Psychology Professor Receives Ampco-Pittsburgh Prize
The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences has named Barbara Kucinski, advisor and lecturer in the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychology, the recipient of the 2010 Ampco-Pittsburgh Prize for Excellence in Advising. The award, which carries a $4,000 cash prize, honors outstanding faculty achievement in undergraduate advising and recognizes the many contributions advisors make to help students to maximize their educational experiences.
For more than 20 years, Kucinski’s extraordinary interest and investment in teaching and advising has had a major impact on the quality of life for undergraduates in the psychology department. As a trusted advisor, she spends many hours with her students discussing topics ranging from how to choose an appropriate clinical internship to interview strategies for jobs or graduate school. In addition to her advising duties, Kucinski teaches
six courses a year for the department, including the required courses Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods, in which students get their induction into the field of psychology.
Kucinski’s commitment to undergraduate student success also is evident in the vital role she plays as the faculty advisor for the Pitt chapter of Psi Chi, the international psychology honor society. She also was instrumental in creating the Panther Psychology Club for students who may not have the GPA necessary to be considered for membership in Psi Chi but who still want to become involved in psychology-related activities.
Kucinski earned her BS and PhD degrees at Pitt. She has received the Psi Chi Eastern Regional Faculty Advisor Award (2006–07), Outstanding Professor of the Year Award, and Excellence in Teaching Award.
The Ampco-Pittsburgh Prize for Excellence in Advising is given annually to a full-time faculty member who has served as a departmental advisor for at least three years at the Pittsburgh campus. For more information on the Ampco-Pittsburgh Prize, visit www.as.pitt.edu/teaching/awards.html#ampco.