🧠Welcome to the Fall 2025 Edition of Psychology Psignature

Dr. Nastassia M. Savage

The Psychology Department is excited to welcome Dr. Nastassia M. Savage as a new Assistant Professor in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program.

Dr. Savage earned her PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Clemson University and brings expertise in practical approaches to understanding and improving workplace relationships, including teamwork, leadership, and occupational health (stress, burnout, and well-being). Her work also focuses on designing and leading training programs that enhance organizational effectiveness.

She joins Mason after serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Old Dominion University and as Director of Organizational Assessment and Evaluation at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she collaborated with healthcare providers to support research and improve organizational culture.

“I am thrilled to be able to support the work of the GMY Industrial-Organizational Psychology program and to work with students across the programs!”

Outside of academia, Dr. Savage has a unique hobby—she collects decks of cards from different places she has visited. Her collection has now grown to over 200 decks!

Dr. Camelia Harb

The Psychology Department is excited to welcome Dr. Camelia Harb as a new Assistant Professor in the Clinical Psychology program. 

Dr. Harb earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Her research focuses on barriers to research and treatment engagement for racially and ethnically marginalized groups, and she uses Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approaches to better understand and address these challenges.

Before joining Mason, Dr. Harb worked as a Research and Operations Analyst at The AAKOMA Project, where she supported initiatives to advance mental health equity.

“GMU is home to a wonderful, diverse, and multifaceted student body, and it is exciting to be a part of and contribute to the professional training of future psychologists.”

Outside of her research and teaching, Dr. Harb has a green thumb—during the height of COVID, she owned an impressive 73 plants (though her collection is now down to about 30!).

Dr. Martin Wiener

MA and BAM Program Coordinator- Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience 

Associate Professor 

Dr. Martin Wiener has been part of the GMU Psychology Department for the past nine years. He was originally drawn to Mason for its collaborative and supportive environment—something he continues to cultivate in his new role as coordinator of the Master’s and Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s (BAM) programs in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN).

Dr. Wiener holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and has a strong background in Cognitive Neuroscience. His career also includes time as a Science & Technology Policy Fellow with the AAAS at the National Science Foundation, further deepening his perspective on research, policy, and public impact.

In his own words:

“I want to provide support, information, and consulting for students interested in pursuing a Master’s in CBN—whether through the BAM or traditional MA path. My hope is that students understand what each option offers and find the path that fits them best.”

As someone who earned an MA before pursuing his PhD, Dr. Wiener understands first-hand how a master’s degree can provide focus, direction, and valuable research experience. He is passionate about helping students find similar clarity as they chart their own paths.

“I like helping students find their way! It’s an exciting and diverse field, and I want students to feel supported as they explore their options.”

Dr. Lauren Kuykendall 

Program Director – Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Associate Professor

Dr. Lauren Kuykendall has been part of the Mason Psychology Department since 2015, drawn to the university’s strong and well-respected I-O Psychology program. She earned her PhD in Psychology from Purdue University the same year and has since established a research program centered on employee well-being. Her work explores how individual and organizational factors shape work-rest rhythms and protect against burnout, with the goal of promoting healthier and more sustainable workplaces.

As Program Director, Dr. Kuykendall is focused on supporting the needs of Mason’s three graduate programs (MPS, MA, and PhD) in I-O Psychology while also continuing to grow the undergraduate concentration and minor. She is also launching a new Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Project examining how a course on the Psychology of Self-Knowledge impacts student well-being.

“I’m excited to be in this role and look forward to working with students to support the news of our program.”

Dr. Craig McDonald

Program Director – Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience 

Associate Professor

Dr. Craig McDonald has been part of the Mason Psychology Department for more than two decades. He first joined the department as a post-doctoral researcher in Dr. Robert Smith’s lab before becoming tenured faculty, and has since built his career here at Mason.

Dr. McDonald earned his PhD in Neurobiology from the University of Victoria, and his research focuses on the neural correlates of cognitive control, particularly the brain’s mechanisms for error monitoring.

As Program Director of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, his primary goal this year is to support program growth by hiring a new faculty member who will help ensure the program continues to thrive.

