Studying how our group identities and beliefs shape our ability to peacefully coexist in diverse societies. Putting science to work to bridge the divides that pull us apart.
I'm an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago, where I direct the Belief, Identity, and Group Relations Lab.
I study intergroup relations with a particular focus on the ways in which religion — as both a group membership and a system of beliefs — shapes moral decision-making, socio-political attitudes, and behavior across group boundaries. I also study political division and intergroup conflict more broadly, with an emphasis on how psychological insights can be translated into real-world tools to advance social change and promote equality.
My research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the John Templeton Foundation, and the Russell Sage Foundation; published in journals such as Psychological Science and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology; and featured in outlets including The New York Times. I earned my Ph.D. in social psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and my B.A. from Bates College.
Interested in research collaboration, working in the lab, consulting, or have a media inquiry? I'd love to hear from you.