People | msrlab

Principal Investigator

PATRICIA CHEN

Principal Investigator

Assistant Professor

Department of Psychology

Deputy Director

Institute for Applied Learning Sciences and Educational Technology

National University of Singapore

current lab members

LINING (RACHEL) SUN

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department of Psychology

National University of Singapore

Ph.D., Psychology, East China Normal University, Shanghai
Visiting Ph.D. scholar, Psychology, Stanford University
Visiting Ph.D. scholar, Psychology, Ohio State University
M.S., Psychology, East China Normal University, Shanghai

Rachel's research focuses on how to help people thrive in an uncertain world. She investigates this question through multiple lenses including motivation, lifelong learning, career adaptability, etc. Her recent work examined whether the current educational systems are preparing students well for such a world and what mindsets could help people adapt to uncertainty better. Rachel happens to be a photographer who took her own engagement photos with her husband on their road trip to the Grand Canyon. She also picked up gardening recently and now has more than 30 plants in her collection.

XIANG LING ONG

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department of Psychology

National University of Singapore

Ph.D., Psychology, National University of Singapore

B. Soc. Sci. (Hons.) Psychology, National University of Singapore

Xiang Ling is interested in the development of self-control and motivation in children, and the psychological processes that help children succeed in school. Xiang Ling hopes her research will translate into programs that can help level up children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

JESSICA NG

Doctoral Student, Department of Psychology

National University of Singapore

M.A. Mass Communications, Nanyang Technological University

B.A. Communications, National University of Singapore

I hope to develop psychologically precise interventions in higher education to help students succeed academically. I am interested in the study of mindsets and motivations that drive academic performance.

YIFAN (CHRISTY) JIANG

Doctoral student, Department of Psychology

National University of Singapore

M.P.Ed. Professional Counseling, University of Pennsylvania

M.S.Ed. Counseling and Mental Health Service, University of Pennsylvania

B.A. Psychology, Brandeis University

B.A. Economic, Brandeis University

Christy is interested in studying the role of self-regulation and motivation in predicting academic achievement. She would like to investigate the potential benefits of school-based interventions to promote academic achievement and student well-being. She likes to work with teenagers and families, and has worked as a family-child specialist and mental health counselor, providing individual counseling and facilitating group counseling for clients with mental health issues, especially education-related depression and anxiety.

TEO QIAO KANG

Doctoral student, Department of Psychology

National University of Singapore

B. Soc. Sci. (Hons.), Psychology, National University of Singapore

Diploma in Psychology Studies, Temasek Polytechnic

Qiao Kang got drawn into the field of psychology at the age of 16, and he graduated with a Diploma in Psychology Studies from Temasek Polytechnic. He has worked and volunteered in various organizations such as the Campus Peer Support for Youths, Dyslexia Association of Singapore, Institute of Mental Health, and Singapore Prison Service, before eventually deciding to pursue a career in research. He hopes to be able to make an impact in the lives of learners by advancing knowledge on effective learning practices and psychological well-being, and by refining and scaling up interventions.

DON PEREIRA

Masters student, Department of Psychology

National University of Singapore

B. Soc. Sci. (Hons.), Psychology, National University of Singapore

Diploma in Game and Entertainment Technology, Temasek Polytechnic

Don has a background in game programming with a diploma in Game & Entertainment Technology from Temasek Polytechnic. He also did a short 9-week internship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, MA where he was inspired by a researcher there to pursue Psychology. Don's main research interests lie in passion for work, Human Resources, and employment. He is interested in not only how individuals develop or come to attain their passion for their craft and how individuals maintain and grow within their job over time, but also how individuals deal with burnout or periods of low motivation.

VALENTINO EMIL CHAI

Masters student, Department of Psychology

National University of Singapore

B. Soc. Sci. (Hons.), Psychology, National University of Singapore

Valentino harbours an interest in intergroup cooperation and conflict, as well as competition (both intergroup and interpersonal). These interests stemmed from his personal experiences with intense competition as a student and athlete growing up. Despite the current negativity associated with competition, he believes that it can be harnessed to bring out the best in people and is seeking out means to achieve this. His interests outside of research include floorball, reading, and strategy games.

lab manager &

research assistants

lab manager &

research assistants

FOO XING YUAN DANIEL

Lab Manager

National University of Singapore

B. A. Psychology, University of Texas at Austin

From growing up in a small developing Asian country like Malaysia to participating in a cultural exchange program in a modern country like the United States, at 18, Daniel had the opportunity to meet many different people from different backgrounds. His interest in Psychology began when he first noticed how at times, individuals who seem so similar tend to behave so differently and yet at other times, individuals who seem so different tend to behave so similarly. Daniel's research interest revolves around motivation, goal pursuits and human behaviors.

DELPHINNA NEO

Research Assistant

National University of Singapore

B. Soc. Sci. (Hons.) Psychology, National University of Singapore

Delphinna's research interests fall within two topic areas: Goal pursuit and mindsets. Thus far, Delphinna’s work generally focuses on understanding the processes that occur after one gives in to temptations while pursuing his or her goals. Additionally, she also seeks to understand how different mindset can lead to varying behavioral outcomes. During her free time, she enjoys playing strategic board games or reading a good book.

KRUTHIKA KATRAGADDA

Research Assistant

Stanford University

US (New York), UK and India qualified attorney

B.A.LLB (Hons.) and LLM, Georgetown University

Having practiced as a corporate solicitor in London for several years, Kruthika now is in pursuit of her great passion, Psychology. She aspires to do a PhD in Social Psychology in the near future.

TEO WEN HAO DENNIS

Research Assistant

National University of Singapore

Concurrent Degree Programme, National University of Singapore

Dennis studies strategy attributions and how it influences behaviour compared to other common attributions. He also assists with data manipulation and analysis in the lab. Outside the lab, he enjoys doing philosophy and board gaming with friends

LIM HUI YAN

Research Assistant

National University of Singapore

B. Soc. Sci. (Hons.) Psychology, National University of Singapore

Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Diploma Plus in Business, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Diploma Plus in Korean, Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Hui Yan is immensely passionate about working with young children, and her strong love for them started at the age of 16 when she decided to pursue her dream and study Early Childhood Education in Ngee Ann Polytechnic. From working as a relief teacher in a childcare centre to conducting multiple child studies in various child laboratories, Hui Yan has many experiences interacting with young children. Her main research interest lies in the development of effective learning interventions for young children. Specifically, she is interested in developing strategies that motivate young children to achieve their fullest potential. She believes that every child is unique, and she hopes that her research contribution can make a positive change in the children's lives.