Director
Paul D. Windschitl, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: (319) 335-2435
Fax: (319) 335-0191
(Vita | Google Scholar)
Graduate Students
Jeremy Strueder
Jeremy Strueder is a fifth-year graduate student in the cognition area. He received his M.A. in Psychology (2023) and B.B.A. in Marketing (2020) from the University of Iowa. His research focuses on understanding how people make judgments and decisions in uncertain environments. In particular, he is interested in using behavioral and computational methods to explore the cognitive processes underlying advice-taking, risk perception, and motivated reasoning. In his free time, he likes to watch movies and play tennis. He also loves to eat and enjoys trying new foods from different cultures.
(Vita | Google Scholar | Personal Website)
Piper Clark
Piper Clark is a second-year graduate student in the cognition area. She received her B.S. in Psychology in December (2023) from The Ohio State University. Her research focus is how biases and heuristics are formed and can influence our judgments and decisions. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music on her record player, caring for her house plants, and reading.
Ph.D. Graduates from the JDSC Lab
Inkyung Park @ Adobe
Jane Miller @ Vanderbilt University
Jillian Stuart @ Virginia Military Institute
Aaron Scherer @ Carver College of Medicine (University of Iowa)
Andrew Smith @ Appalachian State University
Jason Rose @ University of Toledo
Zlatan Krizan @ Iowa State University
John Chambers
Mary Jenson @ Wesley College
Mollie Marti
Undergraduate Students
Jenna Brandes
Jenna is a Sophomore pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and Criminology, Law, and Justice with a minor in Religious Studies on a Pre-Law track. She is interested in both cognitive and social psychology, particularly what motivates people and influences their decisions. She plans to continue her education through Law school and potentially pursue a master's degree in psychology. In her free time, she is a part of the student ministry Navigators, enjoys arts and crafts, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music.
Rachael Gajan
Rachael is a senior studying Psychology with a minor in Human Relations. She is especially interested in Social Psychology, particularly social categorization, biases, and how decision making and judgements operate in interpersonal relations like dating and early friend-making. She hopes to one day get her doctorate and pursue research professionally to fully explore and expand on these interests. Outside of school, Rachael is the academic chair of Psi Chi, enjoys reading, playing tennis, and exploring the art & music scenes in Iowa City, and can often be found studying at one of the cafes downtown.
Emma Gaughan
Emma is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in psychology and a B.A. in criminology on the pre-medicine track. She is especially interested in cognitive, social, and forensic psychology. Her research interests include decision making, social processes, and the effect of bias on behavior. Emma is also a resident assistant in the residence halls and is the chair of the Governmental Relations Committee in Undergraduate Student Government.
Avery Groven
Avery is a senior who will graduate with a B.A. In Psychology. She is most interested in studying clinical and cognitive psychology with a focus on mental health. She plans to attend graduate school to further her understanding of psychological research and clinical practices to help find effective treatments. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outdoors, specifically with her friends and family!
Charlotte Leonhardt
I am a junior studying Psychology and Criminology, Law, and Justice. I am interested in fields of forensic psychology and social psychology. In the future, I plan to attend graduate school on the track of a doctorate. Ultimately hoping to develop a career in forensic psychology. I am also involved in Psi Chi as the Wellness Chair this year, the Vice President of Chapter Relations and Standards for Alpha Chi Omega, and volunteer at Inside out Reentry Community.
Tommy Looi
Tommy is a senior pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy, with a minor in Music. He is interested in both social and clinical psychology and is hoping to attend graduate school to explore these areas in greater depth. Outside of school, Tommy enjoys video games, playing the piano, music of various genres, and spending time with his dog, Eden (pictured).
Maggie McBride
Maggie is a Senior at the University of Iowa studying Psychology with a minor in human relations. Her research interests include mental health disorders, social behavior, and decision making. She plans to pursue her masters in either clinical mental health counseling or forensics. Outside of the lab she enjoys working, going to the gym, hanging out with her friends, and playing with her puppy!
Lillian McVay
Lillian is majoring in Psychology (BS) with a minor in Human Relations and Sport Media and Culture. She is particularly interested in cognitive psychology, especially how people make decisions in social situations. She also has a special interests in PTSD in Veterans, and Sports Psychology. Outside of school, she keeps busy as a desk clerk at Rienow Front Desk, serving as the President of the UIOWA Run Club, being a proud member of Delta Gamma, and volunteering at the Veterans Affairs Office. In her free time, she loves running, going to concerts, creating digital media, hunting for the best nachos, shopping, spending time with God, watching and reviewing movies, and chatting on the phone.
Isaac Scruggs
I am a junior pursuing my B.S. in Psychology. I'm interested in researching how biological and social factors shape the way we eat and move, and how those connect to things like eating disorders, social anxiety, and motivation around exercise. After graduating, I plan to pursue my Ph.D. so I can conduct research of my own and share what I learn through teaching. Outside of school, I enjoy rock climbing, lifting, and spending time with friends and family!
Olivia Sichmeller
I am a Junior majoring in Psychology. My research interests include social and cognitive psychology and looking at how people make decisions and how biases can affect those decisions. Outside of school I enjoy spending time outside, going on hikes and skiing. I also love shopping, spending time with friends and family, and watching lots of movies! After my undergrad, I plan to pursue an MA in clinical psychology or mental health counseling.
Audrey Sheehy
I am a junior studying Psychology with a minor in Spanish. I am most interested in cognitive science and behavioral studies regarding the fields of forensic psychology and criminology. In the future, I plan to continue my education through graduate school in these fields to hopefully develop a career in both clinical and research fields. Outside of my career, I hope to complete my journey of visiting and exploring each National Park in the United States. In my free time, I enjoy competing in triathlons, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.