizing research, events, and meetings. Altogether, these opportunities have enriched my overall program experience and developed my professional identity as an emerging clinical psychologist.

 

​— David Netz, 3rd year PsyD student

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