Psychology faculty member to receive lifetime achievement award

Psychology faculty member Debra Poole will receive a lifetime achievement award during the 23rd annual Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect Summit Nov. 14.

Poole is an expert in the social policy implications of basic research in language and cognitive development whose primary research focuses on children's eyewitness testimony and forensic interviewing of children. Her research has been funded by grants from both the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Science Foundation.

In addition to conducting studies to evaluate interviewing techniques, Poole works with policy groups to draft interviewing guidelines and frequently presents to professionals in child protective services, law enforcement, and other fields.

Poole was previously awarded fellow status by the Association for Psychological Science, a designation given to individuals who have made sustained outstanding contributions to the science of psychology. Her latest book is "Interviewing Children: The Science of Conversations in Forensic Contexts" (2016).

Poole received her Ph.D. in developmental and experimental child psychology from the University of Iowa in 1980. She taught for seven years at Beloit College, where she chaired the psychology department, before relocating to Central Michigan University in 1987.