San Diego, CA: Steven Jella, a soon-to-graduate doctoral student in the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) who has won the Outstanding Dissertation Award this year from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Mr. Jella's dissertation, entitled "The Family Environments of Self-Injuring Female Adolescents," was chaired by Dr. Ann Lawson, CSPP Professor, San Diego.

"This is a very prestigious award. It will given to Mr. Jella by the President of Steven Jella, doctoral student in the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) who has won the Outstanding Dissertation Award AAMFT exhibits poster of his research in Portugal. AAMFT at the Awards banquet at the AAMFT National Convention in Memphis this fall," said Dr. Scott Woolley, Professor. "Steven presented a poster based on his research at the International Family Therapy Association's annual conference in Portugal last month as well. (Site of photo at left.) I want to congratulate Scott for this wonderful achievement!"

Dr. Woolley noted that two CSPP students have received the award in the recent past and that three CSPP faculty members have also received it. "Given that we had more research posters at the last AAMFT than any other university, I think we are showing some real strength in the area of research," he said.