Applied Cognition and Development

Alexis Capobianco is a first-year doctoral student in the applied cognition and development program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with minors in education and neuroscience from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on instructional design and ways to improve learning materials for college courses. In her spare time, you can find her at the gym, walking nature trails, or playing with her dog. She enjoys baking, exploring new places, and making way too many music playlists.

Xiao-Yin Chen is a doctoral candidate in the Applied Cognition and Development program at the University of Georgia. She obtained both her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology and Master’s Degree in educational psychology at the University of Kentucky. Her research primarily focuses on the social influences of motivation in educational settings (e.g., the influence of social models and messengers) and the ways in which educators can support students’ motivation through interventions.

Shannon Clark is a Ph.D. student in the Applied Cognition and Development program. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in biology and chemistry at Valdosta State University and her Master’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on factors that influence motivation for STEM learning and teaching in rural areas. She likes spending time with her dog and will always be amused by corny jokes. For example, what do you call a dog that can do magic? A labracadabrador!

Kelsey Forester is a first-year doctoral student in the Applied Cognition and Development program. She earned a Master of Science in Information with concentrations in School Library Media and Library & Information Science, and teacher certifications from the University of Michigan. She also received a Master of Education in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Cognition and Development from the University of Georgia. Her research focus is on play and imagination in early childhood education and care settings. When she was in preschool she wanted her occupation to be a Dalmatian (yes, a dog). Being an EduDawg is an excellent compromise.

Smyth Sexton is a fourth-year doctoral student in the Applied Cognition and Development program. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Ed.S. in Educational Psychology from The University of Georgia. She also has a M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that she received from the University of Mississippi. Her research interests are focused on social media and its influence on multiple areas, but specifically on mental health concerns, such as body image. She is also interested in the utilization of social media in the classroom, looking at the challenges and benefits from an educator’s perspective. When she is not working on her dissertation and research, Smyth enjoys hanging out with her husband, Matt, and two cats, Taco and Archie. She loves to do anything outside, including scuba diving and skydiving, hiking, kayaking, and anything else that is outdoors. She is an avid UGA fan and loves football. GO DAWGS!

Andrea Wikle is a first year Ph.D. student in Applied Cognition and Development. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri and spent four years teaching at the elementary level. She has broad research interests in both motivation and creativity, particularly with how those constructs interact within a classroom setting. She loves to be outside, creating something delicious in the kitchen, or watching a good movie/TV show!