Biographical Information

Dr. Ximena Arriaga is a Professor of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University. She studies close relational bonds – how they help people thrive within and beyond their relationships, but also how some bonds can cause considerable pain and harm. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Mental Health, and other organizations, and it is widely recognized for its social impact and relevance, which she leverages in her work with community organizations.

Dr. Arriaga has an exceptional record of service. She was a Program Officer at the National Science Foundation in 2020-22, and prior to that she served in numerous editorial positions and held several elected and appointed roles for psychological professional organizations. Her commitment to fostering others’ success involves both broad and specific efforts. In 2015, Dr. Arriaga worked with Purdue University’s leadership to chart a plan for Purdue’s campus inclusion efforts, which laid the foundation for many equity and inclusion initiatives that persist on campus today. Shortly thereafter she established and directed Purdue’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Science Consortium, which advances scientific literacy on helping people overcome barriers to success in campus settings. She has provided mentoring and support to many students and colleagues, and she continues to be involved in efforts to provide instruction and mentoring for future scholars.

Dr. Arriaga’s scholarship and mentoring were recognized when she was added to the Heritage Wall of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP).