Faculty
Jeff Bowen
Teaching Faculty (Senior Lecturer)
Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Ames Hall 131
jbowen@jhu.edu
Research Interests: Dr. Bowen is the Principal Investigator of the SPARC Lab, an undergraduate research team examining the dynamics of close relationships. His work explores how romantic partners mentally represent one another and interpret situations that shape the well-being of their relationships. His research teams apply theories from social cognition, psycholinguistics, and motivation science, to understand how partners navigate conflicts of interest and frame high-stakes challenges that they face in trying to sustain rewarding and long-lasting partnerships.
Current Research Assistants
Ria Gualano
Senior
Research Interests: I am a senior studying Psychology with minors in Marketing & Communications and Theatre Arts & Studies. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Communication with a focus in Media Psychology. Broadly speaking, I am interested in how interactions with social media and technology impact the self, romantic relationships, and well-being.
Yuchen Li
Senior
Research Interests: Interested in social psychology and interactions around people. Still developing more interests and open to new opportunities in the field of psychology. Rubik’s Cube lover.
Nainika Pansari
Junior
Research Interests: I am a junior studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Psychology. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school in a field of psychology. I am interested in the intersection between biology and psychology.
Jackie Rittenhouse
Junior
Research Interests: My research interests include interpersonal relationship psychology, motivation, emotion, addiction, and attachment. I plan to attend some form of graduate program in psychology after completing my bachelor's degree in psychology at Johns Hopkins.
Flora
SPARC-ulent
Lab Plant #1
Research Interests: Placidly overseeing lab activities and adding a touch of nature to the research environment.
Lab Alumni