Lab Members
Ximena Arriaga, Principal Investigator
(pronounced “hee-MEN-ah” “ah-ree-AH-gah”)
I am a nth year Professor at Purdue University. I have been committed to studying commitment since my grad school days at UNC Chapel Hill, where I worked with the amazing Caryl Rusbult. Commitment is interesting because it keeps relationships intact, which is great if partners are happy and supportive of each other but not so good when partners cause each other harm or bring out the worst in one another. My research examines: (1) committed relationships as contexts where people can overcome personal insecurities, (2) the initial formation of commitment and how it changes across time, and (3) when and how commitment prevents harmful relationships from changing. Beyond research, I enjoy teaching statistics, collaborating with students and colleagues, and engaging in efforts to remove barriers to success and foster collegiality. My motto is: think globally, relate locally. As for my life beyond work, I won the lottery in terms of who I married, and I have two amazing kids. I also travel a lot and speak Spanish fluently.
Rachel Florkiewicz, Undergraduate Scholar
I’m a junior at Purdue University on a three-year degree plan, set to graduate in the Spring of 2025. I joined the ARCC in the Spring of 2023 and am currently in the Research Focused Honors Program, doing my independent senior project under Dr. Arriaga. Since starting in the ARCC, I’ve been fascinated by digitally mediated partner aggression, which is the focus of my undergraduate honors thesis. Outside of school, I’m very musically inclined and love to sing, play guitar, and piano.
Yiwen Gu, Graduate Student
I am a PhD student in the Social Psychology Program at Purdue University, working with Dr. Arriaga. My research interests lie within the realm of close relationships, specifically attachment orientation theory and the factors that enhance attachment security. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and finding good local cuisine.
Kate Saczawa, Undergraduate Scholar
(pronounced “saz-wa”)
I am a senior in Psychological Sciences at Purdue University and will graduate in the Spring of 2024! I’ve been a part of the ARCC since the Spring of 2023 and have been working on an independent research project since the Summer of 2023. My areas of interest include close relationships, partner aggression, help-seeking behaviors, and relational identity. My research focuses on how one’s relational identity influences whether and when one seeks help after experiencing aggression from a romantic partner. As far as my interests outside of school, I love being in the water (swimming, scuba diving, cave diving, cheap water slides from Target, etc), fashion, and reading! My book recommendation will always be “Beach Read” by Emily Henry!
ARCC Lab Members Spring 2024
Elise treats us to cake!
Lab members Sydney and Nadeen