Why do certain people make certain decisions in response to difficult or uncertain circumstances? Moreover, how can we maximize and encourage motivation, even in response to these tough situations?I am interested understanding individual differences in motivation and decision making, with an effort to understand how people vary in their ability to make effective decisions under changing circumstances. How can the environment influence an addict's decision to relapse? How could the framing of a question manipulate a student's self-control?I am interested in how dynamic and sensitive motivation is to both internal and external factors, and I would like to understand how differences in motivation impact both the ability to learn and to make decisions.Outside of the lab, I am also passionate about increasing the diversity of science. In addition to becoming a researcher and teacher, I want to find ways to increase the accessibility of science to individuals who, due to the lack of diversity in the field, may feel uncomfortable pursuing their interests and working to their full abilities in the sciences.