Cog Sci Lab

Principal Investigator

Jared Branch, Ph.D.

I am an assistant professor of psychology. My main research interest is the relationship of memory and imagination, specifically counterfactual thinking, or how we think about events that could have but did not happen. I am interested in studying counterfactual thinking in everyday life, how counterfactual thinking is distinct from but related to memory and future thinking, individual differences in counterfactual thinking, and counterfactual thinking about climate change.

Education:

• Ph.D., Experimental Psychology, Bowling Green State University, 2020
• M.A., Experimental Psychology, Bowling Green State University, 2017
• B.S., Psychology, University of Utah, 2008

Quinn Austin

I am a graduate student in the psychology master’s program, with concentrations in research and mental health. I graduated from the University of Kansas in 2020 with a BA in Psychology. My thesis explores the relationship between sports performance, confidence, and counterfactual thinking.

Holly France

I am currently a graduate student in the psychology master’s program with a research concentration. I received a B.S. degree from Bradley University majoring in psychology and music. My thesis explores music-evoked autobiographical memories within and outside of the reminiscence bump.

Shamita Mahajan

I am a graduate student in the psychology master’s program with a passion to work with and researching issues relating to adolescents and young adults. Although I have a broad range of research interests, I am currently looking into researching how being permanently connected by digital technology impacts the memories and emotions of young people today. My thesis explores counterfactual thinking in everyday life and its relationship to social media use and other individual differences.

Gina Pace

I am a graduate student studying in the psychology master’s program with a research concentration. I graduated from Fontbonne University in St. Louis with a BS in Psychology and a minor in biology. My thesis explores how we think about past and future experiences of fearful events distinct from negative and positive memories and future thoughts.

Jason Phelps

I am a graduate student pursuing a master’s in counseling psychology with a research concentration. I graduated from Tabor College with a BA in Religious Studies, as well as Nazarene Theological Seminary with an M. Div. My research interests are in learning, critical/reflective thinking, and transformative learning contexts. My thesis explores the relationship between self-efficacy, self compassion, and counterfactual thinking.

Shelby Phillips

My research interests include human-computer interactions, areas in social psychology that are affected by these interactions, also most recent research about addiction.