“What excites me most is finding ways to better serve our students and promote their participation in our program. My door is always open and I’m eager to hear student perspectives on how we can make the program stronger.”

Dr. McDonald also highlighted the innovative work of his colleague Dr. Martin Wiener, who is conducting cutting-edge research using AI to understand how vision unfolds over time—an example of the exciting advances happening in the CBN program.

Dr. Yi-Ching Lee 

Program Director – Human Factors and Applied Cognition

Associate Professor

Dr. Yi-Ching Lee joined the Mason Psychology Department in 2016, drawn by the national reputation of the Human Factors and Applied Cognition (HFAC) program, which she describes as “the first among the nation when I joined the program.”

Before coming to Mason, Dr. Lee served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and later as a Research Scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Her research spans social interaction and communication in intelligent systems, human-automation interaction, human factors in transportation and medical systems, user experience, and behavior change, with a strong focus on improving quality of life and health behaviors. 

As Program Director, Dr. Lee is prioritizing efforts to increase visibility of the program, build stronger connections with industry, government, and community partners, and expand HFAC’s research portfolio.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to grow our program and build stronger connections between faculty and students. We are a team, and we support each other.”

A QMHP is a professional licensed by the Virginia Board of Counseling to provide mental health services and counseling interventions that help individuals manage or overcome psychological and behavioral challenges. To achieve this credential, individuals must complete 1,500 supervised hours of work with clients.

Through his Internship in Clinical Psychology course (PSYC 461), Dr. Short helps advanced psychology undergraduates begin this journey by placing them in mental health settings such as clinics, hospitals, residential centers, and community organizations. Students work directly with children, adolescents, and young adults—gaining hands-on experience in therapeutic communication, goal-setting, and problem-solving skills, while also learning about confidentiality, recordkeeping, and cultural competence.

“The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that about 20% of U.S. adults experience psychiatric disorders each year, and about half receive treatment—most commonly with medication.” As a major funder of psychology research, including several grants within our own department, NIMH emphasises the importance of training the next generation of mental health professionals.

Dr. Short was inspired to create this training pathway in response to the rising need for mental health care across Virginia, especially following the pandemic. “My hope is that our Psychology undergraduates will increase their knowledge and skills to help more community members reduce their distress, improve their daily functioning, and increase their happiness,” he shared.

This initiative has been made possible thanks to the support of Dr. Tim Curby (Psychology Chairperson), Dr. Lisa Breglia (Senior Associate Dean of CHSS), and community partners like Tree of Life Family Services, who have provided internships and supervision for Mason students.

The QMHP internship program not only strengthens our department’s training opportunities but also makes a real impact on the broader community, preparing students for meaningful careers in mental health services.

Assistant Professor Yijue Liang from the Industrial/Organizational Psychology program is leading impactful research addressing workplace safety, focusing on how organizations can reduce sexual harassment. Her recent feature, This psychology researcher is clocking in to make workplaces safer for all, highlights her work developing a scale for bystander behaviors—ranging from passive distraction to active intervention—and classifying workplace responders into profiles like no or limited intervention, low-risk intervention, and active intervention. She emphasizes that even minimal efforts can positively impact victims and encourage more bystanders to act. Liang’s continuing research includes exploring how harassers respond to different interventions and expanding investigations to gig workers, who often face customer harassment in isolated conditions. Her work sheds light on the importance of safe, supportive, and healthy workplace environments for all.

Check out the article!

Our department is proud to recognize the achievements of faculty and staff who continue to advance the mission of the Psychology Department through mentorship, teaching, and service.

• Dr. Robyn Mehlenbeck, Director of the Center for Psychological Services, was recently honored with a Mentoring Award at the 2025 Association of Psychology Training Clinics (APTC) Conference in Nashville, TN. This prestigious award highlights her commitment to guiding the next generation of mental health professionals through compassionate and rigorous mentorship.
   📖 Read the full story

• Erin Murdoch received the Psychology Outstanding Faculty Award, a recognition of her excellence in teaching, research, and student support. Her dedication to student success and curriculum innovation has made a lasting impact across the department.
   📖 See award details
• Hilah Kaufman was named the recipient of the Psychology Outstanding Adjunct Award for 2025. As an adjunct faculty member, Hilah has consistently gone above and beyond in creating engaging learning environments and connecting with students both inside and outside the classroom.
   📖 See award details

Our faculty continues to shape public conversations on timely and meaningful issues, offering their expertise across national platforms.

