Valparaiso University Announces 2016-2017 Kapfer Research Award Recipient

Valparaiso University Professor Amanda Zelechoski has received the 2016-2017 Philip and Miriam Kapfer Endowed Research Award to continue work on three related projects. Philip and Miriam Kapfer are parents to alumni Paul Kapfer ’89, J.D., and Dr. Stephanie Kapfer ’91.

The bi-annual award is funded by an endowment created by the Kapfer family and provides one semester of full-time leave with pay or two consecutive semesters with a half-time schedule, plus a $4,000 stipend.

Zelechoski, an assistant professor of psychology, plans to complete a book “Activities for Teaching Psychology and Law Courses: A Guide for Instructors,” which offers experiential learning techniques.

She also plans a draft manuscript and pilot version of a forensic assessment tool for use in child custody evaluations and will detail a recently completed pilot study examining the relationship between trauma and youth violence risk for incarcerated juveniles.

Zelechoski joined the faculty in 2011 and also serves as director of graduate admissions in Valpo’s psychology and clinical mental health counseling programs and program advisor for the University’s law-psychology and clinical mental health counseling programs.

Kapfer Research Award recipients are selected by the Provost’s Committee on Creative Work and Research based on the originality and significance of the proposal, as well as the applicant’s perceived capacity to complete the work.