emotion • well-being • social functioning

How do emotions shape the lives we build together?

I study the core social-emotional processes that underlie human connection and collaboration, specifically focusing on how people express their emotions and how others interpret and respond to the expressions. I take a multi-level approach to unpacking why emotion expressions can sometimes facilitate connection and promote well-being, while at other times sever relationships and create social tension. My research combines experimental, observational, and computational methods to understand these social-emotional processes across individuals, relationships, and society.

I work with Billy Brady at Mind and Technology Lab and with Claudia Haase at Life Span Development Lab at Northwestern University.