Welcome to the May 2026
American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) Newsletter
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Presidential Column
Wow -- What a Great Time and Successful Conference in Reno!
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It took a moment after returning from Reno – and admittedly a brief refreshing ski trip to Lake Tahoe -- to sit down and reflect on the conference and write this column. I am super grateful for the wonderful conference, which owes so much to those who attended and shared their stellar work. Thank you both for your attendance and excellent contributions! The AP-LS Reno conference was a direct reflection of AP-LS’s membership engagement and scholarship. I hope you enjoyed the conference, had safe travels home, and are now settled back into your daily routines.
In reflection, it is even clearer to me now that the conference offered a comprehensive array of programming including thoughtfully prepared workshops, insightful keynote addresses, award-winner presentations, and a diverse range of cutting-edge research presentations. The amicus brief luncheon and presentations were highly informative, and it was great to see so many at the BRIDGE luncheon and award ceremony. The poster sessions were super enjoyable offering an opportunity to see impressive new science while connecting with fellow colleagues, friends, and students. This year, I felt, the conference was filled with thoughtful, data-driven, talks that offered much to digest. In light of the climate, the attendance for Reno exceeded my expectations. In addition, and notably, we welcomed an exceptionally large group of first-time attendees, promising new growth for AP-LS.
I was deeply impressed with the quality of the plenary speakers – Victoria Talwar (on honesty), Jennifer Tackett (on leadership), Lorraine Hope (on culture and investigative interviewing), and Dee Farmer (on mental health considerations for prisoners) – whose novel insights provided interdisciplinary and diverse perspectives which I hope will stimulate thought and potentially invigorate new lines of research that can be incorporated into APLS member laboratories. We were also honored to celebrate Saul Kassin’s retirement and his amazing career retrospective presentation, which was well attended, and served as one of the highlights of the conference. Together, all this work, underscores how AP-LS members are diligently addressing critical psychology law issues and shedding light on how to improve them.
With any successful AP-LS conference, there are many people to express appreciation and gratitude. I am deeply grateful for all the members who attended and made the conference highly enjoyable and successful. I also extend my sincere appreciation to our co-chairs, Luna Filipovic and Heath Hodges. Their leadership and diligent preparation were instrumental in ensuring a wonderful outcome. I am also grateful to Emily Haney-Caron and the conference advisory committee for their guidance throughout the planning process. Much appreciation for the support of our Executive Committee whose input and work on so many issues is essential for the division’s growth. Also, a huge thank you to Veronica Rand, Lane Valero, and the Synergos team, for their support in venue selection and operational management. Their efforts ensured that the Reno conference ran smoothly.
We are also committed to continuous involvement and feedback. As always, we will also leverage feedback from this year’s event to refine our future conferences. Our in-coming co-chairs, Tallie Armstrong and Colleen Berryessa, have already started the planning process for our next AP-LS conference which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, in March, 2027. The venue for this conference will be the Louisville Marriott hotel, which is located in the heart of the city, and adjacent to the Falls City Market.
Before then, we are looking forward to our upcoming APA convention in Washington, DC where we will have AP-LS speakers and presentations. I am grateful to our co-chairs, Krystia Reed and Amor Correa, for their diligent work on this program. There are some terrific talks planned for AP-LS on immigration, forensic assessment, and APLS’s role in amicus briefs. I encourage you to make the trip to Washington to help promote and showcase our division’s work to a broader audience of psychologists. I continue to think of APA as a great place to see diverse content but also a premier venue for networking.
In closing, please keep a lookout for our post-conference survey. Your feedback is vital to our society’s growth. If you are looking to become more involved with the division, I encourage you to visit the AP-LS website to review our various committees and reach out to relevant committee chairs if something piques your interest. AP-LS is always seeking fresh ideas and new contributions and we look forward to hearing from you. Please also keep an eye out for a formal call for AP-LS involvement later this summer.
Thank you all once again for your dedication to AP-LS and for the terrific conference in Reno!
I hope to see you in Washington, DC, for APA!
Randy Salekin can be reached at the Department of Psychology, University of Alabama. 330 Kirkbride Lane, Tuscaloosa AL 35487.
E-mail: rsalekin@ua.edu
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Teaching in Psychology & Law Column: Where Boundaries Meet Book Club
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This column features the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Award, Dr. Jennifer Cox, who offers a candid, nuanced discussion on professional boundaries as an educator and mentor.
The Teaching in Psychology & Law Column is proudly presented by the AP-LS Teaching, Training and Careers (TTC) Committee. Anyone interested in applying for the Early Career Teaching and Mentoring Award or other TTC awards can find more information at https://ap-ls.org/awards/awards/teachingaward or by emailing ttc@ap-ls.org.
To read the full column, click here.
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2026 AP-LS Student Presentation Award Winners
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Congratulations to all student award winners at the recent AP-LS conference!
