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

• 2007-present – Educational Psychology Educational Technology (EPET) Program, College of Education, Michigan State University (MSU)
  • Director, EPET Doctoral Program (2025-present)
  • Chairperson, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education (CEPSE) (2018-2023)
  • Professor (2018-present)
  • Director, EPET Doctoral Program (2015-2018)
  • Co-director, EPET Doctoral Program (2013-2015)
  • Associate Professor (2013-2018)
  • Assistant Professor (2007-2013)
• 2003-2007 – Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota
  • Lecturer (2007)
  • Graduate Assistant (2004-2006)
  • Research Associate (2003-2006)
• 1994-2003 – Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, NH
  • 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