Interested in partnering with a faculty member for psychology research? Read more about our faculty's research interests and connect with them below.
Research Faculty
My research is in the experimental analysis of behavior developing rodent models of the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Concurrent-chains procedures are used to study impulsive choice and mathematical models to fit delay discounting data, generating empirical parameters to estimate sensitivity of choice to the magnitude and delay of reinforcement. The implementation of single-subject experimental designs is the common denominator of the current research resulting in scientific contributions to the experimental analysis of behavior. The participation of students in research protocols requires the completion of CITI certification, Working with Animals in the Laboratory, training in the laboratory to use computers and software (Graphic State Notation), and lab meetings to discuss papers and related materials. Opportunities to collaborate in conference presentations and publications are open to resolute students.
My research, broadly speaking, is really around how to use positive approaches to lead to a more rewarding life and humane world. Specifically, I use the lens of behaviorism to do basic research on gradual change interventions, the use of technology in behavior change, and on self-regulation/impulsivity. Depending on the level of background and interest, students have worked on literature reviews, data collection, proposals, and projects/theses. I'm happy to discuss potential work with undergraduate or graduate students.
I am dedicated to exploring cutting-edge mental health initiatives designed for children, educators, and counselors within school environments. I place special emphasis on the transformative influence of technology in fostering social interactions and advancing psychological interventions. I am the co-inventor of PABI (Penguin for Autism Behavioral Interventions), a robot designed to assist in autism interventions for children.
I am also exploring the intricate domain of gender bias within technology and the nuanced implications of robot gender stereotypes on career trajectories. This exploration reflects my broader interest in fostering gender equality and dismantling biases embedded in technological advancements. My academic curiosity extends to the realm of bibliotherapy, where I investigate the integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in reducing anxiety among K-12 students. Lastly, I am a huge fan of pop culture and how this can be used to advance mental health initiatives with students.
I enjoy mentoring and have a record of publishing and presenting with students at various conferences. If you're interested in these areas, let's connect! Those intrigued by the intersection of mental health, technology, and education are encouraged to connect with me to explore avenues of involvement and collaboration.
My current research, with Management Professor Anne-Marie Hakstian, focuses on retail discrimination and consumer racial profiling and jury decision making in retail discrimination cases. I am also very involved with campus wide efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive community at Salem State through professional development, community dialogue, and assessment. I also love supervising student research on a variety of topics.
Interested students should reach out to me about getting involved.
My research program examines positive youth and adult development within college and community settings. Areas of focus are mentoring, learner empowerment, self efficacy, advocacy skills, and civic engagement. A student can participate as a volunteer, or within a directed study (project work plus scholarship activities tied to a student's interest), or serve as a youth mentor within a community-engaged course that co-teach.
Students at Salem State University have the opportunity to work with the Neurodynamics and Neural Decoding Group (Gow Lab) at the Massachusetts General Hospital (https://gowlab.mgh.harvard.edu/). Our research uses a combination of behavioral measures, deep learning neural net simulations and innovative analyses of integrated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography to study the forces that shape language. Work conducted at Salem involves developing stimuli and conducting behavioral pilot experiments to get experiments intro shape for research conducted in the scanners. Participation entails directed reading, training in digital sound editing and manipulation, completion of CITI certification in Human Subjects Research, and participation in some full lab meetings, with the potential for shared authorship in conference presentation and publications. Juniors and Seniors with a GPA > 3.0 can earn course credit through PSY 530 (directed study in psychology). Interested students should contact Prof. Gow directly for information.
The Interbehavioral Regulation Lab studies complex human behavior in a laboratory setting. Current projects include the study of beliefs in political and social life and the study of media behaviors online. Students may have the opportunity to run participants, organize data in Microsoft Excel, and attend laboratory meetings for project updates and presentations.
My background is in Experimental Psychology and I teach courses in biological psychology, research methods and statistics, and the neuropsychology of drug use and abuse. My primary area of research includes the impact of cannabis use on executive functioning abilities, including decision making, working memory, and impulsivity and sustained attention. I have also supervised student-led research concerning factors that impact partner selection in the LGBTQ+ population.
I am currently most interested in a form of qualitative (words-based) research which explores a phenomenon from the perspective of those who experience it and the meaning that people make of these experiences. My current research is examining psychological aspects of the idea of “home” and the multiple meanings that people make of the concept. Students interested in this topic can join me in conducting literature review, designing research interviews, and collecting and analyzing interview-based qualitative data. I am also eager to help students develop their own qualitative curiosities, especially in areas where existing psychological knowledge does not adequately capture the complexities of a topic.