• Dr. Todd Kashdan, known for his work on well-being and curiosity, co-authored an op-ed in Greater Good Magazine exploring how pleasure contributes to happiness in a meaningful and lasting way. His article encourages readers to reframe how we view pleasure in the context of living a good life.
   📖 Read the op-ed
• Natasha Tonge was quoted in Inside Higher Ed in an article examining how faculty are coping with anxiety and burnout. She shared insights on how family and social support can serve as a buffer for stressed academics navigating professional uncertainty.
   📖 Read the full article

Psychology undergraduate Samantha Lewis demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination as she overcame serious health challenges to walk across the graduation stage this past May. After undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, Samantha not only completed her degree but also inspired her peers and professors alike. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience within the Mason community.

📖 Read her full story here

Mason students showcased innovative and impactful research at the 15th Annual CHSS Undergraduate Research Symposium. Two psychology majors stood out for their excellence and contribution to the field:

Armita Dadvar

• Project: Executive Function Related to Behavioral Outcomes in Typically Developing and Neurodiverse Children? A Meta-Analysis
• Mentor: Dr. Sabine Doebel
• Award: Excellence in Research Award

Asriel Kelly

• Project: Name Age, Legal Experience, and Defendant Plea Comprehension
• Mentor: Dr. Allison Redlich
• Award: Social Impact Award

We are proud to recognize the hard work, intellectual rigor, and commitment these students have demonstrated through their projects.

 📖 View more about the symposium

Each spring, the Psychology Department gathers to recognize exceptional students and faculty whose work exemplifies excellence in scholarship, research, teaching, and service. After Spring Break, the department’s Undergraduate Committee solicits nominations, and honorees are selected and celebrated at our annual awards ceremony.

We are proud to acknowledge this year’s award recipients:

Graduate Student Awards

• Applied Developmental Psychology Outstanding Doctoral Student: Anna Sofia Caruso
• Applied Developmental Psychology Outstanding Master’s Student: Mallory Jenkins
• Applied Developmental Psychology Outstanding Dissertation: Darian Stapleton
• Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor: John Cliburn
• Outstanding Teaching Assistant: Abigail Milhaven
• Outstanding Teaching Assistant Honorable Mentions: Anna Sofie Caruso, Neha Kannan

Undergraduate Student Awards

• Jeanne C. Mellinger Award: Matthew Burdick
• Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher: Humaira Hatif
• Outstanding Research Assistant: Cydney Kennedy
• Honorable Mention (RA): Ally Kiger
• Outstanding Community Service: Emmarose Price
• Outstanding Learning Assistants: Jonathan Clark, Hajrah Noor Razaq
• Faculty Choice Award: Giselle Bahr

Faculty Awards

• Outstanding Faculty Award: Erin Murdoch
• Outstanding Adjunct Award: Hilah Kaufman

Visit the awards page for a full list of recipients and their contributions.

At the Spring 2025 Commencement, George Mason University celebrated a record-breaking graduating class of 6,875 undergraduates and 400 doctoral candidates. Among the top five undergraduate majors were business, information technology, computer science, psychology, criminology, law, and society, with psychology continuing to be a standout discipline across degree levels.

Psychology also remained one of the most represented fields among those earning doctoral degrees, alongside education, computer science, economics, and conflict analysis and resolution.

To honor our graduate students, the department hosted a special Grad Reception in the HUB Ballroom. Faculty, students, and families gathered to celebrate years of dedication, research, and growth. It was a joyful and heartfelt send-off for those embarking on new professional and academic journeys.

