Psych Dept Hosts In-House Research Colloquium

Report by Heziel Ann Pugoy | Photo by JM Magday

College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) — The Department of Psychology held its Psynergy: In-House Undergraduate Psychology Research Colloquium 2025 for fourth-year students last Thursday, December 4.

The event was spearheaded by COESSE - TSU Psychological Society, providing six groups of student researchers a platform to present their studies and compete for the Best Research Poster Award.

The panelists were Mr. Bren Noah Magno Nieto, RPm, CHRA, CHMT; Mr. Carlo Francisco, MA Psy, LPT; and Ms. Sarah Mae M. Dolot, MSPsy, RPm, RPsy.

In her keynote address, Ms. Dolot emphasized the essence of research.

“This is a milestone—a symbol of your growth not only as students but also as future professionals, psychometricians, and psychologists," Ms. Dolot said.

The winning research poster was produced by Koleen Bumanlag, Alexandra Joy Danao, Jazzel Erin Luciano, Lindsay Orlina, and Noime N. Sulat, titled “A Life in Between: The Lived Experiences of Hearing Children of Deaf Adults.”

In an interview, the group expressed gratitude and elation after receiving the award.

"At first, ’di namin na-process agad kasi nakita rin po namin yung efforts ng ibang candidates. Kaya we felt really grateful noong na-acknowledge yung efforts namin. All those busy and sleepless nights were worth it. Collectively, we felt happy and fulfilled because we were able to give voice to our participants’ realities. We dedicate this to them," they said.

They also shared the story behind their topic, which was inspired by a healthcare worker’s encounter with a hearing child assisting their deaf parents.

"Na-raise po itong story na ’to sa group namin, and doon nagspark yung question na, ‘Ano kaya yung nararanasan ng mga hearing children na may deaf parents?"

They noted that CODAs are understudied—especially in the Philippines—and aimed to give voice to Filipino CODAs.

Additionally, the group awarded Best Thesis, titled “Hope as a Predictor of Coping and the Moderating Role of Social Connectedness in People Diagnosed with Chronic Illness,” also presented their study during the colloquium.

The conference served as a meaningful and formative experience for student researchers, strengthening their skills and fostering growth in the field of psychology.