Developing Minds Lab
University of Kentucky
CURRENT PROJECTS
Supporting STEM academic advising for undergraduate student achievement
This project examines the motivational beliefs and practices among academic advisors that can enhance motivation and achievement in STEM at the undergraduate level. As advisors take on ever-increasing advising loads, it is imperative that we better understand the factors underlying successful advising in STEM for promoting better learning outcomes for students. 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. The project will also identify levers for intervention to increase STEM retention and achievement, especially for students from groups that have been underrepresented in these fields. NSF Abstract
Growth and fixed mindsets
Implicit theories are the beliefs that individuals possess about the malleability of human attributes, such as academic ability and personal interests/passions. In a series of correlational and observational studies, our lab is examining the nature and development of growth and fixed mindsets of ability, interest, and health in children, adolescents, college students, academic advisors, and career professionals. We hope to translate our findings in actionable ways that can benefit individuals in different settings.
Academic engagement in college students
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. Data collection is ongoing; stay tuned for findings!
Experiences and beliefs of mathematics students
In this cross-disciplinary project led by Dr. Pooja Sidney (Psychology) and bringing together researchers and educators from mathematics, psychology, and STEM education, we aim to better understand students' mathematical beliefs, sense of belonging in math, and assessment structures in math, especially in groups historically underrepresented and marginalized in undergraduate math settings. OSF Project Page
House systems, motivation, and belonging
House systems are designed to build positive communities across students and staff around core values. Rather than intervening directly on academic growth, these houses build unity and belonging that can create a positive school climate which can in turn improve the overall school experience. In Spring of 2025, our lab is launching a research partnership with Glendover Elementary School in Lexington, Kentucky. We will study how Glendover's house system shapes motivation and belonging for students, teachers, and staff. Stay tuned for more!
COMPLETED PROJECTS
Inclusive, open, and reproducible developmental science
Matt is co-leading a multi-site effort to design and disseminate approaches to improving teaching and mentoring in psychological science as it relates to open and replicable science. This work began as an "unconference" at the 2020 annual meeting of the Society for the Improvement of Psychological Science. In 2021, we published a white paper containing tips and resources to support undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring in ways that are consistent with the values of open science.
OSF Project Page | White Paper
Over the past decade, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of inclusive, open, and reproducible practices in psychological science. In addition to enhancing rigor and reproducibility through open and transparent research practices, greater inclusivity through diverse samples can enhance the relevance and applicability of our work for historically marginalized and understudied populations. This project is exploring the nature and prevalence of inclusive, open, and reproducible practices in child development research.
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My STEM Story: Scaling STEM Motivation Through Digital Storytelling and Near Peer Relationships
My STEM Story represents a transformative effort to bridge theory and methods across psychology, journalism, and education to design, test, and disseminate an intervention intended to enhance science motivation and achievement among high school students from groups underrepresented in STEM fields. This project was funded by the National Science Foundation.
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We have recently made our classroom and online intervention materials freely available to all educators and students! Check them out here: https://www.mystemstory.net/
Developing and Researching Youth-Driven Media that Highlights Science as an Act of Service During a Public Health Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an opportunity to leverage the increased visibility of science and scientists in the public sphere to enhance interest and engagement in science among adolescents. This NSF Rapid Response project builds on the success of My STEM Story by exploring how images portraying youth scientists serving their communities through science can shape academic and career identities in science among high school students.
NSF Abstract | How the Pandemic May Help More Students See Themselves as Scientists
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
We are grateful to our community partners who have contributed to the success of our research:
