Hi, I’m Andrea! I’m a mixed-methods social and behavioral scientist curious about how people’s identities, and emotional and social experiences shape their attitudes, decision making, and behavior.
Scroll down to learn a bit about my research journey!
I earned my Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Northwestern University where I developed broad expertise in psychological motivation and rigorous training in quantitative analysis, applying my work to emotion regulation and well-being, consumer behavior, prosocial behavior, and even employee engagement.
Based in Chicago, I am immersed in a dynamic city brimming with culture, diversity, food, and entertainment. I live by the motto that Chicago summers give us life and Chicago winters build character!
After spending several years in behavior detection within the federal government, I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology. Inspired by psychological research and public service, I subsequently worked in mental health with military veterans. Touched by their experiences and challenges, I was driven to explore how I could leverage behavioral science to help people live happier, healthier lives. I first pursued a master’s program to study veteran moral trauma and better understand how we respond to events that challenge our moral values and beliefs, and the impact on our well-being. I became fascinated with the broader role of morality in our social, political, and emotional lives, and the behaviors we engage in to maintain a view of ourselves as good, moral people worthy of social inclusion. After earning a National Science Graduate Research Fellowship, I pursued these interests and more in my doctoral training at Northwestern University.
Moral Identity
In general, we all have a need to view ourselves as good, moral people - no more, no less. This motivates us to engage in various thinking patterns and behavior to balance this self-view to maintain a sense of self-worth.
Moral Emotions
Everyone is familiar with the experience of shame and guilt. These emotions can certainly feel aversive, leaving us to grapple with negative thoughts about our behavior and question our self-worth. However, these emotions can also be motivational and drive growth and prosocial/ethical action.
Our Need for Belonging and Social Connection
Our personal and social relationships are important to our health and well-being. Being a person who lives up to the moral values and beliefs we share with family, friends, and close colleagues gives us a personal sense that we are good people, but also confidence that we are valued social contributors worthy of inclusion in our interpersonal relationships and social groups.