About Me
I came to academia after working at a boarding school for nine years, where I became fascinated by peer influence and the different ways that students change – sometimes for better, sometimes for worse – in different social contexts.
In my research, I examine the way peers affect each other’s motivation, achievement, and behavior, with the goal of understanding the social-psychological mechanisms underlying these processes and developing practical strategies to ensure that peers promote rather than inhibit each other’s success.
Employment
- 2018-present – Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, & Special Education, College of Education, Michigan State University
- 2007-2018 – Educational Psychology Educational Technology Program, College of Education, Michigan State University
- 2003-2007 – Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota
- 1994-2003 – Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, NH
– Professor and Chairperson
– Associate Professor with Tenure (2013-2018)
– Assistant Professor (2007-2013)
– Lecturer (2007)
– Graduate Assistant (2004-2006)
– Research Associate (2003-2006)
– Assistant Headmaster (2001-2003)
– Dean of Students (1998-2001)
– Associate Dean of Students (1996-1998)
– Spanish Teacher (1994-2003)
Education
- 2006 – University of Minnesota, M.A., Ph.D.
- 1994 – Dartmouth College, B.A.
- 1990 – Wausau West High School
