Current Behavioral Science Students
Hometown: Bengaluru, India
Education:
B.A. in Psychology, Sociology and Economics from Bangalore University, India
M.S in Psychology from Bangalore University, India
Advisor: Dr. Sara Levens
Program Track: Behavioral Science
Research Interests: Aging, neurodegenerative disorders, women’s health and lifestyle risk factors.
Concentration Perspectives: Something I like about the concentration is the supportive research environment, along with ample resources and opportunities for professional growth.
Hobbies: Gardening, hiking, watching movies
Hometown: Waxhaw, NC
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology, summa cum laude, from University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Undergraduate Certificate in Game Design and Development from University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Advisor: Dr. Doug Markant
Program Track: Behavioral Science
Research Interests: My research interests are on both the basic and applied sides of psychology research. I am interested in understanding the role of cognitive mechanisms in health outcomes, such as decision-making, cognitive bias, and emotion regulation. I aim to apply this understanding to health behavior change and the development of health promotion/intervention programs. I take an applied game design approach to the development of these programs, with the goal of creating game-based programs to improve program sustainability, engagement, and health outcomes.
Concentration Perspectives: One of my favorite things about this program and the Behavioral Science concentration is its interdisciplinary grounding. I get the chance to collaborate with students and faculties with different areas of specialty and also get the chance to take courses in and expand on my own area of specialty while all working towards similar goals (improving health outcomes generally).
Hobbies: Reading, exercise, video games, cooking, spending time with family and friends
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Education: B.S. in Psychology from University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Advisor: Dr. Doug Markant and Dr. Sara Levens
Program Track: Behavioral Science
Research Interests: Cognitive psychology and the influence of attitudes and beliefs on behavior
Hobbies: Guitar, reading, hanging out with my wife
Hometown: Mooresville, NC
Education:
- B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- M.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Graduate Certificate in Quantitative Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Advisor: Dr. Doug Markant
Program Track: Behavioral Science
Research Interests: I am a health behaviors researcher focused on operationalizing stress using the allostatic load model. My work examines how psychological constructs such as mindset and belongingness can be leveraged to manage and reduce stress. By exploring the interplay between these constructs, I aim to develop interventions that improve health outcomes and enhance resilience.
Concentration Perspectives: One of the unique aspects of our Behavioral Science concentration is its flexibility, allowing students to tailor their course load to create a bespoke academic experience. For example, I was able to take additional methods courses to complete my Graduate Certificate in Quantitative Analysis, which has been invaluable to my research and professional growth.
Hobbies: Reading, exercise, painting models, cooking, spending time with family and friends.
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology, High Point University
- M.A. in Psychological Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Advisor: Dr. Sara Levens
Program Track: Behavioral Science
Research Interests: Broadly, my research interests involve understanding how emotions impact health behaviors such as physical activity and alcohol use. More specifically, I am interested in how daily fluctuations in emotions can impact attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and intention to engage in health behaviors, and the use of health behaviors to cope with stress. My goal with this research is to inform behavior change that may help to guide health promotion interventions.
Concentration Perspectives: An aspect of the Behavioral Science concentration that sets us apart from other concentrations and programs is our Experimental Seminar. The seminar allows us an opportunity to share research experiences and collaborate with our interdisciplinary faculty in other departments, hear guest speaker presentations, and learn more about career opportunities.
Hobbies: Yoga, paddle boarding, trying new restaurants, watching reality-competition TV, listening to podcasts