Hi, I’m Quinn!
I am currently a doctoral researcher, working on my PhD in Applied Social Psychology at Claremont Graduate University. I study topics within the field of Environmental Psychology.
My research explores how people can better integrate nature and sustainable behavior within their lives. I’m interested in how we can use social psychology to encourage the adoption of sustainable fashion. I also study how people relate to nature and the paths to continued sustainable behavior. My work asks questions like, how can psychological principles of persuasion be best harnessed to shift attitudes towards sustainable clothing? What are the barriers to sustainable clothing? And, can seeing ourselves as more interconnected with nature push us to act environmentally, time and time again?
Talking about environmental issues can sometimes be depressing. I am a big believer in the idea that if you want people to change their behavior, you have to offer a compelling alternative. A sustainable future is an exciting one. We can wear clothing that looks good and is not borne of harm to people and our planet. We can have nature as a part of our lives and green spaces integrated within our cities and neighborhoods. Social psychology can play a huge role in shifting our lifestyles to be more sustainable. But we still have a long way to go and a lot of work to do!
That’s why it’s so important to me to offer a vision of sustainability that is exciting, engaging and equitable within every research project I undertake.
Applied Work 🌎Â
I have partnered with various organizations to conduct applied research. Good research should advance psychological theory and have meaningful social and environmental impact. I’ve previously partnered with organizations like Cities4Forests, VolunteerMatch, the Nature Conservancy and the Global Psychological Association (an international collaboration under the American Psychological Association).
Some outcomes of these projects… Partnering with VolunteerMatch, we explored why individuals volunteer for environmental causes. As a member of the Global Psychological Association Environmental Taskforce, we developed guidelines for psychological organizations to support Indigenous peoples in the context of climate change.
Outside of Research 📚Â
I’m originally from New York and Florida. Since then I’ve lived on both coasts of the US and in France and Japan. I love traveling and while I’m currently based in Southern California, I always look forward to exploring somewhere new.
When I’m not thinking about psychology, you can find me reading magical realism or science fiction (like Haruki Murakami and Jonathan Lethem), watching horror (recently loved Exhuma and MaXXXine) or going to museums (the Broad in LA is great).