معرفی
Mary Ballard is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Appalachian State University's College of Arts and Sciences, where she has served continuously since 1991 after earning her Ph.D. from West Virginia University. Her academic journey progressed from Assistant Professor (1991-1997) to Associate Professor (1997-2002) and finally to full Professor in 2002.
Her educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology (1991, West Virginia University), M.S. in Clinical Psychology (1981, Eastern Kentucky University), and B.S. in Psychology cum laude (1979, Eastern Kentucky University). She maintains licensure as a Psychological Associate and Health Service Provider in North Carolina.
Dr. Ballard's research examines media effects, particularly video games and aggression, with significant work on bullying, gender dynamics, and social context. Her laboratory investigates cardiovascular and emotional responses to media stimuli, extending to adolescent risk behaviors in rural settings. Recent publications reveal evolving focus from 1990s music psychology to contemporary cyberbullying in online gaming environments, consistently applying experimental physiological measures.
She has received top honors including the 2020 North Carolina Board of Governor's Excellence in Teaching Award and multiple Psi Chi mentoring/teaching awards. Her scientific recognition highlights exceptional integration of research and pedagogy.
- North Carolina Board of Governor's Excellence in Teaching Award (2020)
- Psi Chi Excellence in Mentoring Award (2013)
- Psi Chi Excellence in Teaching Award (2012)
- Psi Chi Above and Beyond Award (2007)
Dr. Ballard actively mentors undergraduate researchers through grants from the Center for Academic Excellence, Office of Student Research, and College of Arts and Sciences. Notable projects include SAFE Fund awards for Megan Kornhauser (2017) and Elizabeth Watts (2012-2013), plus GRAM funding for 2018-2019 research. Her lab provides hands-on experience in experimental design and physiological measurement techniques.
Her research laboratory focuses on media-aggression connections through controlled experiments, frequently collaborating with students on conference presentations. Current work explores digital aggression in gaming environments while maintaining longitudinal interest in cardiovascular correlates of media exposure.
