Assistant Professor

Email: ws1114@hunter.cuny.edu

Telephone: 212-481-3512

Office: Brookdale Campus, W424

My research centers on using careful measurement in field-based research both to understand how people can overcome adversity to succeed and how to promote prosocial development. I investigate resilience primarily through the lens of executive functioning among disadvantaged adolescents; I investigate prosocial development through animal- and nature-based educational and service learning programs for children in diverse cultures.

I also enjoy collaborating to apply my knowledge of experimental methods and statistics to a range of social and health science endeavors. My expertise includes traditional psychometric & item response theory analyses, instrument development, and multilevel & structural equation modeling. I also have considerable experience conducting studies—including randomized control trials—in difficult, field-based settings.

In my courses, I strive to include diverse perspectives to create rich and inviting learning environments so that students can develop understanding through critical reflection and the scientific method.

Education

PhD, Psychometrics and Experimental Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, 2004

MS, Experimental Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, 2000

BS, Biopsychology, Juniata College

Honors and Awards

Champion of Education Award “for demonstrating a passion and a commitment to improvements in education,” John W. Lavelle Preparatory Charter School, 2017

Eta Lambda Chapter of the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars, 2015

Recognized by the president of the College of Staten Island for “major scholarly publications ... that have brought distinction to the College”; 2009, 2011, & 2012

Research Areas

Grants and Publications