Outstanding Student Paper Awards:
1. Emma McCoy
2. Kayla Bird
Outstanding Student Abbreviated Paper (Data Blitz) Awards:
1. Cara Burditt
2. Ashli Hamilton
Outstanding Student Poster Awards:
1. Citlali Montes
2. Tiffany Shao
Outstanding Student Presentation in Legal Research:
1. Stephany Betances
Outstanding Student Presentation in Novel-Topic Research:
1. Kristin Gittings
Outstanding Student Presentation in Corrections Research:
1. Haylie Stewart
Outstanding Student Presentation in Diversity-Related Research:
1. Haleh Kanani
Outstanding Student Presentation Using Open Science Practices:
1. Shaelyn Carr
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Call for Papers -
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma Special Issue on
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Identifying and Uncoupling the Links Between Trauma and Juvenile Justice
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The Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma (JCAT; 5-year IF: 2.3) invites manuscripts for a special issue entitled “Identifying and Uncoupling the Links Between Trauma and Juvenile Justice” planned for publication in the summer of 2027.
Although the high prevalence of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms amongst youth in the juvenile justice system is well-established, still needed is research directed toward identifying the underlying developmental processes that account for those links. Also important are attempts at prevention and intervention that are devoted to uncoupling the links by investigating sources of resilience or providing trauma-informed treatments and programming within youth-serving organizations. For this special issue, most welcome will be submissions that focus on youth involved in the justice system, although studies involving other carceral settings to which youth in trouble with the law are diverted (e.g., “bootcamps,” wilderness programs, residential facilities, etc.) might also be considered as long as justice involvement is established. Longitudinal and retrospective studies of adults who experienced justice involvement in their youth also will be considered if the study questions are informed by a developmental perspective.
JCAT welcomes basic research and intervention studies that employ quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, as well as work that includes diverse samples and derives from diverse cultural contexts. In keeping with best practices in research, cross-sectional studies testing suppositions derived from developmental models should be framed cautiously as tests of indirect effects rather than “mediation” (see O’Leary et al., 2018; Maxwell & Cole, 2007; Weems, 2025). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses will be welcome, following best practice guidelines (e.g., Siddaway et al., 2019). High-quality conceptual papers that promise to move the field forward also will be considered.
Manuscripts must be submitted no later than October 1, 2026 to be included in the special issue. The journal website provides details about the submission process (https://link.springer.com/journal/40653/submission-guidelines) including the need to follow APA 7th ed. manuscript preparation guidelines in all respects. Please note that all submitted manuscripts will be subject to a robust double-blind peer review process and final acceptance is not guaranteed. Article-processing fees will apply only if authors opt for their paper to be published open access. Accepted papers will be published online promptly after acceptance.
For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia K. Kerig, Editor in Chief: p.kerig@utah.edu
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NACCJPC Victoria 2027 (N6): Canada's Leading International Conference for Criminal Justice Psychologists, Researchers, and Students!
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We are pleased to invite you to the 6th North American Correctional & Criminal Justice Psychology Conference (N6), taking place in beautiful Victoria, BC, Canada from June 3-5, 2027. N6 brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to share innovative work at the forefront of correctional and criminal justice psychology. Our keynote speakers include Dr. Alex Piquero (University of Miami), Dr. Mary Ann Campbell (University of New Brunswick), Dr. Nneka Jones Tapia (Chicago Beyond), Dr. Troy McEwan (Swinburne University of Technology), and Dr. Michael Seto (University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal).
The call for abstracts will open soon. Updates will be available on LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky, and the CPA website. We look forward to welcoming you to Victoria!
Can’t wait? You can reach us at NACCJPC@gmail.com with any conference questions.
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Study Group for American Board of Forensic Psychology Exam
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A forensic psychologist recently admitted to candidacy with the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP) is organizing a study group for individuals preparing for the ABFP written examination.
This group is intended for serious candidates who are actively in the study phase and looking for a structured, collaborative environment. The group will emphasize high-yield content review, discussion of key forensic concepts and case law, practice questions, and accountability through consistent meetings.
The goal is to create a disciplined and efficient preparation process in the months leading up to the exam. Those who are currently preparing for the ABFP written exam and are interested in joining are encouraged to reach out.
Contact:
Alen Yaghoubi
DrAlenYaghoubi@gmail.com
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Consider Joining the Spanish-Speaking Forensic Psychology Network
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Call for applications for the Grant-in-Aid for Early Career Professionals
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The Early Career Professionals Committee is opening a call for Grants-in-Aid for Early Career Professionals. The purpose of this award is to support AP-LS members who are ECPs in conducting research related to psychology and law. It is the committee’s desire that these awards are not limited only to members who are psychologists, but instead open to AP-LS members from all backgrounds. The deadline for submissions is May 15. The purpose of this award is to support AP-LS members who are ECPs in conducting research related to psychology and law. It is the committee’s desire that these awards are not limited only to members who are psychologists, but instead open to AP-LS members from all backgrounds.
Applications are open to all AP-LS members who are within ten years of receiving their last degree. For further information regarding eligibility criteria, proposal guidelines and templates, please visit: https://ap-ls.org/awards/grants/ecgrantinaid.
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The American Psychology-Law Society invites proposals for new titles in its book series, which is now published by Oxford University Press. We publish authored and edited volumes on current issues at the intersection of psychology and law. Books are typically a state of the science synthesis of a body of existing research with implications for practice and/or policy. Authors and editors should have a substantial and recent track record of publication and/or practice in psychology or law, and at least one should hold a doctorate in psychology or closely related behavioral science. If you have a proposal for a new book in the series or you would simply like more information, please reach out to a member of the editorial team. We would be happy to discuss possible topics and fit for the series. Inquiries are accepted on a rolling basis.
The editorial board members are:
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Request for Proposals for Chapters and Essays
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Monica K. Miller, David DeMatteo, and Daniel Krauss are editors of the book series “Advances in Psychology and Law,” which seeks to enhance understanding of the connections between these disciplines, present “state of the science” summaries for current researchers, and provide a starting point for scholars wanting to delve into a new topic of study by reading an up-to-date review chapter or brief essay on that topic. All areas of psychology (e.g., developmental, social, cognitive, clinical, neuroscience) and law (e.g., criminal, civil, contracts, property, family) are appropriate for inclusion. Student authors are welcome under the supervision of a PhD co-author.
Chapters and essays will be primarily reviews or meta-analyses. Although they might provide some data to illustrate a new phenomenon, they are not meant to be data-driven like a journal article. Review chapters and essays will be on particular topics relevant to psychology and law and will be of current interest to the field. Chapters (and especially essays) will typically summarize research on one particular topic, rather than focusing on the entire body of research in an area (e.g., focusing on the Weapon Focus effect rather than the entire body of eyewitness memory). Chapters will be relatively long (30-40 pages d.s.), which will allow authors to provide in depth analysis and take calculated risks (e.g., engaging in informed speculation about future research or the consequences of particular legal policies).
Essays will be shorter (approximately 10-14 pages d.s.) because they discuss a topic that is new and/or has less previous research to synthesize.
The book series has an editorial board of distinguished scholars who are experts in various areas in psychology and law. The editors strive to produce one volume in the series approximately every 12-18 months.
Overviews of the previous volumes can be viewed here to ensure topics have not been recently included in the series and to see examples of chapters: http://www.springer.com/series/11918?detailsPage=titles
Submit an approximately 300 word description and title and indicate if you want to write an essay or chapter. Specify both the legal component and the psychological component of your topic. Please include a sampling of key references and a CV of authors. Inquiries are accepted on a rolling basis. Email submissions to Monica Miller at mkmiller@unr.edu.
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AP-LS Student Committee’s New Mentorship Program
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The AP-LS Student Committee is launching a new mentorship program!
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/GDXnreiPd5ciBtrn9
We’re excited to launch a supportive, community-driven mentorship program designed to connect emerging scholars with experienced peers in the field. Participants can sign up either as mentors, open to anyone in their second year or beyond in a graduate program or as mentees, including undergraduates, prospective applicants, and first-year graduate students (or those about to begin). Because this program is new, we’ll be learning and shaping it together. We anticipate bi-annual virtual meetings for mentors and mentees, and we ask that mentors remain available throughout the year for occasional emails or smaller questions that may arise. The commitment is one year minimum, with the option to continue as long as you’d like. We’ll do our best to match participants thoughtfully, though there may be a brief waiting list as we get the program up and running. We appreciate your enthusiasm and patience and we can’t wait to build this community with you!
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Elections for AP-LS Leadership
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The election season is now underway. We value your input and participation in selecting AP-LS leadership, so please vote! We are grateful to have several talented members who were willing to accept nomination, appear on the ballot, and (if elected) serve in the coming years. They bring a variety of expertise and experience.
You should have received your ballot via email already. If you are searching it came from APA.election@intelliscanvotes.com. But we remain concerned that many AP-LS members who did not join or renew through APA did not receive ballots.
Therefore, if you are an AP-LS member who has not received a ballot, please email elections@apa.org to request one.
The election closes on May 15th, so there is still time to request and receive a ballot.
Again, thank you for participating in AP-LS by voting!
Christian Meissner
On behalf of Nominations and Awards Committee
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For more information or if you wish to contact a member of the AP-LS Executive Committee, details can be found HERE.
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On The Job or Postdoc Market? AP-LS Job Postings
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Newsletter Editorial Board
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AP-LS seeks to advance the science of psychology - law and the translation of psychology - law knowledge into practice. Our mission is to enhance the well-being, justice, and human rights though science and practice of psychology in legal contexts.
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