Psychology Department at East Carolina University

10/15/2026

📰 Hot Off the Presses! 📰

We’re excited to spotlight a new publication featuring Melissa Adkins-Hempel, a first-year doctoral student in ECU’s Clinical Health Psychology program!

📚 “Nicotine Replacement Therapy Sampling for Cigarette Cessation in Dental Care: A National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial”

This study explores whether providing starter supplies of ni****ne replacement therapy in dental practices can help support smoking cessation. By examining ways to integrate to***co cessation support into dental care, this research highlights opportunities for more accessible, interdisciplinary approaches to improving health.

We’re proud to see our Clinical Health Psychology students contributing to research with meaningful implications for public health and patient care.

🔗 Read the publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.70618

10/13/2026

The ECU Health Aortic Program is taking a comprehensive approach to aortic disease and that includes understanding the psychological and behavioral challenges patients may face after diagnosis and surgery.

In this story from ECU News Services, Dr. Sam Sears, faculty member in the Department of Psychology, discusses his team’s research on activity, confidence and the emotional impact of aortic disease.

Dr. Sears and his research team are working to help patients not only achieve outstanding surgical outcomes, but also regain confidence, manage the emotional impact of their diagnosis and return to active, meaningful lives.

We’re proud to see the important contributions of psychology represented in this innovative, multidisciplinary approach to patient care at ECU Health.

Read the full story here: https://news.ecu.edu/2026/09/28/actors-tyler-ritter-amy-yasbeck-headline-annual-aortic-awareness-day/

10/09/2026

The Department of Psychology is proud to celebrate Dr. Alexander Schoemann on his promotion to Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology!

In his new role, Dr. Schoemann looks forward to supporting the faculty, staff, and students in the department and building on the strong foundation established by our Psychology community.

We are also grateful to Dr. Alan Christensen for his many years of dedicated service as chair. His leadership and commitment to the department have made a lasting impact, and we thank him for all he has done to support our faculty, staff, and students.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Schoemann on this exciting achievement and welcoming him into his new role as chair! 💜💛

09/28/2026

Psychology Faculty Share Expertise at Behavioral Health Expo!

On Tuesday, September 22, Dr. Matt Whited and Dr. Kendahl Shortway represented the ECU Department of Psychology at the Behavioral Health Expo at AHEC in Greenville.

Dr. Whited presented on “Management & Prevention of Depression,” while Dr. Shortway presented on “Suicide Prevention.” The event brought together local mental health professionals and community members for an opportunity to learn, connect, and share knowledge around important behavioral health topics.

We’re proud of our faculty for contributing their expertise to support behavioral health education and the local community! 💜

09/25/2026

Raising Awareness for Aortic Health!

Dr. Sam Sears recently discussed ECU Aortic Day, an important initiative focused on raising awareness about aortic disease and the importance of cardiovascular health.

In the video, Dr. Sears shares more about ECU Aortic Day and the importance of education and awareness surrounding aortic health.

We’re proud to see our faculty sharing their expertise and helping bring greater awareness to important health issues in our community. 💜

🎥 Watch Dr. Sears’ discussion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-3-FvhB44k

Take in some sights and sounds from ECU Health's Aortic Awareness D...

09/25/2026

Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Festival

CHP Ph.D. student Rasheedah Adisa joined Dr. Kendahl Shortway at the Breaking the Silence Mental Health Festival at St. James United Methodist Church in Greenville.

Representing the ECU Psychology Clinic, Rasheedah shared an important presentation on su***de prevention and the resources available to support mental health and well-being in our community.

The festival brought together speakers and organizations from across East Carolina University and the Greenville community, all committed to breaking down barriers, connecting individuals with resources, and promoting mental health and wellness.

We’re grateful to Rasheedah for representing ECU Psychology and contributing to this important community conversation. 💜

09/24/2026

Aortic Awareness Day is September 25, 2026!

The Department of Psychology is proud to have Dr. Samuel Sears, Professor of Psychology, representing ECU Psychology at this year’s Aortic Awareness Day at the East Carolina Heart Institute.

Dr. Sears will present the ECU Aortic Program: 2026 Progress Report, highlighting the program’s continued progress.

The event brings together healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, families, and advocates to raise awareness about aortic health and advance collaboration across disciplines.

📅 September 25, 2026
📍 East Carolina Heart Institute
🕦 11:15 a.m. — ECU Aortic Program: 2026 Progress Report

We’re proud to see ECU Psychology contributing to this important work and helping advance patient-centered care through research, education, and collaboration. 💜

08/24/2026

Dr. Kendahl Shortway, Assistant Clinical Professor, and Kelsey Dietrich, Clinical Health Psychology fourth-year doctoral candidate, created the Strategies to Encourage Lifelong Flourishing, Compassion, Awareness, Resilience, and Empathy (SELFCARE) group for ECU graduate students training for healthcare professions.

The group is offered through the ECU Psychology Clinic this semester.

Please complete the registration link below by 9/8 to enroll: https://ecu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2adXnxEim6FDYeW

08/13/2026

Dr. Kendahl Shortway supports graduate student well-being and community well-being through field trips for Clinical Health Psychology doctoral students. The purposes of the field trips are to learn about the community beyond ECU, bond with fellow classmates, serve the community, and feel inspired.

This spring, Dr. Shortway led students getting into the community through volunteering at the Greenville Community Shelter to sort and organize donated clothes and visit the Greenville Islamic Center. They also enjoyed coffee at Awaken Coffee while meeting with the Executive Director and an employee and had an opportunity for a walk and reflection at Wildwood Park.

Thank you, Dr. Shortway, for your efforts to inspire these future clinical psychologists and serve the Greenville community!


ECU Thomas Harriot College of Arts & Sciences

08/13/2026

Effective research skills include communicating about research clearly and confidently. Research Methods students practiced those skills during the end of semester poster sessions.

Students presented the research projects they developed over the semester—posing questions, collecting data, analyzing results, and communicating their findings to peers and other faculty just like real psychological scientists.