"Research is to see what everybody
else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought." ― Albert Szent-Gyorgyi |
Brief Research Statement
My work is motivated by a desire to understand what how and when people choose to act altruistically, to sacrifice for someone or something else. I believe a big part of that answer has to do with whether or not we feel empathy; and so much of my work is animated around understanding what drives empathy, what activates altruism, and how the two are connected. My work is focused in four distinct, but overlapping areas- environment, animals, science and technology, and sex and gender- I am particularly drawn to applied work and questions that have significant, real-world implications. For example, what encourages people to engage in conservation efforts and what drives people to extend rights to marginalized groups? I believe that if we want to assess far-reaching social problems (such as the social effects of greenhouse gas emissions, or how environmental contamination affects communities) collaboration is essential. Because of this, not only have I published single authored pieces, but I have also led and worked on several research teams, producing peer-reviewed papers with over 40 different researchers. I am always eager to make connections with colleagues within and outside of my university and as a result, I pride myself on my collegial and easy-going nature. To date, I have published 29 peer-reviewed articles, 16 book chapters, 3 book reviews and a non-refereed co-edited book.
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