LAB MEMBERS.

Director

Rodica Damian, PhD
Assistant Professor

My research program is dedicated to understanding the precursors of career success and well-being, as well as the underlying developmental mechanisms. I have an integrative approach, looking at individual differences, life experiences, and social contexts, and I employ diverse methodologies and statistical techniques. Broad research questions include:

• Which personality and social factors contribute to career success, creativity, and well-being across the lifespan?
• How do diversifying experiences impact people's personalities and life success?
• How can people overcome adversity (e.g., dangerous jobs, natural disasters, trauma) and thrive in their careers and personal lives?
• Which factors promote a healthy development across the lifespan?

Google Scholar Profile

Graduate Students at the University of Houston

​Andreea Sutu, MS

Prior to starting my PhD at UH, I received my BA in Psychology in Spain, and my MS in Social and Health Psychology in The Netherlands, where I did research on self-control and procrastination. My current research goal is to better understand the personality mechanisms that underlie creativity and humor, as well as the link between adversity, well-being, and relationship functioning. I am currently looking at the impact of immigration-related adversity on well-being.

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​Surizaday Serrano

My research focuses on understanding how people may overcome adversity, depending on individual differences and social context factors. I investigate major life outcomes (particularly achievement, health, and well-being). Currently, I am working on a longitudinal study looking at the developmental impact of Hurricane Harvey (a major hurricane that took place in Houston in 2017). 
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Affiliated Graduate Students 

Adam Ozer

I received my B.A. in Political Science from Susquehanna University, and my M.A. in Political Science from SUNY Stonybrook. My research focuses on political behavior, political psychology, and experimental methods. I am particularly interested in political source credibility and political persuasion, including why political rhetoric appeals to people differently depending on their personality traits.
 

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Undergraduate Research Assistants

​Sam Wasmuth (Lab Manager)
Meghna Chhugani
Jordyn Babla
Micheal Garza
Karina Lopez
Angus Niziol
​Maria Jaramillo
Alexa Brososky
Cassandra Phetmisy
Carl Cederholm
Sarah Kraft
Graciela Lopez

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