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 assitant, and I also developed an indepdent project. Since I joined the ARCC lab, I’ve been fascinated by digitally mediated partner aggression, which was the focus of my undergraduate honors thesis. Outside of school, I’m very musically inclined and love to sing and play guitar.

Rachel Florkiewicz, Graduate 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