This blog is the place to find general information about me. For my updated blog and current course information, including syllabi, please go to https://msjlphd.blogspot.com

Please contact me via email if you have further questions: msjl@lonestar.edu

Overview:

  1. Online students must do the mandatory online orientation at LSC-Online.
  2. WHEN YOU EMAIL ME: You must include your name, course and section time (or “online”) in the subject line. You may also wish to consider what your email name is; do you really want to email your professor from the email account name “hotbabe” or “partyanimal”??
  3. IF YOU CALL: You must CLEARLY AND SLOWLY leave your name, phone number (if you expect a return call), course and section time. I have over 100 students each semester; please don’t assume I recognize your name or voice. Moreover, ALL of my classes are PSYCHOLOGY classes; please tell me which psychology class of mine you are in (course number or name, such as “psyc 2314 online” or “psyc 2301 at 9:30 on campus”.)

About Me:

Background and current work:
I have a PhD in Developmental Psychology from The Ohio State University and a BA in Linguistics and Cognitive Sciences from Rice University.  My current interests lie at the intersection of developmental psychology (specifically cognitive development – how thinking changes as we develop) and human sexuality: how we think about sex, sexuality, and relationships over time; how our *understanding* of sexuality develops. I find it fulfilling to talk to students about sexuality in a frank, factual manner because so often other people in their lives have avoided doing so. My second focus is on positive psychology and happiness research. Positive psychology examines how each of the following contributes to well-being: positive emotions and optimism; engagement (finding activities that lead to full engagement /focus /immersion); relationships and social connections; meaning (finding a greater purpose, volunteer service, greater good); and accomplishments (achieving goals). I am examining factors that contribute to each of these – goal-setting, GRIT, meditation, habits, exercise, sleep, creativity, and community service. My previous research includes issues of reading and deafness, language processing, and language development. I have also worked in Assistive Technology, HCI and Computer Usability (yes, this is related to psychology!). This relates to my current work, as I explore issues involving sexuality and technology or social media.

Teaching:
Prior to coming to the Lone Star System in 2003, I taught at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho and at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Over the years, I have taught a wide range of classes: General Psychology, Research Methods, Human-Computer Interactions, Lifespan Human Development, Cognitive Psychology, Human Sexuality, and Psychology of Deafness. At LSC-Tomball, I teach courses in General Psychology (2301), Lifespan Development (2314) and Human Sexuality (2306).

Letters of Recommendation

I am generally happy to write letters of recommendation for face-to-face students. Please ask me via email if I am able to write one for you (you can query before filling out the form). Two weeks advance notice is required to allow me to give them the careful attention such important letters deserve. Please fill out my letter of recommendation request form and email it to me as an attachment to msjl@lonestar.edu Please also include a digital photograph of yourself. If you do not get a confirmation of receipt from me within 2 business days, please call me.