I graduated from Baylor University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology at Texas A&M University under the guidance of Dr. Joshua Hicks. The goal of my research is to uncover the psychological mechanisms to help one achieve an optimal life. To this end, I examine how people conceptualize finding meaning and purpose in their lives, factors that influence our sense of authenticity, and how belief in free will influences our judgments and behaviors.