Social neuroendocrinology of Stress

Pedagogical Tools of Psychology

I received my B.A. in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz in 2003, and my Ph.D. in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin in 2011.

My research focused on influences of personality, social, neuroendocrine and genetic factors on cortisol hormone response to and recovery from acute stress, and further downstream, the implications for health.

My current interests are twofold, and center on 1) the social psychophysiology of stress, and 2) empirically supported tools and strategies for teaching and learning in psychology.

  • Teaching
  • Statistics
  • Education

Teaching

My overarching teaching goal is to facilitate student learning and curiosity through three components: empirically supported pedagogy, genuine care for students, and passion for the subject and role of mentor.

  • Health Psychology

    Explores the mind-body connection with an emphasis on the relationship between stress, coping, and disease. As a writing intensive class, students develop professional fluency and grow as critical consumers of psychological research through written work.

  • Personality Psychology

    Delves into various models aimed at understanding what it means to be a person - our thoughts, behavior, and feelings. Approaches include trait, biological, and Psychoanalytic theory.

  • History of Modern Psychology

    Examines the founding and development in the field of psychology, from the early influences of Greek philosophy to the modern perspectives guiding current scholarship in psychology. As a writing intensive class, students expand their knowledge of historically important antecedants through original pursuasive research assignments.

  • Emotion

    Surveys human emotion from various psychological perspectives - including development, physiology, neuroscience, cognition, social relationships, personality, and psychopathology. Special topics include emotion regulation, neuroedocrinology, and pursuing happiness and well-being.

  • Research Methods and Statistics

    Survey of statistics, including central tendency, variability and inference, and scientific methodology used in psychological research. Students collaborate in teams to design, test, and analyze an original research project.

  • Introduction to Psychology

    Basic problems and principles of human experience and behavior. Students explore key theories and research across a variety of topic areas including - social, personality, sensation and perception, and development.