📝Welcome to the Spring 2026 Edition of Psychology Psignature

Jada Khochareun
Fiscal Technician

The Psychology Department is excited to welcome Jada Khochareun as our new Fiscal Technician! Originally from Harrisonburg, Virginia, Jada is a proud James Madison University graduate. After completing her degree, she worked at JMU before making the move to George Mason University. 

Jada joined Mason after relocating to the area and was drawn to the university’s strong reputation and welcoming community. Her favorite part so far? The people and the supportive environment make Mason such a great place to work.

When she’s not at work, Jada loves spending time with her golden retriever, Jake, who keeps her busy and brings plenty of smiles along the way.

Welcome to the Psychology Department, Jada—we’re so glad to have you!

The GMU Psychology Department is excited to expand its footprint with a new presence at FUSE at Mason Square in Arlington, VA, a dynamic, state-of-the-art facility designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. More than just a building, FUSE is a public-private partnership between the university and industry, bringing both community and economic vitality to the region. Built for innovation and impact, FUSE serves as a central hub where researchers, entrepreneurial partners, students, and faculty combine their talents to address the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative and develop bold solutions for a changing world.

Three Psychology faculty members—Dr. Eileen Roesler and Dr. Beth Phillips from the Human Factors and Applied Cognition (HFAC) program, and Dr. Natasha Tonge from Clinical Psychology, have recently relocated their offices and research activities to the new space. With specialized labs housed alongside the Institute for Digital Innovation and the College of Engineering and Computing, FUSE creates unique opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration at the intersection of humans and technology.

Dr. Roesler, who leads the Human-Agent Collaboration (HAC) Lab, highlighted the impact on students, emphasizing the hands-on experience gained through collaboration across disciplines and sectors. “It gives them a chance to learn how to speak the language of other disciplines, and even industry and government, which is an incredible learning opportunity,” she shared.

At FUSE, Drs. Roesler and Tonge will serve as lab managers for the Human Subjects and Behavior Lab, while Dr. Phillips will co-manage the Robotics Lab. These advanced facilities support research in areas such as human-robot interaction, autonomous systems, trust, and interpersonal disclosure, while strengthening partnerships across colleges and with external organizations.

This exciting expansion reflects the department’s continued commitment to innovative research, experiential learning, and meaningful community impact, opening the door to new opportunities for students and faculty alike.

Martin Wiener, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, received a multi-year National Science Foundation grant totaling $734,430 for his project, “The Perception of Time and Memorability in the Visual Hierarchy.” The research examines how the brain processes time when viewing images and how this influences visual memory, learning, and perception.

Wiener is collaborating with Dr. Ayelet Landau (Cognitive Science and Psychology) and Dr. Yuval Benjamini (Statistics and Data Science) from Hebrew University. Using brain imaging, eye-tracking, and computer modeling, the team will study how time perception operates across different levels of the visual system.

This work has important implications for understanding conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and schizophrenia, where time perception and visual memory are disrupted. The project also aims to advance artificial intelligence by incorporating time as a feature in image-processing models. In addition, the team plans to develop a public image database with time-perception data to support AI development and adaptive educational technologies.

Adam Winsler, professor of psychology, has been named co-editor-in-chief of Child Development, the flagship journal of the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD). He will serve alongside Dr. Shauna M. Cooper of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in leading one of the most influential journals in developmental science.

Internationally recognized for publishing innovative research on the psychological, biological, and sociocultural aspects of child development, Child Development plays a central role in shaping the field. As co-editor-in-chief, Winsler will help guide the journal’s editorial vision, oversee the peer-review process, and curate special issues that highlight emerging trends and challenges. 

Winsler is widely known for his research on early childhood education, bilingual language development, self-regulation, and private speech in learning. In addition, Dr. Thalia Goldstein, professor of psychology at Mason, was named an associate editor of the journal, further highlighting the department’s leadership in developmental research.

This editorial leadership marks a significant milestone for George Mason University and underscores its growing prominence in developmental psychology and educational research.

George Mason University’s Center for Community Mental Health (CCMH) received a grant from the Potomac Health Foundation to support its Stepped Mental Health Care Program, expanding access to affordable, evidence-based mental health services in Prince William County. 

The three-tiered program includes a free, confidential emotional support line available seven days a week with bilingual (Spanish and English) clinicians, short-term skills-based telehealth therapy for adults, and longer-term therapy for children, adolescents, and adults offered on a sliding fee scale. Services are free for Prince William County residents, veterans, and members of the Mason community.

Led by Dr. Robyn Mehlenbeck, professor of psychology and director of CCMH, the center also provides hands-on training opportunities for Mason undergraduate and graduate students, who deliver services under the supervision of licensed faculty. The grant will additionally support community outreach efforts, strengthen partnerships, and increase access to care for diverse populations.

