I am a Professor of General Experimental Psychology in the Department of Psychology (College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences) at California State University, Monterey Bay. I teach courses in research methodology, experimental design, human factors, and statistics.
My research blends cognitive science and social psychology in the realms of spatial cognition and human depiction in popular media. I currently have two lines of research. The first line aims to better understand how people think about and use physical space in the realm of social relationships and interactions. The second examines how visual depictions of the human body, in various media, influence perceptions of physical and intellectual abilities. I have published in the areas of social distance, language use, human gesture, sexism in the media, as well as judgment and decision making.
I hold an A.A. in Liberal Studies from the College of the Sequoias, a B.A. and M.A. in Experimental Psychology from California State University, Fresno, and both an M.S. in Social and Cognitive Sciences and a Ph.D. in Cognitive and Information Sciences from University of California, Merced.
I am a first-generation college graduate, and was born and raised in California’s central San Joaquin Valley.
Current Appointments
- Professor of General Experimental Psychology (CSUMB)
- Subject Matter Expert, Monterey County Department of Human Resources
Education & Training
- 2024: Certificate in Negotiation Mastery – Harvard Business School Online
- 2024: Certificate in Big Data for Social Good – Harvard Business School Online
- 2023: Certificate in Strategy Execution for Public Leadership – Harvard Business School Online
- 2023: Credential in Cybersecurity – ISC2
- 2023: Graduate Course in Social Justice Issues in Higher Education – UC Berkeley Extended Ed
- 2014: Doctor of Philosophy (Cognitive and Information Sciences) – UC Merced
- 2011: Master of Science (Social and Cognitive Sciences) – UC Merced
- 2005: Master of Arts (Experimental Psychology) – Fresno State
- 2002: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – Fresno State
- 2000: Associate of Arts (Liberal Studies) – College of the Sequoias
University Service
- Psychology Department Curriculum Committee Chair/Member (2022 – current)
- Psychology Department Webmaster (2017 – current)
- Planning Committee Member & Judge, Central California Research Symposium (2014 – current)
Community Service
- Employment Screening Subject Matter Expert for the Monterey County Civil Rights Office (2019 – current)
Awards
- 2023-24 Fresno State Department of Psychology Alum of the Year
- 2024 CSUMB HR Otter Strength Award for Creativity and Innovation
- 2024 CSUMB Academic Senate Faculty Award for Outstanding Teaching
- 2020 CSUMB Academic Senate Faculty Award for Excellence in Professional Application
For a copy of my CV → click here
For a list of my favorite restaurants in California → click here
