Lasell University Professor of Psychology, Zane Zheng, who also serves as chair of academic research, has been honored with two recent grants, reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing both psychological research and educational practices. Recently appointed as the Research Director at Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology with over 800,000 members, Professor Zheng continues to set a high standard in the academic community through his efforts.

The first grant, awarded by the Association for Psychological Science (APS), will facilitate the incorporation of a new research platform into the curriculum, aimed at enhancing students' understanding of best research practices. Additionally, the grant will support an online conference at the end of the year that focuses on current trends in psychological research and explores innovative, inquiry-based methods for teaching research excellence.

The second grant, from the Society for Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI), will fund a "brown bag" series at Lasell. This initiative will bring together faculty and students from nearby institutions to discuss advanced research and teaching practices, with a special emphasis on promoting diversity in psychological studies and increasing the representation of minority students in psychological research.

“I am truly proud to be part of such a vibrant and engaging institution, with its motivated students, supportive faculty and staff, and inspiring leadership,” said Professor Zheng. “This is just another example of connected learning where we integrate teaching with creative scholarship and research to enhance our curriculum and student learning.”

These grants underscore Lasell University's commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment that bridges theory and practice, further enriching the academic experience for its community.