09/29/2015
Stephanie Bachman
Staff Writer
S.L.Bachman2@iup.edu

Shannon Kovalchick (senior, psychology) is leading a research project that is investigating the uses of a new art therapy technique.

The research is in the field of clinical psychology, and it features the art therapy technique known as person body outline.

Kovalchick is interested in studying the uses of this method to determine the ways it can be effective and how best to apply the activity toward achieving the desired results.

Kovalchick’s research is ongoing, but she said the first study, which was completed last spring, showed some very strong results that her team is building up on this semester.

With her faculty research adviser, Dr. John Mills, Kovalchick is carrying out the project with the assistance of Deanna Ansaldo (junior, art/psychology), Danielle Catrillo (sophomore, psychology) and Olivia Bailey (sophomore, psychology).

“I have been interested in art therapy since I first heard about it in high school,” Kovalchick said.

“I knew that I wanted to do my thesis on something in that subject area, so I looked at some of the most recent research in the field and found that this was an activity that seemed to be helping people but lacked empirical, quantitative support and understanding.”

Kovalchick had the opportunity to present a poster of her findings at the Association for Psychological Sciences Annual Convention this May in New York City.

Additionally, Ansaldo and Catrillo headed the team by presenting a poster on the research at last year’s undergraduate scholar’s forum.

Kovalchick offered some advice to fellow undergraduates who are interested in pursuing their own research projects.

“My best advice is to just jump in,” she said.

“Find a professor or graduate student who is doing something interesting, and ask if you can help.

“Don’t wait for the door to open – knock. If you take the initiative to ask for an opportunity, most of the time, people will help make one for you. If they don’t, then just try the next door.

“Also keep in mind that where you start doesn’t have to be what you do for the rest of your life.”

In addition to her current research, Kovalchick received the 2014 Foundation of Indiana University of Pennsylvania Community Volunteer Service Award.

Last summer, she was chosen to take part in a nationally competitive summer research fellowship at George Mason University, hosted by the American Psychological Association.

Kovalchick and her research team are hosting sessions for undergraduates interested in research or the human sciences.

It is titled “The Human Sciences: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut.” The first session was held Thursday in Uhler Hall Room 111.

These sessions will cover a diverse range of relevant topics, including discussions on preparing for future jobs today and how to give professional research presentations.