Anthony L. Burrow [curriculum vitae]

I am the Ferris Family Associate Professor of Life Course Studies in the Department of Psychology, Director of the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, and Senior Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University. I am principal investigator of the Purpose and Identity Processes Laboratory, and director of PRYDE (the Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement). The aim of PRYDE is to link science and service in innovative ways by involving 4-H communities in basic and applied research to promote positive youth development. My research interests center on positive youth development, with an emphasis on investigating the role that having a sense of purpose in life has on the everyday experiences and adjustment of young people.

Graduate Students

Aaron King

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”

It Chris Davis is a fourth-year PhD candidate in Developmental Psychology at Cornell University. His research mainly focuses on the role of control-related processes on the etiology and maintenance of psychopathology. Similarly, Chris is interested in better understanding the nature in which the interplay of specific cognitive and psychological processes may contribute to or hinder well-being. Prior to his work at Cornell, Chris received his Master of Science in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling- from Johns Hopkins University- and Human Development and Psychology- from Harvard University. At these placements, he primarily studied the role of psychological factors on the etiology of psychopathology in adolescents. Chris’s overall aim is to utilize his research on the interplay of stress and psychological resources to explore translational paths in which individuals may better understand how to optimally navigate specific contexts.

Christopher Davis

Ravenel Davis

Jowen Escobar

I am a first-year PhD student in Human Development and Family Studies within the Department of Psychology. I hold a B.S. in Psychology from Haverford College and, prior to coming to Cornell, I worked for two years as the Science Associate at the Society for Research in Child Development, where I managed the application and review process for grants and awards. My research focuses on the psychological and social precursors to developing a sense of purpose. In particular, I am interested in how environment, context, upbringing, and participation in positive youth development programs may influence adolescents' ability to cultivate purpose, ultimately benefiting their health and well-being. In my free time, I enjoy spending time being active outdoors and cooking!

I am a Master’s student in the Developmental Psychology program. As a youth development professional, I lead with the end goal of enhancing wellness and overall quality of life for youth from traditionally marginalized communities. My personal connection to my career has led me to work and volunteer for organizations providing wraparound services to youth such as: City of LA’s Youth Development Department, LA YouthSource, UCLA CRESST, Fulfillment Fund, Psyches of Color, and more. I study youth development through intersection of academia, culture + identity, and intervention by CBOs – in efforts to inform practices and [culturally-responsive] curricula tailored to first-generation, low-income, Chicanx, and other underrepresented communities. Post-grad, I’d like to teach, remain within academic affairs, continue non-profit work, and do consulting as it relates to promotion of equitable design and practice.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Tobie Bertisch - Lab Manager

I am a senior majoring in Human Development and am on the pre-med track. I am interested in Psychology, Biology and Reproductive health. I aspire to be a clinical psychologist or a reproductive endocrinologist. I have experience studying derailment, menopause and wellbeing. In my free time, I dance on the BASE dance team and Cornell Ballet Club. I also play on an intramural soccer team and love spending time outdoors.

Danielle Eder - Lab Manager

I am a junior majoring in Human Development, minoring in Business for Life Sciences, and Law & Society. My academic interests revolve around exploring everyday human interactions, the law, and research. I am also a member of Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity and President and Editor-in-Chief of Hopelessly Yellow at Cornell. My evolving research interests and experience include youth's sense of purpose, goal setting, and agency. I am looking forward to evaluating other factors impacting youth and their sense of self as they progress on their journey through life to promote well-being. 

Emily Lebovitz

I am a senior in Human Development, minoring in inequalities studies. I am interested in studying social-cognitive processes and mental health. Specifically, I am interested in how a sense of purpose can be shaped by the people in your environment and exploring outcomes related to mental health. In the future, I aim to explore this process developmentally as I am passionate about youth mental health and hope to one day be a psychologist!

Emma Gould

I am a sophomore majoring in Human Development with a double minor in Business and Inequality Studies. My interests include the intersection of psychology, business, and social impact, harnessing insights from human behavior and decision-making to improve the lives of others and drive success in organizational contexts. In addition to working as a research assistant, I am an Assistant Project Manager for TAMID at Cornell, Vice President of Culture & Engagement for Professional Development of Women, and a Human Ecology Ambassador. As a student-driven to learn about the understanding of human behavior and thinking that leads people to make certain life choices pertaining to purpose and identity, I am eager to use my prior experiences and skills to contribute to research in this field.

Brooke Kivel

My name is Brooke Kivel, and I am a junior in human development. I am very interested in pediatric and adolescent psychology, along with topics related to anxiety and OCD. I really enjoy participating in research that has clinical implications and the potential to make a difference in terms of improving treatment. Following graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and pursue a career in the field of adolescent psychology.

Grace Nahmiyas

I am a senior majoring in Human Biology, Health, and Society pursuing a minor in Human Development. In the lab I focus on perceived control and I am particularly interested in how it affects young adult development. Outside of class, I am part of PhiDE Medical Fraternity, I am a Human Ecology Ambassador, and play on an intramural soccer team. During my free time, I love exploring Ithaca with my friends, especially on the sunny days. After college, I intend to go to medical school and work in pediatrics.

Emma Levinbook

Catherine Amburgey

I am a senior majoring in Human Development with a focus on disability rights, personality psychology, mindfulness approaches, and cross-cultural research. I am passionate about using interdisciplinary tools to explore the best ways to promote well-being and self-understanding. Beyond the lab, I am a Laidlaw Scholar, an active member of the Cornell Filipino Association, and I work at a cafe. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going on drives with friends, and thrifting. After graduation, I plan to continue my research and pursue a career as a therapist, with a concentration in marriage and family therapy.

Dhruti Raghuraman

Dhruti Raghuraman is a junior majoring in Human Development with a minor in Health Policy. As a PRYDE Scholar, she works alongside Dr. Anthony Burrow in the Purpose and Identity Process Lab, supporting research to better understand how a sense of purpose can promote well-being and positive health outcomes in adolescents. She is particularly interested in understanding how senses of purpose and control relate to substance use disorder and adult psychopathology. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine, bringing her past experiences in public health and youth engagement down to the patient care level. .

I am a junior at the College of Arts & Sciences, pursuing a major in psychology and a minor in inequality studies. My primary academic interests include social and personality psychology, as well as adolescent and adult psychopathology. My research aims focus on derailment as it relates to disorders of depression, anxiety, mood, and stress. In the lab, I recently completed the conceptualization and design of a novel narrative-based therapeutic intervention targeting depression by way of derailment, which is currently being administered to a subclinical population so as to ultimately provide clinicians with an evidence-based approach to the treatment of depressive symptoms.