Convention update

Please plan to attend the 2012 APA Convention in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 2-5. Additional convention details and registration information is available.

The executive committee of Division 28 has put together an outstanding program for this year’s Convention. Our theme for this year is Translational Research in Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse. This year’s program is filled with late-breaking science, ample networking opportunities, and numerous social events. In addition to our annual Young Investigator’s Award  Symposium, Med Associates Brady-Schuster Award Lecture, New Fellows Symposium, and President’s Lecture, we will be sponsoring several symposia highlighting translational research from our members:

1. Contingency Management Interventions in Substance Abuse and Health

2. Triggers, Treatments, and Sex Differences in Models of Relapse and Translational Implications

3. Risk Factors for Alcohol Abuse in Females Exposed to Trauma: Translational Research

4. Psychopharmacology of Antipsychotics

5. Missing Not at Random and Missing at Random Growth Models for Substance Use Clinical Trials
   
   We will also be partnering with our colleagues in Division 25 (Behavior Analysis) to co-sponsor two additional symposia focusing on behavioral factors contributing to substance abuse and dependence:

6. Translational Research in Impulsivity

7. Behavior Analysis for Addressing Socially Important Problems
   
   As always, we will be partnering with our colleagues in Division 50 (Addictions) to co-sponsor five symposia dealing with addiction and addictive behavior:

8. Stimulant Medication, ADHD, and Substance Use Outcomes

9. Behavioral Economics as a Platform for Translational Research on Addiction

10. From Innovations in Neuroscience to Innovations for Adolescent Drug Abuse Treatment

11. State of the Science and Clinical Implications of Outcome Measures in Drug Abuse Treatment

12. Understanding Addictive Behaviors: Celebrating the Work and Generativity of G. Alan Marlatt

In addition to these symposia, Division 28 will co-host a social hour (a Happy Science Hour) with our friends in Divisions 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 54 on Wednesday night, August 1, to kick off the conference. On Friday night, August 3, we will host the annual NIDA/NIAAA Young Investigators Poster Session and Social with our colleagues in Division 50. On Saturday afternoon, August 4, we will showcase the research of our junior and senior investigators in our Division 28 Poster Session, which is always a highlight of the convention.

In addition to the events planned in Division 28, the association has lined up several outstanding plenary sessions. Suzette Evans and Ron Wood from Division 28 have worked closely with the association to develop several symposia on decision making, interdisciplinary issues, eating and exercise, and epigenetics. The association will also be hosting its annual Master Lecture Series and Presidential Lectures, and this year’s Neal Miller Lecture will be given by Huda Akil. Finally, our colleagues at the Science Directorate will be hosting a number of events showcasing translational research in psychology, and this year Dr. George Koob will give a keynote lecture on the Neurobiology of Addiction.

The location of this year’s convention promises to be exciting. Orlando is home to a number of one-of-a-kind theme parks, fine-dining, and world-class shopping. It’s the ultimate family friendly destination, and we encourage everyone to turn your trip to the Convention into a vacation to remember.

See the full convention program

Below is a short list of many such programs co-sponsored by Division 28

• Making the Most of APA Convention— An Introduction for Graduate Students and First-Time Attendees
  Thursday 8/2/12, 9 a.m. - 9:50 a.m., Convention Center W205B-C

• “If I Knew Then, What I Know Now!” Lessons for Early Career Psychologists
  Thursday 8/2/12, 1 p.m. - 1:50 p.m., W304E

• Grant Writing for Graduate Students— Tips and Strategies
  Thursday 8/2/12, 2 p.m. - 2:50 p.m., W311G

• Licensure and Mobility— What Psychology Graduate Students Need to Know
  Friday 8/3/12, 4 p.m. - 5:50 p.m., W109A

• Graduate Student Debt, Starting Salaries, and Loan-Forgiveness Options
  Saturday 8/4/12, 9 a.m. - 9:50 a.m., W304C

• Negotiating the Job Offer— How to Ask for What You Really Want
  Saturday 8/4/12, 10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m., W304E

• Academic Excellence— Practical Tips for Navigating the Publication and Peer-Review Process
  Saturday 8/4/12, 11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m., W311D

Additional Student-Related Convention Programming

• Playing well with others: interdisciplinary and translational research
  Friday 8/3/12, 12 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.

• Psychological Science Idol (PSI): 6th Annual Datablitz 
  Saturday, 8/4/12, 2 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.

• Pay Day! How to Find and Secure Research Funding in Psychology
  Friday 8/3/12, 3 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.

• Making professional contacts: A scientist’s guide to networking
  Saturday 8/4/12, 3 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.

• “When I Grow Up”... Nontraditional Career Options
  Saturday 8/4/12, 4 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.

Organized by the APA Science Directorate’s Science Student Council

Additional Early Career Psychologist Convention Programming

The Committee on Early Career Psychologists (CECP) has developed several ECP-related programs for the 2012 APA Convention and have made several opportunities for CE credits available. View a full list of ECP-related resources.

Specific ECP-relevant sessions include:

• Early Career Psychologists in Academic Medical Departments 

• Money Matters: Financial Planning and Loan Repayment for Early Career Psychologists 

• Psychologist and Parent: Seeking a Healthy Balance 

• The Nuts and Bolts of Private Practice for Early Career Psychologists 

• Successfully Navigating the Tenure Process: Ethical and Legal Implications

Additional resources include:

• Speed Mentoring: Friday 8/3/12, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

• Stay Fit at Convention: Free morning exercise classes led by an exercise pro!

• APA Kids Place: Kid-friendly room offering seating and entertainment for children and parents