Cassidy Zekas
Fall 2023 SAFE Fund Recipient
Project: "Are Psychology Undergraduate Students Equipped to Work in Business and Technology After Graduation?"
Cassidy Zekas, a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management program from Salt Lake City, UT, received a Fall 2023 Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) grant to present his poster at the River Cities I-O (RCIO) Psychology Conference in Chattanooga, TN, from October 21-22, 2023.
The poster features Zekas' research on the opportunities psychology majors have outside of the field of psychology. Advised by Department of Psychology professor Dr. Shawn Bergman, the study assesses how psychology students can apply their skills to the fields of business and technology and identifies gaps in their skills that could make them more marketable in those fields.
The SAFE funding helped Zekas cover conference registration, travel and accommodation costs, as well as the printing of his research poster. "The financial support enhanced my student experience by giving me the opportunity to present research at a conference for the first time. It also facilitated networking opportunities with professionals and peers, enriching my academic and professional growth," shared Zekas. "Additionally, presenting my research to a broader audience increased its visibility and we received valuable feedback."
In addition to presenting his research, Zekas attended a variety of conference presentations. According to Zekas, these sessions allowed him to gain cutting-edge insights and skills that directly benefited his research and career journey. "I also networked with leading experts and potential collaborators, establishing connections that may lead to future opportunities," he added.
After graduation, Zekas will begin his role as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist at Micron Technology in Boise, ID. "In this position, I aim to actively contribute to fostering a more inclusive workplace, advocating for initiatives that support diversity, equity and belonging within the organization," explained Zekas.
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About the SAFE Fund
Initially endowed by Hughlene and Bill Frank, the College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund provides resources that can be used to support undergraduate, graduate and faculty experiences. The SAFE Fund provides funding for college priorities and opportunities that arise throughout the year. These unrestricted funds support student and faculty travel, publication support for faculty and student research opportunities. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu/students/student-and-faculty-excellence-safe-fund.
About the Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology
Appalachian State University’s Dr. Wiley F. Smith Department of Psychology serves more than 1,400 undergraduate majors seeking the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, as well as 90 graduate students across four graduate programs: experimental psychology (MA), industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management (MA), school psychology (MA/SSP) and clinical psychology (PsyD). Learn more at psych.appstate.edu.
About Graduate Education at App State
Appalachian State University’s Williams School of Graduate Studies helps individuals reach the next level in their career advancement and preparedness. The school offers 80 graduate degree and certificate programs — both in person and online — in a range of disciplines, including doctoral programs in education (Ed.D.) and psychology (Psy.D.). The graduate school enrolls nearly 2,000 students. Learn more at graduate.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
November 8, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
Cassidy Zekas is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management program from Salt Lake City, UT. Photo submitted
Cassidy Zekas is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management program from Salt Lake City, UT. Photo submitted