I am Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Temple University, Philadelphia (PA). I study the ways in which unconscious cues, such as odors, influence social behavior. My research focuses on understanding how odors bias people’s physiological responses and behavior – across both typical and atypical development – and offers insights into how humans communicate, direct and control emotions, cognition, actions, and contact with outgroups.

I explore using the sense of smell as a way to promote the development of strategies to detect and treat atypical social behaviors, such as individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

When I am not busy making my favorite dessert (for the curious, it’s croquembouche), I consult for CyNexo on the development of odor-delivery methods, and I am invested in supporting and advising peers and students. I advocate for women scientists, particularly through my work with Women In Olfactory Science.