I am currently an assistant professor of psychology at Muhlenberg College. My primary research interests lie in the emerging field of experimental existential psychology, examining the ways in which humans derive and maintain a sense of meaning and purpose from social and cultural institutions. In the past, I've focused my efforts on examining the psychological and social implications of religious belief systems. I'm also interested in the culture of fame / celebrity, as well as the use of humor to cope with existential anxiety. Much of my work has operated under the framework of Terror Management Theory (TMT).