Deborah Oluwaseun Okusanya
Evans,GA
Summary
Dynamic psychology lecturer with a proven track record at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, excelling in student engagement and innovative course planning. Recognized for developing diverse assessments and fostering academic growth, while actively contributing to research publications and enhancing curriculum standards. Strong qualitative research skills complement effective communication and rapport-building abilities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychology Lecturer
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
02.2018 - 12.2023
- Received consistently positive evaluations from students, demonstrating effective teaching strategies and strong rapport building skills.
- Maintained regular office hours to address student questions or concerns promptly, improving overall accessibility as an educator.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop innovative teaching methods, resulting in increased student engagement and satisfaction.
- Developed a diverse range of assessments to measure student performance fairly and accurately.
- Served as an academic advisor to psychology students, helping them navigate degree requirements and plan their future career paths.
- Participated in department meetings to discuss curriculum improvements and ensure alignment with accreditation standards.
- Prepared and delivered lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as abnormal psychology, psychometry, developmental, and social psychology.
- Reviewed and updated course syllabi annually to reflect changes in the field and incorporate student feedback.
Psychology Research Assistant
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
01.2017 - 12.2023
- Conducted literature reviews to inform research direction, contributing valuable context to ongoing studies.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, disseminating valuable knowledge within the discipline.
- Developed survey instruments to accurately measure psychological variables of interest in a variety of populations.
- Managed and maintained sensitive participant data, ensuring strict adherence to confidentiality and ethical guidelines.
- Presented research findings at conferences, promoting collaboration among peers in the field of psychology.
- Assisted in grant proposal writing, securing funding for critical research projects.
- Mentored undergraduate students working on research projects, fostering academic growth and hands-on experience.
- Collected and recorded data at various field sites for later assessment and data analysis.
- Took active role in departmental meetings, engaging with all parties and transcribing detailed notes of plans, decisions and options discussed.
High School Biology Teacher
Medlide Upgrade High School
02.2016 - 12.2016
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities into lesson plans.
- Increased student engagement by incorporating technology such as interactive whiteboards, online simulations, and virtual labs into lessons.
- Consistently updated curriculum to align with state standards and ensure relevance to current scientific knowledge.
- Built variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.
- Encouraged students to take active role in learning and academic success.
- Used tests, quizzes, and other assignments to gauge students' learning and determine understanding of course materials.
Psychologist Practicum Student
DR George Mukhari Academic Hospital
02.2015 - 12.2016
- Interviewed, observed, and surveyed patients to gain necessary information for psychological diagnosis.
- Managed caseload of individual clients, couples, and family therapy sessions.
- Used therapeutic communication techniques to build rapport and guide discussion with patients.
- Expanded professional knowledge by attending conferences and participating in continuing education opportunities to stay current on best practices in the field of psychology.
- Conducted patient observations by monitoring behavior and documented physical health, family history and medications in mental health assessment reports.
Education
Master of Science in Psychology - Psychology
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Pretoria, South Africa06-2021
BSc. Honours - Psychology
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Pretoria, South Africa12-2016
Bachelor of Science - Physical And Mineral Science
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Pretoria, South Africa11-2015
Skills
- Student engagement
- Academic writing
- Course planning
- Online teaching
- Attention to detail
- Syllabus development
- Qualitative research
- Research and publication
- Lecture preparation
- Research methodology
- Social psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Quantitative research
work authorization
- Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Certification
- Introduction to basic Biostatistics using SPSS Training - November 15 - 22 2018.
- Medical Neuroscience Certification (Coursera) - February 2021 - January 2022.
- Applied Counseling Certificate (Applied Counselling & Development Institute. South Africa) - January 29 - February 02 2018.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Okusanya, D. O., & Basson, W. J. (2020). Symptom profile following cumulative mild traumatic brain injury in early adolescent rugby union players in South Africa. South African Journal of Child Health, 14(3), 133-138.
Okusanya, D. O., de Jager, S., & van Rooyen, C. (2018, July). Students’ perceptions regarding homosexuality at a tertiary institution in South Africa. Paper presented at the International Conference on Psychology, Language and Teaching (ICPLT), Rome, Italy.
Okusanya, D. O., van Rooyen, C., & de Jager, S. (Unpublished). Gender differences in tolerance of homosexuality: Attitudinal differences among students at a tertiary institution in South Africa.
Okusanya, D. O., & Basson, W. J. (In preparation). The role of psychotherapy in Contraceptive Hormone-Resistant Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review.
CONFERENCES ATTENDED
- National Immunization Conference 2024. Atlanta, USA. August 2024.
- Society for the Improvement of Psychological Sciences (SIPS). Victoria, Canada. June 2022.
- International Conference on Recent Advances in Medical Science Tokyo, Japan. June 2019
- International Conference on Psychology, Language, and Teaching (ICPLT). Rome, Italy. July 2018
Affiliations
- American Psychological Association Graduate Student (APAGS).
- Society for the Improvement of Psychological Sciences (SIPS).
- Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (IBNS).
Timeline
Psychology Lecturer
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
02.2018 - 12.2023
Psychology Research Assistant
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
01.2017 - 12.2023
High School Biology Teacher
Medlide Upgrade High School
02.2016 - 12.2016
Psychologist Practicum Student
DR George Mukhari Academic Hospital
02.2015 - 12.2016
Master of Science in Psychology - Psychology
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
BSc. Honours - Psychology
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Bachelor of Science - Physical And Mineral Science
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
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