Nancy J. Karlin
Professor
Ph.D. 1989: Colorado State University (Paul A. Bell) Fort Collins, CO 80523 Experimental Psychology: Emphasis in Social psychology. Dissertation: Caregivers' Reactions to Emotional Support
M.A. 1987: Fort Hays State University (Thomas T. Jackson) Hays, KS 67601 General Psychology. Thesis: Past Interpersonal Relationships and Therapeutic Effect: Is there a link?
B.A. 1984: Evangel University Springfield, MO 65802 Psychology (magna cum laude)
MY AREA OF INTEREST
Specialization: Experimental/Social Psychology
As a Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado, I have specific interests in familial caregiving of Alzheimer’s disease patients and professional caregiving of the aging patient. For almost twenty years, I have conducted a program of research devoted to understanding both the familial caregiver and issues relating to care of the chronically ill. One program of research currently being developed includes the identification of how Hispanic families provide care to older family members who have ADRD. This research considers the needs of Hispanic caregiver families that are not currently being met. Surveys are currently being revised and translated into Spanish.
Further more, collaboration efforts across divisions continue. Partnering with Drs. Susan Collins (School of Human Sciences), Ann Bentz (School of Sports and Exercise Sciences), and Sherilyn Marrow (School of Communication Studies), our research is actively exploring the effect of a balanced-based program of exercise on the inflammatory biomarkers, CRP and IL-6, and the subsequent effect on falls in the elderly population. A related question is how psychosocial factors increase understanding of the mindset of the older adult as related to exercise adherence and preventive health behaviors. Initial data collection was completed December 2006. A second round of data collection will be completed Fall 2007. In a separate study, this research group has also considered psychosocial factors and rhetorical resilience of Hurricane Katrina Survivors. I quantitatively analyzed the data during the Fall of 2006. Currently, this data is being qualitatively analyzed.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
Professor Nancy Karlin’s lab is interested in training volunteer research assistants. Qualified candidates will be considered for both full and part-time positions in the lab. Psychology majors are encouraged to apply, however applicants from all fields of study will be considered. Applicants interested in going on to graduate training in psychology are strongly encouraged to apply. All potentially interested should e-mail with a statement of interest and contact information.
MY TEACHING
Students tend to find that I am committed to them, the subject and the discipline. In addition, I have high academic standards. Whenever possible, I try to point out how students can improve their lives through a better understanding of the subject.
Courses Taught: Social Psychology, Principles of Learning, Group Processes and Roles, Motivation, Psychology of Prejudice
MY LATEST PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY
Rocky Mountain Psychological Association (RMPA)
- President: 2006-2007
- President-elect: 2005-2006
- Secretary: 2002-2005
Chosen as an Outstanding Professor by Delta Zeta, UNC, 2006, 2007.
Karlin, N.J., Emick, J., Mehls, E. & Murry, F.R. (2005). Comparison of Efficacy and Ageism Levels Between Psychology and Nursing Students. Gerontology and Geriatrics Education, 26(2), 81-96.