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Elena Brandt applies principles of evolutionary life history theory to large-scale phenomena, such as global patterns of human reproduction, variability in cultural values, and nation-wide consumption patterns. Before graduate school, she worked for nine years as an industry practitioner, doing public relations and communications for various organizations in the science and tech sectors. In her free time, she raises three kids and develops a tool to promote global diversity in social sciences that helps researchers sample participants beyond the so-called WEIRD populations.

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Jose Martinez conducts research in the domains of development and social hierarchy, broadly defined. In one set of projects, Jose is examining the determinants of decision-making patterns and self-regulation in adulthood. In another set of projects, Jose is examining how the presence of intergroup competition influences group performance and preferences for different kinds of leaders. He has general interests in dark personality traits and mating/relationships research. Jose doesn’t have much spare time, but the little that he does he spends either enjoying a good run (which he claims helps him clear his mind and think) or trying to find a movie that will genuinely scare him (Hollywood’s overreliance on jump-scares does not impress nor scare Jose anymore).

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Sierra Peters draws from social, relationship science, and evolutionary perspectives to explore how long-term romantic relationships begin, develop, and dissolve. Her program of research examines how various individual difference factors that couple members bring into their relationships (e.g., disgust sensitivity, partner preferences) influence their relationship processes and outcomes (e.g., attention to alternatives, sexual desire, relationship satisfaction). In her free time, Sierra enjoys hiking and spending time with her kitty.

Trisha Dutta’s research interest lies at the intersection of social cognition and evolutionary psychology. She is broadly interested in understanding how people’s early life experiences shape social-cognitive processes. Specifically, she’s interested in investigating the following research questions, a) What are the adaptive (or maladaptive) life strategies that emerge from experiencing childhood adversities? b) How do these strategies facilitate (or impede) functioning as adults? c) What are the protective factors that minimize the negative consequences of adverse childhood experiences?

Jaia Hendrickson is conducting research investigating the preference for a dominant or prestige-oriented leader contingent on varying group contexts. His other research interests lie broadly within the field of evolutionary social psychology with an emphasis on mating (e.g., mate preference, mate value, mate selection) and close relationships (e.g., relationship formation and relationship maintenance). When not conducting research, Jaia enjoys reading and maintaining fitness.

Harrison Miller’s research draws from evolutionary theories, such as the fundamental motives framework, to understand how people navigate their social hierarchies. He is also generally interested in impression management, decision-making, and social affiliation. In one project, he is examining self-deprecation among leaders and how self-deprecation may be used as a self-presentational tactic. In another project, Harrison is examining evolutionary mismatches in the context of status-striving behaviors to better understand modern competitive behavior. In his free time, he enjoys running, watching sports, and making music. Someday, he hopes to learn how to play an actual keyboard.