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Groton-based submarine psychologist Lt. Samantha Giangrande of the U.S. Navy headed to a conference last week in Seattle Wash., and returned with the prestigious Arthur W. Melton Early Achievement Award.
The Islip native was selected from a pool of 1,200 potential military mental health professionals, the U.S. Navy announced.
It all happened at the Psychological Association conference Aug. 8.
The citation reads that the recipient of this award “has clearly shown the advancement of the profession of military psychology, improved effectiveness of the military psychology system, and service on behalf of the welfare of military personnel.”
“Receiving this award exemplifies the work I have done throughout my career in the Navy,” Giangrande said in a statement. “Much of the work I do as a psychologist focuses on how I can empower others to live a more fulfilling life and overcome personal and occupational challenges.”
The award, was an air force psychologist during World War II, recognizes outstanding early career achievements in military psychology, normally within five to 10 years of entry into the field.
Giangrande is also a 2019 graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, commissioned in the Navy in 2018 after her training director encouraged her to get into military psychology, according to an announcement.
She is based in Groton, Conn., with the U.S. Navy Submarine Force, where she will continue to serve as she transfers to Naval Submarine School next year. The school is also in Groton.
“This award is a reminder that I am making an impact on the military psychology community, and that the sacrifices I have made along the way are appreciated and valued,” Giangrande said.
— photos courtesy of the U.S. Navy
