Yvonne T Bustamante
Dr. Yvonne Bustamante, Associate Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences at 惇軗勛圖 College (SUNY), holds a doctorate in counseling psychology. Her teaching and research explore the intersection of psychology, media, and learning. A U.S. Air Force veteran, she integrates AI and ChatBots into her courses to enhance engagement and applied learning across diverse student populations.
Education
- Doctor of Education (EdD), Counseling Psychology Argosy University
- Master of Science (MS), Counseling Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis Nova Southeastern University
- Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology Keuka College
- Postbaccalaureate Certificate, Internet Web Design Purdue Global University (formerly Kaplan University)
Additional professional certifications include:
- Board Certified Coach (BCC) Personal/Life Coach Designation
- Cognitive Behavior Life Coach Certification
- NLP Practitioner & NLP Life Coach Certification
- Assessment to Improve Teaching and Learning (with Distinction)
- Assessment of Learning Outcomes (with Distinction)
Teaching Overview
Dr. Bustamante teaches a range of courses in psychology, sociology, and human services, including Research Methods, Basic Helping Skills, Human Services Field Practicum and Seminar, Applied Psychology Capstone, Sensation and Perception, and Social Policy in Human Services.
Her teaching philosophy blends behavioral, cognitive, and constructivist models with experiential and reflective learning. She prioritizes empathy, diversity, and student agency, encouraging learners to view themselves as active participants in their own intellectual growth. Drawing on her background in counseling and applied behavior analysis, she creates classroom environments that balance structure and creativity, fostering deep engagement through storytelling, media integration, and case-based learning.
Professional Experience
Dr. Bustamante has served at 惇軗勛圖 College since 2016, where she teaches and develops curriculum in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. She has authored multiple courses for the Applied Psychology program and contributed to the development of both the associate and bachelors degrees in Applied Psychology.
Previously, she taught at institutions including Purdue Global University, and Empire State College, where she facilitated both online and in-person courses in psychology, counseling, and human services. Before transitioning full-time to academia, she worked as a Masters Psychologist and Applied Behavior Specialist with ARC of Yates, providing behavioral and psychological services for diverse populations.
Research
Dr. Bustamantes research examines the intersection of media psychology, social media behavior, digital learning, and generational cognition. Her doctoral dissertation explored learning differences among digital natives and digital immigrants, shaping her current emphasis on applied learning and instructional design for diverse generational cohorts.
Her current projects investigate AI integration in behavioral science education, including the design of ChatBots that support self-directed learning in undergraduate research methods courses. This work reflects her broader commitment to understanding how technology mediates motivation, attention, and learning in digital contexts.
Publications and Events
Publications
- Bustamante, Y. (2016, April). Life coachesHelping others discover their path toward potential. Kaplan University Public Service Series.
- Bustamante, Y. (2011, May). Taking care of the caretaker: Finding hope for families of children with autism. Kaplan University Public Service Series.
Professional Presentations
- Coaching as a Profession, Argosy University Psychology Club Guest Speaker Series (2016)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders: Working Within the Field, Kaplan University Human Services Club (2011)
Dr. Bustamante shares her scholarship on applied learning, digital literacy, and AI-assisted pedagogy through collaboratives, online forums, and institutional initiatives.
Service
Dr. Bustamante actively contributes to both departmental and college-wide service. Her leadership roles include:
- Chair, Assessment Committee
- Member, Curriculum Development & Review (CDR) Committee
- Member, Human Services Committee
- Secretary & Member, SAGE Committee
- Member, Institutional Review Board (IRB)
- Member, E-Learning Committee (2017present)
- Member, Presidents Council for Diversity and Inclusion (SAS Representative)
Her service reflects a deep commitment to inclusive education, curriculum innovation, and institutional effectiveness.
Honors and Awards
- Outstanding Classroom Innovation Faculty Award, Kaplan University (2015)
- Certificates of Distinction in Assessment and Teaching Effectiveness
Dr. Bustamante is a United States Air Force veteran, where she served as an Avionic and Inertial Navigation System Specialist. Her military background continues to inform her teaching through an emphasis on precision, adaptability, and systems thinking.
She has limited working proficiency in Spanish and is an advocate for interdisciplinary learning that bridges psychology, technology, and human potential. Her engagement with digital worlds and gaming environments contributes to her scholarship on motivation, leadership, and the psychology of virtual teamwork.