I wear many hats as a researcher, teacher, clinician, and consultant. I am a motivation psychologist and believe in the bright side of humanity. Theory and research tells us that humans are naturally inclined to be helpful and inclusive when we are in touch with our true values and beliefs. As such, I aim to motivate people from within, in ways that align with their core values, in all the work I do. Another common thread across my roles is a passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

I am an associate professor in psychology at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL, and have been a faculty member at Illinois Tech since 2014. I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rochester in 2014, and before that I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA in 2006.