KRISTEN M. COPPOLA,PH.D.

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ABOUT ME

Born to Teach

Dr. Coppola is known for her natural ability to connect with students through her dynamic teaching style, thought-provoking courses, and applied research experiences. She is passionate about improving end- of-life care for all adults through open communication, informed decision-making, and innovative teaching demonstrations.

Curriculum Vitae

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RESEARCH

END-OF-LIFE DECISION-MAKING

Current work in end-of-life decision-making focuses on factors related to accuracy of decision-making of parents and family members of young adults and the strength of personal beliefs of young adults for end of life medical decisions including organ donation.

SCHOLARSHIP OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

Dr. Coppola is spearheading an interdisciplinary project to bring innovative death education programming to students at MU and the surrounding community as well as evaluating the effectiveness of service learning experiences related to academic enhancement, personal and civic growth.

HEALTH AND COGNITION

Current research focuses on the impact of "deliberate ignorance" in health decisions including both positive and negative outcomes. In addition, Dr. Coppola is interested in knowledge of and memory for health related information as well as the use of heuristics in medical decision-making.

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Innovative Courses

TEACHING

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PSYCHOLOGY OF DEATH AND DYING

An intensive study of contemporary issues surrounding death and dying. Current research, ethical and moral dilemmas, media and literature, as well as experiential learning will be incorporated. Students will be challenged to examine and share their own beliefs. Guest lecturers include a mother of a child who survived neuroblastoma, suicide counselor, and a funeral director (after we explore his funeral home).

MEMORY AND COGNITION

Scientific study of mental processes, especially pertaining to the acquisition, retention, and use of knowledge and mental skills. Emphasis on memory, imagery, and natural language, with limited attention to developmental and individual differences. Service learning class project will be developed during the semester which may include learning to use a dementia rating scale with older adults, participating with a music and memory ipod program, or applying learning and memory strategies in an after school tutoring program.

HOSPICE AND THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE END-OF-LIFE EXPERIENCE

This service learning intensive course is designed to train and educate students to serve as volunteers for those who have a terminal illness and require hospice and/or palliative care. The course includes an overview of hospice and palliative care particularly as it applies to volunteers, ethical issues, cultural issues, communication at the end of life, care of the family, and spiritual care. This course will incorporate weekly clinical experiences in the community.