Eyewitness Identification is Focus of Goodsell Research Assistant Professor of Psychology Charles A. Goodsell, PhD, examines one of the most widelyused tools for police and prosecutors, thanks to a three-year, $56,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. Goodsell’s research is on eyewitness identification; specifically the accuracy of show-up identifications vs. lineup identifications. Show-up identification is the most common identification method used in criminal instances. It presents one suspect at a time to an eyewitness. A lineup identification presents several suspects at the Charles A. Goodsell, PhD same time to an eyewitness. Show-up identification is considered less reliable than the lineup, although there is no evidence that lineups lead to more accurate identifications. “The findings from this research have far-reaching implications for the justice system, as it could help improve the reliability of eyewitness identification,” explains Goodsell. He notes that faulty eyewitness identifications contributed to false convictions in 75 percent of approximately 200 cases reviewed in recent years. “If show-ups are inherently biased and lead to more false identifications, then the practice of using them needs to be stopped in favor of more reliable means of identification. If it is the case that show-up identifications prove more reliable than lineups, then show-ups should be used because they have the potential to get criminals off the streets quickly.” Goodsell collaborates on the research with Jeffrey Neuschatz, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and Scott Gronlund, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Oklahoma.
Lenhardt Receives Distinguished Faculty Award Ann Marie Lenhardt, PhD, is the 2011 recipient of the Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award. Conferred by the Canisius College Alumni Association, the award recognizes Lenhardt for her exemplary work as an educator, a productive scholar and a visionary leader. Lenhardt is a professor of counseling and human services, whose graduate-level course instruction prepares students for careers in school and mental health counseling. She stresses student-involvement and introduces real-life situations to encourage group problem-solving and critical analyses. Lenhardt aptly combines her teaching with her research pursuits on the topics of school violence and children atrisk (Canisius Magazine, summer 2007). Her findings are particularly significant and timely in the field of education today, as school districts struggle to curb school violence and provide safe learning environments for students. A federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education enabled Lenhardt to establish the Canisius Youth Connection (CYC). The CYC assists local school districts in the creation of safe, trusting and non-violent learning environments. Ann Marie Lenhardt, PhD
Dierenfield on PBS
Peter Canisius Professorship Goes to Lopata,Thomeer
History Professor Bruce J. Dierenfield, PhD, provides expert commentary in the upcoming PBS documentary “The Lord is Not on Trial Here Today.” The documentary tells the personal story behind McCollum vs. Board of Education. The landmark First Amendment case set the foundation for the separation of church and state in public schools.
Marcus L. Thomeer, PhD and Christopher J. Lopata, PsyD, co-directors of the Institute for Autism Research (IAR), are the newest recipients of a Peter Canisius Distinguished Teaching Professorship. They will use the three-year grant to advance research and understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), by engaging students in leading-edge research and treatment related to ASDs; field experiences; and collaborative opportunities with faculty and IAR community partners.
The documentary is a 2010 Peabody Award recipient in the news category. The Peabodys are the oldest and most prestigious awards in the broadcast industry. They recognize excellence in radio and television, webcasts, and producing. “The Lord is Not on Trial Here Today” was produced by Jay Rosenstein Productions, which also included Dierenfield in its PBS “American Experiences Series: God in America.”
Bruce J. Dierenfield, PhD
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Canisius College established the IAR in 2009, under the direction of Lopata and Thomeer. The institute provides researchers and affiliated faculty the facilities necessary to study and treat autism spectrum disorders in a collaborative manner. “Chris and Marcus’ program fits ideally into the strategic momentum of the university,” says Scott A. Chadwick, PhD, vice president for academic affairs. “It raises the level of creative activity and research through interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty, students and outside professionals. It serves a growing need in the greater Buffalo community and strengthens Canisius’ identity in the sciences at a time when the college begins development of Science Hall.” The Peter Canisius Distinguished Teaching Professorship provides faculty with the resources to create innovative programs that enhance undergraduate teaching through interdisciplinary projects, scholarly travel, experiential courses and the incorporation of technology into the classroom. Professorships are awarded through a competitive grant process, which focuses on creativity and the extent to which proposals will advance the college’s mission.