Mentor: Dr. Joanne Chung
Assistant Professor
Project Description
Our lab explores how emotions and personality develop in young adulthood, with particular attention to cultural contexts and the experiences of people from minoritized groups. We investigate how people’s self-views evolve during important life transitions, and how their emotional experiences — in everyday moments and as enduring traits — shape their development. Using multiple and mixed-methods approaches, including longitudinal studies, experience sampling, and narrative approaches, we examine how culture interacts with these developmental processes while connecting with our participant communities.
Currently, our lab is conducting Giving Voice, a longitudinal study of racialized emerging adults in Canada, to understand how young people navigate their identities and experiences throughout the university years. Previously, we conducted the Karakter project (http://www.karakterproject.nl), which examined how everyday emotional experiences relate to positive personal growth among Syrian origin young adults who recently resettled in the Netherlands. These projects reflect our commitment to community engagement, incorporating community-based participatory research methods to ensure our work benefits the communities we study.
Our research approach emphasizes creative methods for engaging with diverse audiences. Students in our lab gain hands-on research experience while learning essential skills: engaging meaningfully with participants, programming surveys, conducting interviews, managing data, implementing open science practices, and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative information. They also learn to work effectively within our large multicultural team.
Mentorship Statement
My mentoring philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment where students can discover their potential in psychological research. I believe in an approachable, horizontal mentoring style that encourages students to dive deep into the psychological literature, question existing theories, and contribute their unique perspectives. My mentorship focuses on helping students develop their professional goals, understand academic culture, and find meaningful research directions that reflect their interests and backgrounds
I prioritize mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them see themselves represented in research and academia. Through hands-on research experience, open science practices, and opportunities for contributing to scholarly publications, I guide students in developing both technical skills and professional confidence. My goal is to make psychological science accessible while empowering students to make meaningful contributions to the field.