Dr. Todd Kashdan, professor of psychology and a leading expert in well-being, curiosity, and resilience, recently appeared on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast with host Craig Dowden. In the episode, “The Power of Principled Dissent and Curiosity in Leadership,” Dr. Kashdan shares insights on what makes great conversations, effective leadership, and meaningful change. 

The discussion explores the science of curiosity, themes from Kashdan’s books, including The Upside of Your Dark Side, and challenges the culture of toxic positivity by highlighting the important role emotions like anger play in leadership and social progress. Dr. Kashdan also dives into principled dissent, emphasizing social courage, authenticity, and the value of constructive disagreement in creating healthier, more productive environments.

Through personal stories and real-world examples, the episode offers a thoughtful roadmap for navigating leadership challenges in both personal and professional settings.

🎧 Take a listen: The Power of Principled Dissent and Curiosity in Leadership
 https://open.spotify.com/episode/01J2mPKCNKyhLqZCYUjgl0

Dr. Robyn Mehlenbeck, professor of psychology, was honored with the CHSS Trailblazer Award at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Staff and Administrative/Professional Faculty Awards on Wednesday, December 3. The Trailblazer Award recognizes employees who lead the charge on key initiatives, promote cultural change, and empower others through innovative and engaged leadership. This honor reflects Dr. Mehlenbeck’s commitment to advancing departmental and college-wide success, her dedication to community engagement, and her ability to inspire others, often going above and beyond her role to make a lasting impact at Mason.

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

• Dr. Todd Kashdan, professor of psychology and a member of George Mason’s Well-Being Lab, was quoted in The Washington Post in an article titled “A 6-year research project found a surprisingly simple route to happiness.” The piece highlights findings from long-term research on well-being, emphasizing the role of purpose, community, and contribution in fostering lasting happiness.

         📖Read more: The Washington Post

• Dr. Patrick E. McKnight, Dr. Todd B. Kashdan, Dr. Amie MacKay, along with graduate students Kerry Kelso and Madeline Gross, were cited in Psychology Today in the article “Can You Be Truly Happy Without a Sense of Purpose?” The piece explores the critical role that purpose plays in fostering well-being and fulfillment across the lifespan, highlighting research from Mason’s psychology faculty and students.

         📖Read more: Psychology Today

• Dr. Yijue Liang, assistant professor of psychology in the Industrial/Organizational program, was quoted in Phys.org in the article “New Study Details Clusters of Bystander Interventions for Workplace Sexual Harassment.” The piece highlights Dr. Liang’s research on how bystanders respond to harassment in the workplace, ranging from passive observation to active intervention, and how even minimal actions can positively impact victims and encourage more proactive behavior.

         📖Read more: Phys.org

A Robotic Cat for Examining Camera Clarity and Privacy in Human–Robot Interaction

Alexia De Costa was recognized at the OSCAR Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact for her interdisciplinary research project, Perception and Privacy: Exploring the Role of Camera Clarity in the Interaction with a Robotic Cat. Mentored by Dr. Eileen Roesler (Psychology) and Dr. Daigo Shishika (Mechanical Engineering), Alexia designed and built a fully autonomous social robot, the Bioinspired Automated Robotic Cat (BARC), to examine how a robot’s sensing capabilities shape human perceptions of privacy.

Inspired by feline anatomy and behavior, BARC uses facial detection, expressive gaze, and vocal responses to interact socially with users. Alexia introduced interchangeable camera filters to vary visual clarity and conducted an IRB-approved, preregistered study with 72 participants. Her findings showed that reduced camera clarity significantly lowered perceptions of surveillance without reducing enjoyment, engagement, or sociability, demonstrating that thoughtful hardware design can support privacy while maintaining positive human–robot interaction. This work is being presented at the Annual Undergraduate Research Showcase at the Capitol through the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa).

Alexia’s motivation is rooted in a long-standing passion for bioinspired design and a commitment to centering human dignity in emerging technologies. “Even small design choices, like how clearly a robot sees, can shape whether people feel watched, respected, or at ease,” she shared. She credits Dr. Roesler’s mentorship as instrumental to both the project’s success and her growth as a researcher, noting the supportive and intentional research environment fostered through OSCAR and URSP opportunities.

Being recognized at OSCAR, Alexia said, affirmed that her work “resonates with others” and strengthened her motivation to pursue research that blends innovation, care, and impact.

