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
Piper Clark
Piper Clark is a third-year graduate student in the cognition area. She received her M.A. in Psychology (2026) from the University of Iowa and B.S. in Psychology (2023) from The Ohio State University. Her research examines how people process, compare, and integrate information to form judgments and make decisions. She is particularly interested in the cognitive and motivational processes that shape these judgments, including attentional and comparison processes, motivated reasoning, coherence-based reasoning, and overconfidence. In her free time, she enjoys spinning records on her record player, caring for her house plants, coloring with her Ohuhu alcohol markers, and reading.
Alexis Greteman
Alexis Greteman is a first-year graduate student in the cognition area. She received her B.S. in Psychology from Iowa State University in May 2026. Her research interests center on wishful thinking and its influence on judgment and decision-making, though she looks forward to further refining her interests throughout her first year of graduate school. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and catching up with friends and family.
Ph.D. Graduates from the JDSC Lab
Jeremy Strueder @ IESE Business School
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 junior pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and Classical & Religious Studies with a minor in Sociology on the 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 focusing on family law. 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.
Matthew Claassen
Matthew is a sophomore studying Accounting and Psychology for Pre-Law. He is interested in the psychology behind the decisions that make up deal negotiation. He loves traveling, loves cooking even more, loves movies EVEN more. He is indifferent about snow.
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.
Tomina Gerst
Hi! I am Tomina Gerst, a sophomore psychology major on the pre-law track. I am also pursuing a certificate in entrepreneurial management and a minor in ASL. On a less serious note, in my free time, I enjoy working out, climbing, and playing the trumpet. In the spring, I am a member of the Hawkeye Pep Band, where I love playing at basketball games!
Charlotte Keegan
I am a junior majoring in Psychology (B.A.) and minoring in Human Relations. My research interests include clinical psychology, mental health, and understanding how different factors can influence people’s thoughts, behaviors, and well-being. I am especially interested in working with children and learning more about trauma, resilience, and mental health. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in psychology and continue gaining experience through research and clinical work. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to concerts, and reading!
Charlotte Leonhardt
Charlotte is a senior studying Psychology and Criminology, Law, and Justice. She is planning on attending a PSYD program for Clinical Psychology in the future to pursue a career in forensic psychology. Outside of school, she enjoys participating in her extracurricular organizations, spending time with friends and family, and doing hot yoga.
Natalie Murphy
Natalie is a senior pursuing a B.A in Psychology with a minor in Criminology, Law, and Justice. She plans to attend graduate school and earn her doctorate in Forensic Psychology. Her research interests include decision-making and how personal judgments drive an individual's decisions. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, playing pickleball, and going to church.
Nabil Sajid
Nabil is a junior pursuing a B.B.A. in Accounting on the pre-dental track. He is interested in how people evaluate health risks and make decisions about their care, particularly how cultural background and family dynamics shape those choices. He plans to attend dental school, where he hopes to apply his understanding of patient decision-making to clinical practice. Outside of the lab, Nabil tutors K-12 students and leads outreach for a nonprofit supporting refugee communities. In his free time, he enjoys working out, traveling, and eating new foods.
Olivia Sichmeller
I am a Senior 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.