My research focuses on understanding human motivational processes, particularly those related to intrinsic motivation. I explore how intrinsic motivation develops and is maintained through self-regulation processes, how social factors influence intrinsic motivation, and the reciprocal relationships between individual interests (in specific activities or domains), social identity, and choices.
I have always been curious about how and why people develop interest and sustain motivation for specific academic domains, careers, and other lifelong pursuits. Further, I am curious about how the development and maintenance of these interests influence and are influenced by one’s social identity and social interactions. Each of my specific lines of research contributes to the understanding, from different angles, of these general questions.