Gülnaz Kiper studies the way difficulty mindsets impact purpose, meaning in life, and commitment to goals. She shared about her research and its connection to BLM, COVID19, films (Qatsi trilogy, Suffragette), and Buddhism.

Harrison Schmitt uses mixed methods to study the experience of chronic environmental contamination (CEC), which can lead to social fragmentation, ambiguous moral responsibility, and communal stress and suffering. We chatted about his research and its connections to society and culture.

McKenzie Lockett studies the intersection of sexual objectification and existential isolation—how being treated as an object can undermine shared subjective experience. She told us about her research and its connections to books, movies, sports, and more.

Madison Sarlo did her undergrad research on death awareness in political attitudes, during final year of Trump admin, and found death awareness promoted unity. Good reminder that cultural context is dynamic and has a HUGE impact on the direction of existential motivation!

Uncanny feelings? Rachele Benjamin developed a measure for that! She shared about it, as well as creepy horror movies, Andre Breton's surrealist art movement, & David Lynch's film "Rabbits."