🔗https://celebration.oscar.gmu.edu/a-robotic-cat-for-examining-camera-clarity-and-privacy-in-human-robot-interaction/

When No Response Is a Response: Predicting Survey Non-Compliance in Isolated, Confined, Extreme Analog Space Missions

Amber Bartlett was recognized at the OSCAR Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact for her Honors Thesis, When No Response is a Response: Predicting Survey Non-Compliance in Isolated, Confined, and Extreme (ICE) Analog Space Missions. Her research examines why participants in high-stress, space-analog environments fail to complete required surveys, and how those patterns can be predicted and improved.

Using data from the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, Amber analyzed whether factors such as conscientiousness, emotion regulation, team identification, and collectivism predict survey completion among analog astronaut crews. Her findings aim to strengthen data integrity in space research and other high-risk team settings, where missing data can limit effective monitoring and decision-making.

Amber’s interest in the project was shaped by her long-standing fascination with space and her work at GMU with Dr. Lauren Kuykendall and Dr. Seth Kaplan, as well as collaboration with PhD Candidate Andres Käosaar. “Good, sound data is essential for space research,” Amber shared. “Being able to understand why data is missing can help improve research practices and benefit everyone.”

Amber credits her committee, Dr. Kuykendall, Andres Käosaar, Dr. Kaplan, and Dr. Jennifer Brielmaier, for their guidance and support throughout the project. Being recognized at OSCAR, she noted, was “both humbling and motivating,” and a meaningful milestone in her growth as a researcher.

As part of her work, Amber also had the opportunity to spend a week at the Mars Desert Research Station, observing analog missions firsthand, an experience she described as “one of the best of my life.”

🔗https://celebration.oscar.gmu.edu/when-no-response-is-a-response-predicting-survey-non-compliance-in-isolated-confined-extreme-analog-space-missions/

A link to the photos she took there: https://gmuedu-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/abartl_gmu_edu/IgD00G6Q2VwjT7va4sY7W_BcAUnQFWYcu2cXpUfyHYDWMBE?e=f65ORw

Understanding Mental Health Help-Seeking: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Griffin investigated the factors that influence individuals’ decisions to seek mental health support, offering insights that can help improve access to and design of mental health services.

🔗https://celebration.oscar.gmu.edu/understanding-mental-health-help-seeking-a-discrete-choice-experiment/

Does Immigrant Advantage for Academic Outcomes Persist in High School Similarly for Black and Hispanic Students?
Vlera’s research examines academic outcomes among immigrant students, shedding light on how race, ethnicity, and immigrant status intersect in educational achievement.

🔗https://celebration.oscar.gmu.edu/does-immigrant-advantage-for-academic-outcomes-persist-in-high-school-similarly-for-black-and-hispanic-students/

Elementary School Gifted Program Identification and Secondary School Academic Outcomes for Black Students
Ezra’s work explores how early gifted program identification relates to later academic outcomes, with important implications for equity and access in education.

🔗https://celebration.oscar.gmu.edu/elementary-school-gifted-program-identification-and-secondary-school-academic-outcomes-for-black-students/

Raj Ratwani

2025 CHSS Distinguished Alumni Award

Raj Ratwani, MA ’04, PhD ’08, is vice president of scientific affairs at the MedStar Health Research Institute, director of the MedStar Health National Center for Human Factors in Healthcare, and professor of emergency medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine. A nationally recognized leader in patient safety and healthcare innovation, Ratwani has secured more than $20 million in research funding and authored over 120 peer-reviewed publications. His work, featured in Fortune Magazine, NPR, and documentary films, focuses on improving healthcare delivery and advancing the safe integration of digital technologies in clinical care. 

We are incredibly proud of you - congratulations, Raj!

📹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyJ1BukljIY 

Karin Orvis

2025 CHSS Alumni Service Award

Karin Orvis, MA ’01, PhD ’07, has built a distinguished career at the intersection of policy, public service, and leadership. She has held senior executive roles across the U.S. Federal Government and brings experience from academia and the private sector in organizational effectiveness and leadership development. Orvis currently serves as chief of statistical and science policy in the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, where she leads efforts to ensure the integrity, quality, and impartiality of federal data and scientific information. 

We are so proud of you - congrats, Karin!

📹 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRs68DllPJY&t=1s 

Nothing says welcome back quite like ice cream! To kick off the new academic year, the Psychology Department hosted its annual Welcome 2 Mason Ice Cream Event outside David King Hall. Faculty and staff set up shop with an ice cream cart, handed out sweet treats, and spent time chatting with students as they made their way around campus. The event was a fun, low-key way to reconnect, meet new faces, and remind students that the Psychology community is excited to have them back.

