Developing Minds Lab

Matthew Kim is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Kentucky. In his spare time, Matt enjoys traveling, playing the piano and organ, and watching Formula 1 and University of Michigan sports—Go Blue!

Kat Tanaka is a Clinical Psychology Ph.D student from Atlanta, GA. She graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in Spanish and Psychology, and she volunteers as a crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line. She loves to work with children and is interested in studying how interpersonal interactions impact their cognitive development and academic achievement. In her free time, you can find Kat cooking Peruvian food, hiking, or exploring new places with friends.

Darby Matusz is an Experimental Psychology Ph.D. student with research interests at the intersection of motivation, health, and stress. She is particularly interested in exploring implicit beliefs about stress, and their potential to impact health behaviors and outcomes. Her free time is often spent cooking, practicing yoga, or spending time with her dog.

Maleah Preston is a junior psychology and neuroscience double major on the pre-medical track and is a member of the Lewis Honors College. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and intends to pursue a career in psychiatry. In her free time, you can find her reading, analyzing music and movies, or at a UK sporting event.

Kelly Gabhart is a junior majoring in Psychology and a member of the Lewis Honors College. She plans to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology. Her academic and professional goals are fueled by a passion for supporting others and understanding the human experience. In her free time, you can find Kelly rock climbing, thrifting, drinking coffee, and spending time with friends.

Molly Denley is a sophomore psychology major and member of the Lewis Honors College. She hopes to pursue a PhD in neuropsychology after graduation. She is passionate about using psychology and neuroscience to make a positive impact on children's lives. In her free time, Molly enjoys reading, hiking, and trying local coffee shops.

Carter Ashmun is a senior pursuing a dual degree in psychology and theatre. He has a passion for helping those around him and hopes to become a professor of psychology. In his free time, you can find Carter acting in the UKY Theatre Department, learning more about random pop culture, or playing a multitude of online games.

Tabetha Hurst (2022)

Mayson Spillman (2022)

Chellam Antony (2023)

Claire Braun (2023)

Susana Gutierrez-Leiva (2023)

Karen Matsui (2023)

Evan Dearborn (2023)

Meghan Pawsat (2023)

Julia Todd (2023)

Samantha Arnold (2025)

Haiden Hauret (2026)

Malaak Alfroukh (2026)

Ellie Wuerth (2026)

Kristen Buford (2026)

This project examines the motivational beliefs and practices among academic advisors that can enhance motivation and achievement in STEM at the undergraduate level. With Co-PI Dr. Jennifer Osterhage (Biology), this Level 1 Engaged Student Learning IUSE: EDU project is exploring how academic advising shapes motivation, learning behaviors, and achievement outcomes in undergraduate students pursuing STEM fields.

• NSF Award Abstract

House systems are designed to build positive communities across students and staff around core values. These houses build unity and belonging that can create a positive school climate which can in turn improve the overall school experience. Our lab is partnering with Glendover Elementary School in Lexington, Kentucky, to explore how a house system can shape motivation and belonging for students, teachers, and staff.

In this study, co-led by Matt and Dr. Cara Worick (Psychology), we are studying differences in academic engagement and motivation across in-person and online asynchronous instructional modalities at the undergraduate level.

How do undergraduate students use generative AI? Are patterns of AI use and attitudes towards AI correlated with students' critical thinking skills? We have collected data from hundreds of UG students to explore these questions.