Anthony L. Burrow [curriculum vitae]

I am the Ferris Family Associate Professor of Life Course Studies in the Department of Psychology, Director of the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, and Senior Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University. I am also Director of the Purpose Science and innovation Exchange and co-founder of Purpose Commons - sister organizations aiming to translate the science of purpose for the greater good.

My research focuses primarily on sense of purpose, with an emphasis on investigating the role of purpose on the everyday experiences and adjustment of young people. My work leverages developmental science and translational research approaches, and I care deeply about integrating rigorous scientific methods with community-engagement to produce insights that benefit people.

Graduate Students

Christopher Davis

Chris Davis is a fifth-year PhD candidate in Developmental Psychology at Cornell University. His research mainly focuses on the role of control-related processes on the etiology and maintenance of psychopathology. Similarly, Chris is interested in better understanding the nature in which the interplay of specific cognitive and psychological processes may contribute to or hinder well-being. Prior to his work at Cornell, Chris received his Master of Science in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling- from Johns Hopkins University- and Human Development and Psychology- from Harvard University. At these placements, he primarily studied the role of psychological factors on the etiology of psychopathology in adolescents. Chris’s overall aim is to utilize his research on the interplay of stress and psychological resources to explore translational paths in which individuals may better understand how to optimally navigate specific contexts.

Ravenel Davis

I am a second-year PhD student in Human Development within the Department of Psychology. I hold a B.S. in Psychology from Haverford College and, prior to coming to Cornell, I worked for two years as the Science Associate at the Society for Research in Child Development, where I managed the application and review process for grants and awards. My research interests center around the development of a sense of purpose in life during adolescence and downstream health and well-being outcomes. I am especially interested in the relationship between narrative identity and purpose, exploring how individuals make meaning from life experiences, social context, and environmental affordances to inform a sense of future direction. In my freetime, I love making pottery, running, cooking, and being outdoors!

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Danielle Eder - Senior Lab Manager

I am a senior majoring in Human Development with a double minor in Business for Life Sciences and Law & Society. My academic interests revolve around exploring everyday human interactions, the law, and research. I am also a member of Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity and President and Editor-in-Chief of Hopelessly Yellow at Cornell. My evolving research interests and experience include youth's sense of purpose, goal setting, and agency. I am looking forward to evaluating other factors impacting youth and their sense of self as they progress on their journey through life to promote well-being. 

Emma Gould - Junior Lab Manager

I am a junior majoring in Human Development with minors in Business and Health Policy Studies. My interests include the intersection of psychology, business, and public policy, harnessing insights from human behavior and decision-making to improve the lives of others and drive success in organizational contexts. In addition to working as a research assistant, I am a Project Manager and Global Director of Consulting for TAMID, Vice President of Culture & Engagement for Professional Development of Women, and a Human Ecology Ambassador. As a student-driven to learn about the understanding of human behavior and thinking that leads people to make certain life choices pertaining to purpose and identity, I am eager to use my prior experiences and skills to contribute to research in this field.

Brooke Kivel

I am a senior Human Development major with a minor in inequality studies. I am passionate about research that informs the development and modification of treatment, as well as research that provides a deeper understanding of specific disorders. I am particularly interested in obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders, both in adults and children. I love to spend my free time exploring the beautiful nature of Ithaca or cooking something new with my sister. I plan to pursue a career in clinical psychology! 

Emma Levinbook

I am a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Inequality Studies. I am interested in conducting research that explores the underlying affective, cognitive, behavioral, and identity-related mechanisms implicated in the risk, onset, and maintenance of depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. I hope to use these insights to ultimately enhance the efficacy of existing treatments and inform the development of novel treatment approaches. Following graduation, I hope to earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology and ultimately carry out clinical research and engage in clinical practice.

Catherine Amburgey

I am a senior majoring in Human Development with a focus on disability rights, personality psychology, mindfulness approaches, and cross-cultural research. I am passionate about using interdisciplinary tools to explore the best ways to promote well-being and self-understanding. Beyond the lab, I am a Laidlaw Scholar, an active member of the Cornell Filipino Association, and I work at a cafe. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going on drives with friends, and thrifting. After graduation, I plan to continue my research and pursue a career as a therapist, with a concentration in marriage and family therapy.

Dhruti Raghuraman

I am a junior majoring in Human Development with a minor in Health Policy. As a PRYDE Scholar, I work alongside Dr. Anthony Burrow in the Purpose and Identity Process Lab, supporting research to better understand how a sense of purpose can promote well-being and positive health outcomes in adolescents. I am particularly interested in understanding how senses of purpose and control relate to substance use disorder and adult psychopathology. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in medicine, bringing my past experiences in public health and youth engagement down to the patient care level.

Nobel Zhou

I am a sophomore majoring in Human Development and pursuing a minor in Nutrition and Health. I am particularly interested in learning the role and effects of sense of purpose in mental health therapy, autism research and interventions. I am also passionate about sports psychology and athlete mental health. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, working out, playing basketball, thrifting, and trying out different restaurants. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and become a mental health therapist.

Maeve McCarthy

I am a sophomore majoring in Human Development with a minor in Art. My academic interests center on the development of purpose and its connection to identity formation. I am passionate about helping adolescents build the knowledge needed to reflect on what they want to dedicate their lives to in ways that align with their personal strengths. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family back home, running with friends, playing pickleball, and reading bildungsroman novels.

Isa Gonzalez 

I am a junior majoring in Human Development with an interest centered on how identity formation shapes emotional well-being and resilience, and how young people navigate social and psychological stressors. She aims to translate these insights into real-world applications in schools and community programs. Isabela plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work and counseling to develop interventions that foster mental health, empowerment, and purpose among adolescents. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the trails and natural beauty that Ithaca has to offer.

Adara Homer

I am a sophomore studying Human Development. My main interests center around developmental psychology with an emphasis on adolescent development across a range of contexts including law, mental health, and social media. On campus, I am Vice President of Outreach for Cornell Minds Matter, a member of the Cornell Ballet Club, and a Human Ecology Ambassador. After graduation, I am planning to pursue graduate studies in the field of psychology.

Sophia Padilla

I am a junior in Arts and Science majoring in Psychology. I am interested in going into clinical psychology post graduation and working with children and youth. In the lab, I am working on the Social Influence study examining the effects of purpose on social influence. Outside of the lab, I am passionate about advocating for better mental health resources and supporting clubs on campus, such as EARS, that offer services to improve students’ mental health. In my free time, I like to workout, play volleyball, and work as a barista. 

Undergraduate Interest in the PIP Lab

At this time, our lab is at full capacity and we are unable to accept new members. Please fill out this interest form, and we will contact you when we begin accepting new research assistants.

Thank you!

https://forms.gle/Pd5zgyub5jDbtVpA6