Before the buzz of the semester began, psychology faculty gathered for a retreat at Point of View in Lorton, Virginia. With beautiful views, great food, and plenty of thoughtful conversation, the day was filled with both fun and productive activities. The retreat offered space to reflect, collaborate, and recharge, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

The Center for Community Mental Health continued its impactful work by providing behavioral health training focused on expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based care. These trainings strengthen community partnerships while giving students invaluable, hands-on experience. It’s a powerful example of how Mason Psychology connects learning with meaningful service.

Winter Commencement on December 18 at EagleBank Arena was a proud moment for the Mason community, as nearly 5,300 graduates and certificate recipients were celebrated. The ceremony featured alumnus Ali Reza Manouchehri, BA Philosophy ’99—co-founder and CEO of MetroStar—as the featured speaker. His journey from Mason student to successful entrepreneur was a fitting reminder of what’s possible after graduation. Congratulations to all Winter 2025 graduates—we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

Each spring, we proudly recognize the outstanding achievements of our undergraduate psychology students at our annual awards ceremony. After Spring Break, the Psychology Department’s Undergraduate Committee will solicit nominations and meet to select this year’s award recipients. Awardees will be honored during a ceremony held toward the end of the Spring semester. Save the date and keep an eye out for nomination details and event information coming soon!

Held each spring in the back hallway of David King Hall, the Honors Research Showcase features Psychology Honors students presenting their yearlong research projects to faculty, peers, and guests. This event celebrates academic achievement while giving students valuable experience in presenting their work and engaging in scholarly conversation. Save the date and join us to support our honors students and explore their exciting research!

Each spring, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences hosts the Undergraduate Research Symposium to highlight the incredible scholarly work of undergraduate students. Research presentations are reviewed by faculty judges, with outstanding projects recognized during an awards presentation following the event. All CHSS majors are eligible to participate in faculty-supervised projects. Save the date to attend, present, or cheer on our students as they showcase their research excellence.

Spring Commencement will take place on May 14, 2026, celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. Dates for Psychology-specific degree celebrations will be announced soon. Save the date and join us as we honor our graduates and celebrate this exciting milestone!

Then:
As an undergraduate in the 1990s, Dr. Ramsdell studied Music/Vocal Performance and Psychology, and went on to get his Master’s and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in the early 2000s.

Now:
Dr. Ramsdell has been a member of the Psychology faculty at George Mason University for 10 years, where he serves as Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education, supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.

Advice to My Younger Self:
“Have a long-term goal and decide when you want to achieve that goal... then work backwards and form a plan to make the goal happen.”

One Thing I Miss:
“The time and the freedom to follow my curiosity down rabbit holes without having to worry about the outcome.”

One Thing I Don’t Miss:
Essay exams.

Fun Fact:
Dr. Ramsdell started college as a music major, left school in his senior year to work in a recording studio/audio production company, and then returned to school 5 years later.

Then:
Dr. Ahmad completed her BA in Psychology (2004–2008) at George Mason University, followed by an MA (2010–2012) and PhD (2010–2016) with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, also at Mason. The featured photo captures her in 2007 during her undergraduate honors thesis alongside Dr. Hurley—an early milestone in a long-standing academic journey at GMU.

Now:
Dr. Ahmad currently serves as an Associate Professor and Program Director of the online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology at George Mason University, where she continues to support and mentor students pursuing applied careers in I-O psychology.

Advice to My Younger Self:
“I would remind myself that everyone has their own timeline for everything, graduation, grad school, work, family, and all, and to focus on your own journey rather than compare with others.”

One Thing I Miss:
“I miss being mostly responsible just to learn like it was my main job! I wish I had all the time to focus on learning and growing and just being a student like that again without other demands in life.”

One Thing I Don’t Miss:
Cumulative final exams.  

Then:
Dr. Hurley earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, followed by a master’s degree in Psychology from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He later completed his PhD in Higher Education Administration at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. The featured photo dates back to his college years between 1979 and 1984, capturing the early days of a long academic journey.

Now:
Dr. Hurley is currently in his 33rd year at George Mason University, where he serves as an Associate Professor and Academic Advisor. While not a professional researcher, his graduate school work explored the psychology of humor, a topic that still resonates in his teaching and advising today.

Advice to My Younger Self:
“Figure out a way to manage your time and learn how to study more effectively as a freshman and not wait until your third year of college to do that.”

One Thing I Miss:
“Mostly, it's being that young and looking forward to what lay ahead of me in life.”

One Thing I Don’t Miss:
“The feeling that I would be a college student for the rest of my life. Until my final semester, I felt like I was never going to graduate.”

Fun Fact:
Before college, Dr. Hurley’s photo appeared on the cover of U.S. News & World Report when he was 16. In college, he also started out with the goal of becoming a sports talk radio host, a plan that ultimately took a very different turn!