Lab Members

Postdoc

Dr. Lisa O’Bryan

Dr. O’Bryan is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Adult Skills and Knowledge Lab. Her research focuses on the role communication plays in the structure and function of social groups (both animal and human) and also how the dynamics of these groups and the broader environment affect communication patterns. She studies this topic with the aid of remote technology that enables the collection of data on the communication (and other) behaviors of many group members simultaneously. She combines this approach with observations of social groups in the wild, as well as through the use of controlled experiments. Her current project is focused on the role patterns of communication play in the emergence of collective intelligence in human teams. Her long-term goal is to not only improve understanding of the behavioral mechanisms underlying successful group behaviors, but also, to apply this knowledge towards the design of solutions to important social challenges, such as improving teamwork and informing the conservation and management of animal species.

 

Graduate Students

Makai Ruffin

Makai is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program. She has recently earned her B.A. in Psychology from Bowling Green State University. Prior to joining the ASK Lab, Makai spent time as a student learning analyst at her previous institution conducting research projects relating to student satisfaction and performance. Her research interests include aging, individual differences connected to learning, as well as dyadic relationships in the workplace.

 

 

Tim Oxendahl

A man in a green cardigan sits on the ground smilingTim is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program. He earned his B.S. in Psychology from Portland State University. Prior to entering graduate school, his professional experience included recruiting, research, and academic support. He is thrilled to be a part of the ASK lab and is excited to explore how individual differences relate to learning and performance.

 

 

Megan McSpedon

A woman in a green shirt smiles at the camera

Megan is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program. Before joining the ASK Lab, Megan helped found the Rice Emerging Scholars Program, an undergraduate STEM retention program. She is interested in education, the impact of educational experiences on future job choices, learning throughout the lifespan, and the future of work.

 

 

Meghan Davenport

Meghan is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program. She joined the ASK Lab initially as an undergraduate at Rice, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology and Business in 2015. After graduating, she worked in teacher certification at a public charter school before returning to graduate school. She is interested in motivation across the lifespan- you can learn more about her at her website.