The Psychology Department is excited to announce the launch of the First Friday Psychology-Beckman Colloquium Series for the 2025-2026 academic year, a new monthly event designed to bring together members of the Department of Psychology, Beckman Institute, and beyond for engaging, cross-area conversations.
On the first Friday of each month, join us from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM in the Beckman Auditorium for faculty-led lectures, panel discussions, and research spotlights that showcase the breadth and depth of work happening in psychological science at UIUC. These events are open to all faculty, researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates. No RSVP required — just show up and join the conversation!
2025 - 2026 Schedule
- September 5: Panel, Psychology in the Age of Big Data and AI
- October 3: Speaker, Assistant Professor Benedek Kurdi, with Q&A moderated by Professor Eleanor Seaton
- November 7: Panel, Lifespan Development
- February 6: Speaker, Assistant Professor Michael R. Rizzo
- March 6: Panel, Replicability, Reproducibility, and Open Science
- April 3: Speaker, Assistant Professor LaTasha R. Holden
Friday Workshops
Weekly Drop-In Professional Development for Graduate Students
On all other Fridays (when there is no colloquium), we invite graduate students to join The Friday Workshop — a weekly, informal seminar series focused on professional development and interdisciplinary skills.
When: Fridays at 3:00 PM
Where: 32 Psychology (except First Fridays, which are in Beckman Auditorium)
The meeting schedule is available on Canvas, and you can subscribe to our mailing list to receive weekly announcements via email.
While the series is designed with graduate students in mind, all members of the department are welcome, including faculty and undergraduates.
Regular attendees are welcome to register for credit under PSYC/NEUR 598 section PS.
Want to Learn More About Specific Areas?
Check out our list of area brown bag seminars and journal clubs, held on different days and times. You can sign up for announcements of topics and speakers for area-specific seminars through our mailing list directory or by emailing the coordinator of the specific seminar.
2025 - 2026 Featured Seminars
- Monday, September 15: Dr. Rebecca White, A Review of Best Practices in Social & Behavioral Research Processes & Methods
- Monday, September 22: Dr. Xuechunzi Bai, Exploring Just Enough? An Origin Story of Stereotypes
- Tuesday, September 23: Dr. Aditya Upadhyalula, Anchors in Time: How Prediction and Key Moments Shape Perception, Comprehension & Memory of Continuous Experiences
- Monday, November 3: Dr. Ehsan Bokhari, Assistant General Manager of the Chicago Cubs