Faculty Co-Chair: Amelia "Aimi" Nelson Sheese
Faculty Co-Chair: Amanda Wisinger
Faculty Co-Chair: Elaine Shultz
The AACN Conference Planning Committee oversees two major student-focused initiatives at the annual AACN meeting: the Student & Training Director Hour (STDH) and the Student Series Programming. Together, these events offer invaluable opportunities for trainees to learn, connect, and engage with the broader neuropsychology community.
Student & Training Director Hour (STDH)
At the annual AACN conference, the Student & Training Director Hour brings together training directors and program representatives across all stages of training—graduate, practicum/externship, internship, and fellowship from across North America (including Canada!). Attendees can network, ask questions about programs, and receive guidance on application and selection processes.
- This event is free, includes complimentary refreshments, and features raffle prizes such as textbooks and AACN student memberships. Students at any stage of training are encouraged to attend, even if they are not actively applying that year.
Volunteer Opportunities: The STDH planning team is recruiting student volunteers to help organize next year’s event. The subcommittee meets monthly via Zoom from March through June. Volunteer responsibilities may include:
- Managing the registration list of participating programs
- Creating event materials (e.g., table tents, program handouts)
- Developing social media content and event announcements
Amelia "Aimi" Nelson Sheese
Faculty Co-Chair
Amanda Wisinger
Faculty Co-Chair
Student Series (STAC) Programming
The Student Series Committee coordinates the student-focused educational programming offered at the annual AACN meeting. This includes workshops, panels, and other trainee-centered sessions designed to support professional development across the training pipeline.
The committee is currently recruiting new students and trainees to join the team. Suggestions for future STAC sessions or workshop topics are welcomed and can be submitted through the suggestion box.
2026 Programming (Upcoming)
This year’s student-focused programming emphasizes professional development, interactive learning, and recognition of trainee research.
Prep Your Application Workshop
Offered every other year, this workshop provides guidance on preparing competitive internship and postdoctoral applications. The session includes:
- A brief introductory presentation
- A panel discussion with current trainees and internship/postdoctoral training directors
- Small-group breakout sessions for individualized support
Panelists: Megan Kramer, PhD, ABPP; Doug Whiteside, PhD, ABPP; Julie Janecek, PhD, ABPP
Breakout rooms will include guest trainees at various training levels to assist with questions.
2025 Programming
Workshop Title: The Practical Aspects of Being a Neuropsychology Trainee
Authors: Elizabeth Heideman, PhD, ABPP; Diana Goldstein, PhD, ABPP; Julie Hook, PhD, ABPP; Ryan Van Patten, PhD, ABPP
TCN Student Paper Winner & Runner-Up:
- Winner: “The Making Change Test: Initial Validation of a Novel Digitized Performance Validity Test for Tele-Neuropsychology” – Mira Leese, M.S.
- Runner-Up: “Using Machine Learning to Detect Noncredible Cognitive Test Performance” – John-Christopher A. Finley, M.S.
CNY Student Paper Winner:
- “Development of Inattention and Executive Dysfunction in Youth with Spina Bifida: Condition Severity Variables as Predictors” – Allison Del Castillo Payne, M.A.
2024 Programming
Workshop Title: Workshop Your Application
CNY Student Paper Winners:
- “Caregiver-Reported Infant Motor and Imitation Skills Predict M-CHAT-R/F” – Samantha Levick, PhD
- “Kids Name the Darndest Things: Confrontation Naming in Pediatric Neuropsychology” – Jared B. Hammond, PsyD
Elaine Shultz
Faculty Chair