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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 that promote healthy outcomes even in the face of adversity.
Dr. Badanes is currently recruiting research assistants
Cassandra Bailey, Ph.D.
Dr. Bailey’s current research interests are broadly in the areas of immigration, Latinx mental health disparities, diversity issues, Spanish-language assessment, and forensics, with a particular focus on the impact of immigration regulations and proceedings on the mental health of Latinx immigrants.
Layton Seth Curl, Ph.D.
Dr. Curl examines a range of factors that impact social behavior and prejudice. He also studies human sexuality. Dr. Curl is currently pursing research focused on political psychology and how media viewership impacts persons’ ability to retain general factual and political knowledge.
Dr. Curl is currently recruiting research assistants, and he has filled positions through the Spring 2024 semester.
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). To learn more about her research and how to get involved, please click on her webpage below.
Christopher Garris, Ph.D.
Dr. Garris’s research interests are varied, but most recently have centered on national identity/patriotism and political decision making. His research often considers the intersection of culture by including international, cross-cultural comparisons.
Bridget Kelsey, Ph.D.
Dr. Kelsey’s research is focused on aspects of social and emotional development during adolescence. Her current research is focused on older adolescents in the early college years with an emphasis on identity development.
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
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
Cheryl Sanders, Ph.D.
Dr. Sanders’ research interests include bullying, cyberbullying, and factors associated with victimization. In addition, she studies sexting and other online behaviors.
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 also interested in the effects of language use on prejudice.
Dr. Schatz is not currently recruiting research assistants
Randi Smith, Ph.D.
Dr. Smith’s 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