📖 Read more about Spring 2025 Commencement

Hosted by Mason’s Center for Community Mental Health—a key unit within the Psychology Department—the 8th Annual Food for Thought fundraiser brought together supporters for an evening of culinary creativity and mental health advocacy. 

This year’s event featured special guest Connor McGuire, Executive Chef for the Washington Commanders, who shared his insights on food, resilience, and mental well-being. Held at Leidos Headquarters, the event raised funds to expand access to affordable, evidence-based psychological services offered through the center.

The Center for Community Mental Health plays a vital role in providing low-cost therapy and testing for the local community while also serving as a training site for Mason psychology students. The Food for Thought event directly supports this mission, helping to reduce waitlists and sustain services for children, adults, veterans, and underserved populations. 

📖 Read more about this year’s event
📖 Commander's article on Chef McGuire

Held each spring in the back hallway of David King Hall, the Honors Research Showcase invites our Psychology Honors students to present their yearlong research to faculty, peers, and guests. The event not only celebrates academic achievement but also allows students to gain experience in presenting their findings and engaging in scholarly dialogue.

Congratulations to the 2025 Peer-Voted Award Winners:

• Best Honors Researcher: Jessica Luther
• Best Honors Project: Humaira Hatif
• Best Honors Poster: Armita Dadvar

Award certificates are displayed with their posters, which remain showcased in David King until next spring.

Dr. Michael Hurley

Role: Associate Professor/Advisor

Pop Culture Pick #1: The Good War by Studs Terkel (Book). 

Why I Recommend It:
"This book by Studs Terkel tells the human story of World War II and not the military story, although they are not unrelated."

Psychology Component:
Through a series of oral histories, this book delves into the psychological impact of World War II on individuals from all walks of life, capturing themes of trauma, resilience, memory, and the complex morality of war.

Dr. Michael Hurley

Role: Associate Professor/Advisor

Pop Culture Pick #2: Midnight Run (Movie)

Why I Recommend It:
"It's both a great cop chase film and hilarious at the same time."

Psychology Component:
This action-comedy explores the psychology of unlikely alliances, moral redemption, and interpersonal dynamics under pressure, showcasing how trust and empathy can develop even in high-stress, adversarial situations.

Dr. Eileen Roesler

Role: Assistant Professor, Human Factors and Applied Cognition

Pop Culture Pick #1: WALL-E (Movie)

Why I Recommend It:
"I recommend WALL·E because it’s a fantastic example of our human tendency to anthropomorphize. Despite lacking natural language and a strong resemblance to humans, the main robot character is heavily anthropomorphized and evokes a strong emotional response through emotional contagion.”

Pop Culture Pick #2: Good Night Oppy. (Movie)

Why I Recommend It:
"While WALL·E illustrates the human tendency to anthropomorphize in a cartoonish way, Good Night Oppy powerfully showcases how humans tend to anthropomorphize robots even without human-like features. Many of us found ourselves emotionally invested in Oppy's journey across Mars.”

Dr. Justin Ramsdell

Role: Associate Chair/Associate Professor

Pop Culture Pick #1: “Comeback (Light Therapy)” by Josh Rouse (Song) 

Psychology Component:
This song references light therapy, which is a real psychological treatment often used for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other mood-related conditions. It connects to psychology through the idea that environmental factors (like sunlight) influence mood, circadian rhythms, and mental health.

Dr. Justin Ramsdell

Role: Associate Chair/Associate Professor

Pop Culture Pick #2: “I Should Get Up” by Teddy Thompson (Song) 

Psychology Component:
This song reflects the psychological struggle with motivation, possibly tied to depression, apathy, or low energy states. The lyrics convey a deep self-awareness of wanting to escape a withdrawn state and engage with life, but acknowledging the difficulty in breaking free from the quiet, isolated existence.

Dr. Adam Winsler

Role: Professor, Applied Developmental Psychology

Pop Culture Pick: Inside Out (Movie)

Why I Recommend It:
 "Great movie about emotions and development and family.”

Psychology Component:
This animated film offers a vivid portrayal of emotional development and regulation, illustrating core psychological concepts like the role of emotions in memory, identity formation, and the importance of embracing the full emotional spectrum.