Developing Minds Lab

Matthew Kim is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Kentucky. In his spare time, Matt enjoys traveling, playing the piano and organ, and watching Formula 1 and University of Michigan sports—Go Blue!

Kristen Buford is a Developmental Psychology Ph.D. student. She hopes to make a profound impact on children, families, and society by transforming education through marrying educational concepts, developmental psychology, and neuroscience. She desires to develop and provide transformative learning methods and tools that will impact students and their educators. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, nature, and quality time with people.

Kat Tanaka is a Clinical Psychology Ph.D student from Atlanta, GA. She graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in Spanish and Psychology, and she volunteers as a crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line. She loves to work with children and is interested in studying how interpersonal interactions impact their cognitive development and academic achievement. In her free time, you can find Kat cooking Peruvian food, hiking, or exploring new places with friends.

Darby Matusz is a senior psychology major with the hopes of pursuing a postgraduate education. She has a passion for traveling and plans to attend graduate school abroad. In her free time she can often be found reading, running, or trying out and cooking new recipes.

Maleah Preston is a junior psychology and neuroscience double major on the pre-medical track and is a member of the Lewis Honors College. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and intends to pursue a career in psychiatry. In her free time, you can find her reading, analyzing music and movies, or at a UK sporting event.

Kelly Gabhart is a junior majoring in Psychology and a member of the Lewis Honors College. She plans to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology. Her academic and professional goals are fueled by a passion for supporting others and understanding the human experience. In her free time, you can find Kelly rock climbing, thrifting, drinking coffee, and spending time with friends.

Tabetha Hurst (2022)

Mayson Spillman (2022)

Chellam Antony (2023)

Claire Braun (2023)

Susana Gutierrez-Leiva (2023)

Karen Matsui (2023)

Evan Dearborn (2023)

Meghan Pawsat (2023)

Julia Todd (2023)

Samantha Arnold (2025)

Haiden Hauret (2026)

Malaak Alfroukh (2026)

Ellie Wuerth (2026)

This project examines the motivational beliefs and practices among academic advisors that can enhance motivation and achievement in STEM at the undergraduate level. With Co-PI Dr. Jennifer Osterhage (Biology), this Level 1 Engaged Student Learning IUSE: EDU project is exploring how academic advising shapes motivation, learning behaviors, and achievement outcomes in undergraduate students pursuing STEM fields.

• NSF Award Abstract

House systems are designed to build positive communities across students and staff around core values. These houses build unity and belonging that can create a positive school climate which can in turn improve the overall school experience. Our lab is partnering with Glendover Elementary School in Lexington, Kentucky, to explore how a house system can shape motivation and belonging for students, teachers, and staff.

In this study, co-led by Matt and Dr. Cara Worick (Psychology), we are studying differences in academic engagement and motivation across in-person and online asynchronous instructional modalities at the undergraduate level.

How do undergraduate students use generative AI? Are patterns of AI use and attitudes towards AI correlated with students' critical thinking skills? We have collected data from hundreds of UG students to explore these questions.