Asked and Answered

What classes do you teach?
This fall semester, I am teaching Introductory Psychology (PSY100), the Psychology of Gender (PSY473), and Independent Research (PSY497). I also regularly teach Cognitive Psychology (PSY431) and Statistics (PSY211). I have taught courses for the honors program such as: Genes and Behavior, Sources & Methods: Intelligence – Multiple Perspectives, and Sources & Methods: Evolution and Human Behavior, as well as courses such as the Psychology of Memory, and the psychology honors seminar.

What do you research?
I am working on a number of projects that focus on the development of cognitive sex differences examining gender differences in mental rotation, judgment of line angle, and Water Level test how they are affected by training (e.g., 2-d or 3-d computer games), how they develop (e.g., through play with gendered toys, gender schema, gender-stereotyped leisure activities), and how they may affect career choices (e.g., lack of women in scientific fields and how stereotype threat and culture influence career choices).
I am also investigating gender-schemata (e.g., reasoning about toys, play behavior) and their effects on memory and career choices. I am examining factors affecting incidental and intentional object and location memory (some examining the hunter-gatherer theory with the Wii console), metacognition in children and adults, as well as problem-solving and strategy uses in novices and experts.
Another interest of mine is in cross-cultural differences in children's and adults' perceptions of children's rights, parental and children's perceptions of children's rights, adults' conceptions of children's competence, and representations in children's drawings.
I have also started to assess young children's body (dis)satisfaction.

Other on-campus activities?
I am the new Honors Program Director (the Michael W. Barry Chair), and serve on several committees (among others the University Strategic Planning Committee, Women and Gender Studies Executive Board, Arts & Science Faculty Senate and Council of Chairs, the Budget Committee, etc.).
I have been involved with Campus Ministry, Encounter Retreat, the Honors Retreats, the Calling on Jays program, I am a contributor to the Daily Reflections, and a participant of the Faculty Mission and Identity Seminar, etc. I have organized the past Honors Day events, and other campus-wide events.

Off-campus activities?
I have been involved with the Omaha Children’s Museum and was elected to its Board.

Favorite music?
I like classic rock. Some of my favorite artists are Elton John, Billy Joel, Jean-Jacques Goldman, Rod Stewart, Josh Groban, Il Divo, Celine Dion

Favorite TV shows?
I have little time to watch, but I like to watch news channels and documentaries; The Big Bang Theory; Everybody Loves Raymond; Grey’s Anatomy

Favorite movies?
Ordinary People, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler’s List, A Beautiful Mind

Favorite books?
Can’t think of any (I have not read a book in years – I always read research articles!!)

Fun facts?
I am originally from Switzerland and speak 5 languages. I have visited 25 countries and 46 states.