Professor, Psychology
Areas of Expertise:
Psychology of Religion (relationship between science and faith); Health Psychology (physician-patient relationships/treatment compliance); Social Psychology (relationships); Psychology in the Workplace (Industrial/Organizational Psychology); Statistics; and pedagogy.
Credentials:
1999 Ph.D., Loyola University-Chicago, 1999
1995 M.A., Loyola University-Chicago, 1995
1988 B.A., Grove City College, 1988
Research Interests:
• Skin-cancer-risk behavior in college students
• Effects of religiosity on attitudes toward science
• Physician-patient relationships
• Program evaluation
• Psychosocial factors influencing treatment compliance
• Political decision-making
• Effects of media on attitudes toward health behaviors
• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Research:
Sheffer, S.M., & Reiher, J. (2010). Gender Differences in the Effects of Salient Attractiveness Norms on Skin-Cancer-Risk Behavior and Attitudes. Lewis University.
Sheffer,S.M., & Alcazar, A. (2010). Lasallian Christian Brothers Personal History Project. Lewis University.
Sheffer, S.M. (2008). The Social Psychological Implications of St. John Baptist De La
Salle’s Life and Teachings. Buttimer Institute.
Presentations:
Sheffer, S.M., & Hill, V. (2010). The Best of Both Worlds: Maximizing Learning by
Blending In-person and On-line Course Content. National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology.
Sheffer, S.M. (2013). Scientific Study of Psychic Phenomena. Lewis University Bridge Program “TED Talk”.
Sheffer, S.M. (2008-2013). Exploring Your Lasallian Vocation. ELM Program, Lewis
University.
Sheffer, S.M. (2008-2013). The Letters of John Baptist De La Salle. ELM Program, Lewis
University.
Sheffer, S.M., & Zlatic, S. (2009). Exploring the Life and Teachings of John Baptist de
La Salle: A Social Psychological Perspective. Founders’ Week, Lewis University.
Sheffer, S.M. (2009). The Promising Syllabus. May Teaching Institute, Lewis University.
Sheffer, S.M. (2009). How to Be a Successful Student. SOAR Presentation, Lewis
University.