Faculty and their Research

Pamela Ansburg, Ph.D.

Dr. Ansburg focuses on understanding the cognitive processes involved in remembering and using knowledge. In particular, she investigates how both task demands (task familiarity, working memory load, etc.) and individual differences (age, attentional focus, etc.) can impact the ability to learn, access, and apply information.

Dr. Ansburg is currently recruiting research assistants

Lisa Badanes, Ph.D.

Dr. Badanes examines the links between early and current life stress on symptoms of depression and anxiety. She is particularly interested in sources of resilience, including emotion regulation and emotional acceptance. She measures cortisol as an index of physiologic stress responsivity.

Dr. Badanes is currently recruiting research assistants

Bethany Fleck Dillen, Ph.D.

Dr. Dillen’s research centers on cognitive development in childhood education and university classroom contexts. Both lines of research draw on developmental theory with the overall goal of enhancing the learning environment for students of all levels. Recently she has been working on a project that measures academic self-handicapping and other motivational constructs in urban middle school students. In the university classroom, her research as of late focuses on the effects of service learning, civic engagement, syllabi manipulations, and the transition to online teaching during the pandemic.

Dr. Dillen is not currently recruiting research assistants

Cynthia Erickson, Ph.D.

Dr. Erickson’s research involves studying how the brain changes with learning. In some studies, she looks at the interplay between memory, attention and experience. Hopefully, this research will lead to better study strategies for students and memory improvement for aged individuals.

Dr. Erickson is current recruiting research assistants

Maureen Flynn, Ph.D.

Dr. Flynn researches processes that may help reduce psychological suffering and increase valued living (e.g., psychological flexibility, values, defusion, mindfulness, acceptance).

Dr. Flynn is currently recruiting research assistants

 

Linda Lockwood, Ph.D.

Dr. Lockwood’s research centers on psychoneuroimmunology and the role of neurobiology in development. She has a particular interest is in neuroplasticity in adjusting to the aging process.

Dr. Lockwood is not currently recruiting research assistants

Kristy Lyons, Ph.D.

Dr. Lyons studies the development of self-regulation in childhood and adolescence. Her research includes studies about metacognition, decision-making, and healthy risk-taking.

Dr. Lyons is currently recruiting research assistants

 

Chad Mortensen, Ph.D.

Dr. Mortensen’s primary research interests include Social Influence (how people influence the behaviors of others) and Ego Depletion (the depletion of one’s capacity to use willpower).

Dr. Mortensen is not currently recruiting research assistants

Michael Rhoads, Ph.D.

Dr. Rhoads interests are in the fields of educational psychology and sport psychology. He is currently conducting research on the effects of exercise on cognition. Additionally, he is examining the role of movement-integrated activities on learning.

Dr. Rhoads is currently recruiting research assistants

Aaron Richmond, Ph.D.

Dr. Richmond conducts several studies per year which focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) which is aimed at improving evidence-based teaching practices in higher education. His second focus is in developmental educational psychology. Dr. Richmond researches the use of cognitive and metacognitive learning strategies in preK- high school to improve student learning and executive functioning and self-regulation.

Dr. Richmond is currently recruiting research assistants

Robert Schatz, Ph.D.

Dr. Schatz’s conducts research on group identity and intergroup relations. His specific focus is national identity and the effects of exposure to national flags on attitudes toward out-groups.

Dr. Schatz is not currently recruiting research assistants

Randi Smith, Ph.D.

Randi Smith’s latest research explores the growing problem of homelessness among college students, and how universities can best respond to the physical, emotional, and social needs of students facing housing insecurity. Other research interests include professional ethics, sexuality education, and the effects of personal electronic devices on our mental health.

Dr. Smith is not currently recruiting research assistants