People | Developing Minds Lab

FACULTY

MATTHEW KIM

Matt is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Kentucky. His research examines the nature and development of motivation and self-regulation in K-12 and postsecondary learners—with a special focus on school transitions—and how these processes relate to the student success of diverse learners. In his spare time, Matt enjoys playing chess (don't ask about my ELO), watching University of Michigan sports (Go Blue!) and Formula 1, and playing the organ.

Faculty Website | Google Scholar | OSF Page

GRADUATE STUDENTS

KRISTEN BUFORD

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

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.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

MALAAK ALFROUKH

Malaak is a junior double majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience on the pre-PA track. She's driven by a passion for helping others and a love for knowledge. In her free time, Malaak loves to spend time with friends, oil paint, and read horror literature.

SAMANTHA ARNOLD

Samantha is a psychology and kinesiology double major in the Psychology Scholars Program and the Lewis Honors College. She is also on the pre-med track with future goals of becoming a doctor of sports medicine or pediatrician! Her interest in the idea of self-efficacy and implicit theories of ability are what made her want to join Dr. Kim’s lab. In her free time, you can find her watching a Kentucky basketball game, reading, working out at the JC, or cooking!

HAIDEN HAURET

Haiden is a sophomore Psychology major on the pre-medical track. She is a part of the Lewis Honors College and the Psychology Scholars program. She has a passion for helping others and plans to attend medical school to become a doctor in the future. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her sorority sisters and working out.

DARBY MATUSZ

Darby is a sophomore 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

Maleah is a freshman 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.

ELLIE WUERTH

Ellie is a second-year psychology student from Louisville, KY. She is currently hoping to attend a PhD program after graduation. Her interest in seeing how motivations affect herself and her peers as college students led to her joining this lab. In her free time, Ellie enjoys reading, spending time with her sorority sisters, and cooking.