I am a social-health psychologist, and lead a teaching and research program focusing on close relationships and parenting processes. My research draws on theory and methods in emotion and motivation science to understand how people can engage more effectively in their close relationships, including in the context of parenting and families. One particular area of focus involves positive interpersonal processes, such as how positive relational interactions like gratitude and capitalization contribute to the quality and well-being of adult relationships. Another area of interest involves how emotions and motivational processes influence relationship quality and well-being for new parents. Finally, I am also interested in mindfulness and meditation, and how they can beneficially alter affect, motivation, and therefore our relationships.