Doctoral students present research at Eastern Psychological Association Conference

Two Rivier University graduate students in the Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology program presented their doctoral research at the Eastern Psychological Association’s (EPA) annual conference, held February 26–28, 2026, in Boston.

Mentored by Dr. Elizabeth Harwood, Noor-ul-Aine Iqbal ’26 and Jonathan Codraro ’27 participated in the conference, reflecting the University’s commitment to experiential learning, faculty mentorship, and real-world professional development.

Noor-ul-Aine Iqbal ’26 at Rivier’s 91st Commencement ceremony

“Completing a dissertation is the result of years of hard work and determination,” Dr. Harwood says. “Mentoring the next generation of psychologists in Rivier’s Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology program through this process is a privilege.”

Iqbal presented her dissertation, The Impacts of Racial Microaggressions on Trust During Neuropsychological Testing, as a poster presentation. Her research examined how prior exposure to racial microaggressions can reduce trust between patients and providers of different races, negatively affecting patient engagement, focus, and the accuracy of neuropsychological assessment.

“During the conference, I enjoyed connecting with peers in the field, from undergraduate students to clinicians discussing my research and its implications for practice,” Iqbal says. “Understanding how clinical tools and language affect patients is essential, and Rivier provided the structure and support I needed to pursue this work.”

Completing an internship at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Boston in behavioral medicine and neuropsychology, Iqbal graduated from the University this May. She plans to pursue a career as a neuropsychologist, integrating behavioral medicine approaches such as therapy for chronic pain and insomnia.

Codraro presented his doctoral research, Absence: How Parents Cope and Its Impact on Parenting Style, to an audience of more than 70 attendees. By examining one-parent families affected by divorce alongside those experiencing widowhood, his research explored how each situation influences parental coping strategies, parenting behaviors, and overall family functioning. Following his presentation, Codraro reflected on how his research was received.

Jonathan Codraro ’27

“I especially value the networking opportunities,” Codraro says. “Several people asked to exchange contact information to stay updated on when the datasets are complete, and whether I plan to publish. Conferences like this create a space to exchange ideas, resources, and perspectives, and that exchange is essential to our growth as professionals.”

Codraro also serves as President of the New Hampshire Psychological Association Student Organization and owns Codraro Therapeutics, his private counseling practice serving the local community. Following his graduation in 2027, he plans to expand his practice to support psychology students as they transition into the field.

Both Psy.D. students described the conference as an opportunity not only to share their research but also to represent the University through their work and discussions with peers and experts across the field of psychology.

“It’s always been important to me to act as an ambassador for the field,” Codraro says. “We do not enter this profession without a desire to help people and being able to serve in that guiding role while representing Rivier was truly an honor.”

Faculty support was consistent throughout the conference, ensuring that both students were well prepared to discuss their research and respond to questions.

“It meant a lot to have Dr. Harwood at the conference,” Iqbal says. “She was incredibly helpful throughout my dissertation, especially in providing thoughtful feedback. Because of that support, I was proud to share my experience in Rivier’s Psy.D. program with others.”

These student experiences highlight the strengths of Rivier’s Psy.D. program, nationally recognized by Forbes for its practitioner-scholar model that integrates clinical training with research-based practice.

Furthering student support through its Go Boldly 2024–2030 Strategic Plan, Rivier has completed a full renovation of Benoit Hall into a modern training hub supporting psychology, counseling, and education students, reflecting the University’s investment in preparing future professionals with the skills and resources needed to address behavioral health needs.

Prospective students are encouraged to learn more and request information about the Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology program.