JACK BAUER | THE TRANSFORMATIVE SELF
How stories foster flourishing
THEÂ TEAM
JACK BAUER
Jack Bauer, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and past Raymond A. Roesch, S.M., Endowed Chair in the Social Sciences at the University of Dayton. His courses and research focus on the development of self-identity and personality, with an emphasis on life stories, meaning-making, growth motivation, and humane flourishing.
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His recent book, The Transformative Self: Personal Growth, Narrative Identity, and the Good Life (2021, Oxford University Press), explains how personal and cultural stories cultivate as well as thwart human flourishing for the self and others. He is co-editor of the book Transcending Self-Interest: Psychological Explorations of the Quiet Ego (2008, American Psychological Association), which examines the problems of egotism and the ways and benefits of transcending it.
He has served as co-editor of the Journal of Happiness Studies, associate editor of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and co-editor of the special issue on "Storying the Good Life" at the Journal of Research in Personality. After college he was the editor of a newspaper in northern Michigan.
SOPHIA DIXON
Sophia Dixon is a senior at the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology. She is currently serving as lab manager.​
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In her words: "I am fascinated by human development and the effects of personal experience on personality. I was interested in this lab because it aligns with my research and professional aspirations. I enjoy coding narratives for personal growth and gaining insight into the defining moments in individuals' lives. I feel this experience is valuable in understanding the complex factors that make up personality and overall life trajectory. I appreciate the themes of flourishing, happiness, love, and growth within the lab and seek to apply these values to my own life. Looking forward, I plan to continue to participate in research and excel in my coursework. I want to receive my doctorate in clinical psychology after I graduate in hopes of making a difference in vulnerable populations. I am excited about my future in this lab and where it leads me."
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VIOLET BUTLER
Violet Butler is a junior at the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology.​
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In her words: "I have always been drawn to the arts and creative fields. My first major was actually architecture, which was fascinating and fulfilling, but proved to not be a good match. I decided to major in psychology because it is both interesting and practical, as what I learn in class often has direct connections to my life. Through this journey, I have realized that psychology is creative in its own way, as the process of research leads to new ideas and theories which require innovative ideas and collaboration. I think ultimately, design has my heart, but I value what psychology has taught me on a personal and interpersonal level, expanding its meaningfulness past what career I might pursue."
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MORGAN KELLER
Morgan Keller is a senior at the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology.
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In her words: "I am interested in clinical psychology, relationships, mood disorders, and attraction. After I graduate, I am going to attend Wright State to achieve my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to hopefully become a clinical therapist for struggling teens. I am passionate about helping teens as I find this to be one of the most turbulent times in one's lifetime and I would like to have a helping hand in fighting the current mental health crisis we are facing today as a society."
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ELLA LAMB
Ella Lamb is a junior at the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology and minoring in health communication.
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SINISA SMOOT
Sinisa Smoot is a senior at the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology.
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In her words: "I have plans to attend a graduate Clinical Mental Health program. My long-term goal is to be a clinical Therapist. My professional interests range from many topics and concentrations of psychology, including clinical, cognitive, and personality psychology. My interests in my personal life is anything that includes my friends or family. I love being surrounded by others."
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And some lab members who graduated recently...
CINTIA KIRJAK
Cintia Kirjak graduated from the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology, having also served as lab manager.​
MORGAN RAMSEY
Morgan Ramsey graduated from the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology and minoring in criminal justice studies.
CAITIE MASTERS
Caitie Masters graduated from the University of Dayton, majoring in premedicine, minoring in psychology, and having served as lab manager. ​
SARAH MOONEY
Sarah Mooney graduated from the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology and minoring in social work, and the student manager of The Transformative Self Lab. She is specifically interested in social work, counseling, personality, and social psychology.
HANNAH BEAN
Hannah Bean graduated from the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology. She is interested in clinical psych, health psych, personality psych, criminal psych, and psychopathology.​
KELLY MUMBACH
Kelly Mumbach graduated from the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology. ​
GRACE FIORITI
Grace Fioriti graduated from the University of Dayton. She is majoring in health science with minors in psychology, social work, and disability studies. ​
MEKDELAWIT MUELLER
Dela Mueller graduated from the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology and minoring in business management. She is specifically interested in counseling, clinical, social, and personality psychology.​
ABIGAIL GEISZ
Abby Geisz graduated from the University of Dayton, majoring in psychology with a minor in philosophy. She is interested in counseling, social, personality, and child psychology.​
KIERSTEN WEATHERBIE
Kiersten Weatherbie is a second-year graduate student in the experimental psychology program at the University of Dayton. She graduated in 2019 from the University of Dayton with a B.S. in psychology and a B.A. in Spanish, with minors in sociology and in women's and gender studies and a certificate in human sexuality studies. After finishing her coursework in May 2021, she plans to work full-time in psychology research.