Students from Missouri Lambda Chapter of Alpha Chi present at national conference

April 15, 2026-Four Missouri Western State University students from the Missouri Lambda Chapter of Alpha Chi presented their research at the Alpha Chi National Convention in Orlando, Florida last month.

• Allaina Mace, a senior psychology major from St. Joseph, presented "Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Parents in Academic Achievement." Mace was also awarded a $3,000 Benedict Fellowship for her Majors Honors research, which was announced at the conference and will be applied to her first year of graduate studies.
• Averi Holsted, a senior double-major in psychology and exercise science from Lathrop, Missouri, presented "Examining Athletic Burnout Through the Lens of Athletic Identity and Perceptions of Life Transitions." Holsted won a $100 Presentation Award.
• Linda Bieri, a senior law major from Kansas City, Missouri, presented "False Confessions: Everyone Has Their Breaking Point."
• Emily Schuck, a Master's in Social Work student from Martinsville, Missouri, presented "Ensuring the Healthy Development of Youth through Gentle Parenting."

Alpha Chi is a national college honor society for the top 10 percent of upper-division students. The biennial national convention gathers scholars from around the country to share their work-often presenting to a national audience for the first time.

Drs. Teddi Deka and James Carviou accompanied the students.

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. MoWest is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.