Three University of Michigan-Flint Psychology students are advancing research on topics ranging from fall prevention in older adults to perceptions of neuroqueer identity, supported by the Eric G. Freedman, Ph.D. Psychology Research Scholarship Fund.
The scholarship honors Dr. Freedman, who served as a psychology professor at UM-Flint for 21 years and mentored generations of student researchers in cognitive neuropsychology. The fund supports upper-level undergraduate psychology majors working on research projects intended for publication in peer-reviewed journals or presentation at professional conferences.
Keera Barnhill is one of two 2025-26 recipients, working with Dr. Nathan Miller on a project examining the reliability and validity of a mobile application to assess fall risk in older adults.
“Receiving the Eric G. Freedman Psychology Research Scholarship means that I am able to focus my time and effort on developing my research skills,” Barnhill said. “The cognitive resources I may have previously devoted to finding a way to support myself financially can now be directed to the study itself.”
As a research assistant, Barnhill collects and records data from participants, analyzes reliability measures, and trains new research assistants. She said the hands-on experience helps her understand statistical procedures beyond classroom instruction.
“In the classroom, statistical measures are taught and explained; however, when I can apply these procedures in a study, I better understand their functions and processes,” Barnhill said. “In this way, I am learning what it truly means to be a researcher.”
Miller said Barnhill’s work has been outstanding, and the scholarship enables her to learn new data analysis techniques and gain experience presenting research findings.
“I’m excited that Keera received this scholarship, as it will allow her some additional time to learn new data analysis techniques, teach other students in the lab these techniques, and allow her to gain some experience presenting research findings,” Miller said.
Fellow 2025-26 recipient Megan Rouls is working with Dr. Jennifer LaCosse to develop the first validated measure of perceptions of neuroqueer identity, which reflects the intersection of neurological and LGBTQIA+ diversity.
“Receiving the Eric G. Freedman Psychology Research Scholarship is incredibly rewarding to me,” Rouls said. “It affirmed to me that our University Psychology faculty finds importance in studying intersectional identities, such as neuroqueer identity, which reinforces that my work has value in our academic community.”
Rouls said the scholarship allows her to combine her psychology major and women, gender, and sexuality studies minor while solidifying her career interests as a future clinical psychologist.
LaCosse said the scholarship enables Rouls to explore a new line of research and experience every step of the research process, from literature review through data collection, analysis, and publication.
“Megan is amazing,” LaCosse said. “She is a dedicated student who is always well-prepared, curious, and engaging. She has a natural mind for research, and she is a good writer.”
The 2024-25 recipient, Kaitlin Cruppenink, recently graduated after also working with Miller on the mobile application research project. Cruppenink analyzed the research team’s data, conducting statistical analyses using correlational data. The work enabled her to apply theories she learned in research design and data analysis courses at UM-Flint.
Applications for the scholarship are accepted annually by the psychology department. Interested students who are either working with faculty on research or planning to do so are encouraged to respond to the department chair’s email announcement.
