Expertise

Primary Concentration: Clinical Psychology

Secondary Concentration: Psychology-Law

My research explores factors that influence individual decision making within the context of the criminal legal system. I am interested in how individual differences, including personality traits and demographic factors, such as gender and sexual orientation, impact the legal decision maker’s judgments and ultimate decisions. In addition, I explore how evidence regarding psychological constructs (e.g., psychopathy) and psychological assessments are considered by these legal decision makers. 

Research Areas:

  • the interplay between psychological assessment and the legal system
  • conceptualization and assessment of psychopathic personality (psychopathy)
  • influence of psychological expert testimony on legal decision making
  • how legal decision-makers understand and consider psychopathy evidence during the trial process
Communities
Psychology
Degrees
PhD, Texas A&M University, Clinical Psychology, 2014
MS, Drexel University, Psychology, 2009
BS, University of Mary Washington, Psychology, 2007