Lab Members

Ximena Arriaga, Principal Investigator

(pronounced “hee-MEN-ah” “ah-ree-AH-gah”)

Purdue University has been my home for many years. 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 keeps people stuck in harmful situations. Beyond doing research, I teach statistics, collaborate with students and colleagues, and work to remove barriers to success and foster collegiality. My motto is: think globally, act personally. 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.

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.

I am a PhD student in Social Psychology at Purdue University, continuing my work with Dr. Arriaga from my undergraduate degree. I joined the ARCC lab in the Spring of 2023 as a research assistant, and I also developed an undergraduate honors project under Dr. Arriaga. Since I joined the ARCC lab, I’ve been fascinated by the outcomes of digitally mediated partner aggression, especially in comparison to aggression that occurs in other contexts. Outside of school, I love to read every book I can get my hands on, watercolor paint, and play guitar.

Rachel Florkiewicz, Graduate Student

I am a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in Psychology at Purdue University with the goal of pursuing my PhD after graduation. I joined the ARCC lab in the Spring of 2024 as a research assistant and have loved every second since then. I am currently working on my undergraduate thesis— examining the unique effect of threatening men's masculinity on perpetration of intimate partner violence. During my time with the ARCC lab, my research interests have expanded, and I find myself fascinated by any intersection between social psychology and human sexuality, namely within close relationships. When I am not in the lab or classes, I enjoy taking care of my plants and doing any artsy activity I can get my hands on, from cooking to watercolor painting.

Sydney Varnak, Research Focused Honors Student

I am currently an undergraduate student studying psychological sciences and law and society. I am mainly interested in forensic psychology, but also enjoy learning about counseling, close relationships, and various types of mental health disorders.

Haley Barad, Undergraduate Student

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student double majoring in Psychological Sciences and Sociology, with minors in Spanish and Human Development & Family Science. My research interests focus on the medical side of neuropsychology, particularly the mental effects of close partner relationships and the development of trauma in the brain. Outside of academics, I work as a coffee barista where I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, and I also love spending time outdoors on long walks.

Maggie Miller, Undergraduate Student

I am a recent Purdue University graduate obtaining my Bachelor’s in Psychological Sciences, a Certificate in Entrepreneurship, and a minor in Learning Sciences in EDST. My research interests center on the motivations and overall experience of singlehood over time, as well as how culture and environment influence partner selection. In my free time, I enjoy any activities that are active, particularly running, pickleball, and soccer

Jack Weston, Alum/Volunteer

I am a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Law & Society. My research interests involve how to foster secure attachments in relationships, and how one’s attachment can change over time. Outside of school, I enjoy listening to music, attempting various crafts, and reading.

Samantha Mitchell, Undergraduate Student

I am a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. I am interested in developmental psychology, particularly in how social factors such as attachment patterns and cognitive processes like language acquisition can influence individuals' understanding of their own identity. During my free time, I enjoy doing photography, watching movies, and visiting museums.

Yizhou He, Undergraduate Student

I am a second-year undergraduate student double majoring in Psychological Sciences and Law & Society. I am currently interested in forensic psychology, but am remaining open-minded to other disciplines as I progress as a scholar and researcher! I look forward to studying IPV within and outside of relationships, and how attachments develop and change over time. When I have free time, I like to jam on my bass, play video games, and visit the Knowledge Lab!