Three Lindenwood University students and one faculty advisor returned home after a successful trip to Brussels, Belgium in early March.

Zoë Sweaney, Ximena Gutierrez, and Evan Struemph presented their research at the International Convention of Psychological Science from March 9-11 in Brussels. While attending ICPS, the three Lindenwood seniors networked with presenters and attended symposiums throughout three-day event. 

Sweaney’s presentation was titled, “What would you do: Assertiveness and heteronormativity as predictors of sexual health,” which focused on sexual behaviors. Gutierrez and Struemph teamed up for their presentation titled, “Does your partner influence your perceived identity?” and their research examined perceived gender identities in different social settings.

"(I) couldn't imagine coming here with a different group,” Sweaney said. “I've had the best time.”

Struemph echoed Sweaney’s statements and thanked Professor of Psychology and Sociology Dr. Stephanie Afful, who attended the trip.

(From left to right) Evan Struemph, Dr. Stephanie Afful, Ximena Gutierrez, and Zoe Sweaney at conference in Brussels.

"I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity,” Struemph said. “Not every professor would help their students do something so special.”

Gutierrez also appreciated everything Afful did to help make the trip successful.

The group stayed in Brussels for five days, and they certainly enjoyed touring the capital of Belgium, walking throughout town, and visiting museums.

“The students truly had the time of their lives,” Afful said. “This was an amazing opportunity to present the students' cumulative hard work over the last academic year on an international stage. The students received feedback at the conference that will inform them on the next iterations of these research projects.

This was the first professional conference for the group of students, Afful said. They attended different symposiums and other events during the conference, which enhanced their networking skills and developed professional connections. Working together on the project required extensive teamwork, a signature value of the Lindenwood education. Having gained this first-hand industry experience, the students will now have the confidence they need for developing and presenting future projects.