Wendi Gardner is an associate professor in the Psychology Department. Her lab (the Social Self Lab) focuses on two broad research questions. First, how do people develop a clear understanding of the self, and how do our close relationships and group memberships change how we understand who we are? Second, how do people monitor and maintain feelings of connection, and when those connections are threatened by loneliness, what strategies re-establish a sense of belonging? Prof. Gardner’s research focuses largely upon young adults, because the explorations and transitions of young adulthood (e.g., first romantic relationships, college and/or career decisions) all play important roles in developing clear and coherent self-knowledge. Additionally, because both a positive sense of self and strong feelings of social connection are core aspects of psychological well-being, she also teaches a class on Positive Psychology in which students can learn both the classic questions and latest research examining the science of happiness.