Get involved

Make the most out of SPP student opportunities.

By Jackie Lennon

In the few months that I have served in my role as student representative, I have come to have an even greater appreciation for SPP’s impressive commitment to student/trainee development. I believe students and trainees recognize this commitment and are equally dedicated to the growth and success of SPP. As we proceed through another year, here is a review of the many student opportunities offered by SPP to develop ourselves as leaders in pediatric psychology.

Attend the Society of Pediatric Psychology Annual Conference

SPPAC will be held in San Diego this April, and many are looking forward to both the programming and the sunshine. Attending SPPAC offers numerous opportunities for students to develop their professional identity as pediatric psychologists. This should be an exciting year of programming, and be sure not to miss the symposium featuring outstanding student papers. The Student Advisory Board (SAB) will be hosting the annual mentoring luncheon, which allows students and trainees to have lunch with distinguished professionals in the field, providing opportunities for mentoring and networking. The SAB will also be hosting a student social, which includes a pediatric psychology trivia contest, as well as networking and socializing. Also, new this year, SPPAC will have its own Twitter hashtag for attendees to live tweet and share their experiences. Please feel free to approach SAB members and me at the conference if you are interested in chatting about student issues related to SPP. Be sure to watch your email for additional information on the conference.

Attend the APA Convention

The Annual APA Convention will be held in Toronto this August. Planning is underway, and there is sure to be an excellent slate of SPP programming. Benefits to attending APA include engaging in collaborative programming with other APA divisions. In addition, the APA Convention offers unique student programing opportunities, as well as opportunities for professional development and networking.

Apply for the Student Advisory Board

The SAB is an excellent opportunity for students to build leadership experience in SPP. We are looking to replace hardworking members from the Membership, Student Spotlight/Website and Programming Committees. As an SAB member, you will have the opportunity to serve on committees, write formal proposals to the board of directors and contribute ideas to help keep SPP a strong division for students. See the call for applications in this issue for more information on how to apply.

Additional Student Opportunities

Check out SPP’s website or email me for more information on the following student opportunities:

  •     The Network of Campus Representatives —Serve as a campus representative and help promote pediatric psychology within your program, university and community.
  •     The Mentorship Program —Connect with members who share your interests and receive mentorship at a distance from someone who is not your primary mentor.
  •     JPP Mentoring Program for Junior Reviewers —Learn about the peer-review process and how to conduct quality reviews through mentorship from a Journal of Pediatric Psychology reviewer.
  •     Special Interest Groups (SIGs) —Network with others who share your specfic interests. Many SIGs have student leadership opportunities and welcome student participation and contributions.
  •     Student Awards —Apply for: Student Poster Awards, Student Travel Awards, and the Diversity Student Poster Award for presenting at SPPAC and APA; the Student Research Award; the C. Eugene Walker    Education Award; the Student Spotlight Award.
  •     Student Grants —Apply for the Marion and Donald Routh Student Research Grant and the Mary Jo Kupst Trainne Grant for Research in Resilience. Students are also eligible to apply for the Diversity Research Grant and the Lizette Peterson-Homer Injury Prevention Grant.

I encourage you to contact me with questions and comments.