She received a BS in psychology from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. Her research is in the area of social psychology, with a specific focus on the self and well-being. Much of her recent work has examined the idea of a “true self” and the implications it has for people’s everyday lives. She has authored 23 peer-reviewed journal articles and three book chapters. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation. She currently serves on the editorial board for two of the top journals in her field and was recently named a Ray A. Rothrock Fellow within the college of liberal arts.