BA University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 1991
MS University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 1996
PhD University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 1998
Academic Focus
Olfactory and Flavor Perception
My research investigates psychological processes in taste, flavor, and olfaction. Current projects explore the impact of the emotion of disgust on the perceptual processing of odors and flavors, and cross-modal associations between vision, olfaction, and taste. I also conduct studies on the development of olfaction in children from preschool to 6th grade.
Courses Taught
Required Capstone Thesis or Research for the Special Major
Introduction to basic scientific logic, facts, theories, and principles of psychology, including topics such as human motivation, learning, emotion, perception, thought, intelligence, and personality.
Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical methods with applications in psychology. Laboratory work involves the use of a computer software package that allows for the application of statistical procedures. Prerequisite: Psychology 101. Required of all majors in Psychology; open only to declared Psychology majors. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
Quarter credit internship graded S/U.
In-depth investigation of current topics in perception through review of empirical research and theory. Focus is on high-level vision, or odor/flavor perception, with an emphasis on social, cognitive, emotional, and evolutionary influences on the perceptual process. In laboratory, students design and conduct original research. Prerequisites: Psych 216 or Psych 238, and 305. Three class hours and three laboratory hours.
Design and execution of an empirical study involving the collection and analysis of data in relation to some psychological problem under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are required to present an acceptable research proposal no later than four weeks following the beginning of the semester or to withdraw from the course. Research culminates in a paper. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated. Does not count in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F.
Students in the Honors Research Program take this course in their senior year. Course has two components: (a) a research project, similar to that described under Individualized Empirical Research, in which each student designs and executes an empirical study under the supervision of a staff member; and (b) an honors seminar in which honors students present and discuss their research projects. Students may elect to do their research project in either the fall or spring semester. Seminar meets both semesters, and all students participate in all of the seminar meetings. One course credit is given in the spring semester. Prerequisites: Participation in the Honors Research Program is by invitation of the department. Best consideration is given to students who have completed an advanced lab by the end of their junior year.