Featured Alumni Archive

Brittany Holthausen, Ph.D.

John Deere, User Experience Lead - Guidance Products
Ph.D. area: Engineering Psychology
Graduated: Spring 2020
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Bruce Walker

"During my time in the Engineering Psychology doctoral program at Georgia Tech, I was surrounded by brilliant colleagues and professors that challenged and encouraged my growth as a scientist and leader. The research and communication skills that I honed during this program have served me well in both government and industry. The interdisciplinary nature of the program also deepened my passion for human-centered design and continues to shape how I approach complex UX challenges today." — Brittany Holthausen, Ph.D.

Lauren Margulieux, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Learning Sciences
Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Ph.D. area: Engineering Psychology
Graduated: Spring 2016
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Richard Catrambone

"The engineering psychology PhD program developed my ability to take a design-thinking approach to problem-solving, allowing me to apply psychological principles to a wide variety of problems. This skillset for identifying an audience, their needs, and function-driven solutions has helped me be more effective in all aspects of my professional life, including research, teaching, and service." — Lauren Margulieux, Ph.D.

David Illingworth, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Psychology
California State University, Long Beach CA

"My time in the School of Psychology at Georgia Tech was a transformative period of intellectual growth, where I refined my capacity for deliberative, critical thought within and beyond the realm of scientific inquiry. The faculty, staff, and students are undeniably world-class, and being immersed in such a dedicated, rigorous environment is an ongoing source of inspiration." — David Illingworth, Ph.D.

Emily Hokett, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Columbia University, Manbrick Lab, New York

Emily was accepted into the Cognition and Brain Science program by Dr. Audrey Duarte and graduated in 2021.

"My PhD program was challenging, but also rewarding. I learned about aging, cognition, electroencephalography, and neuroimaging from many experts in the field. I am grateful for the collaborations, mentorships, and friendships that developed along the way." — Emily Hokett, Ph.D.

Estelle Sandhaus, Ph.D.

Director of Conservation & Science
Santa Barbara Zoo, California

Dr. Sandhaus graduated from the Cognition and Brain Science program in 2013 under the advisement of Dr. Terry L. Maple.

"At the Center for Conservation and Behavior, I had the opportunity to work with key partners in applied research and conservation such as Zoo Atlanta and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. My experience working with government and university scientists prepared me for success." — Estelle Sandhaus, Ph.D.

Amy Wax, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology
California State University, Long Beach

Dr. Wax graduated from the Industrial Organizational program in 2015 under the advisement of Dr. Leslie DeChurch.

"Georgia Tech's School of Psychology set me up for success in academia, and for that I am very grateful. I began my tenure-track position feeling very confident that I had all the skills to succeed at the job, both in terms of research and teaching." — Dr. Amy Wax

Hillary Schwarb, Ph.D.

Research Scientist
Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ph.D. Graduate: Cognition and Brain Science, 2012
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Eric Schumacher

"The exceptional training and unique perspective instilled at Tech continues to have a tremendous impact on the way I approach science and life... I am eternally grateful for the quality of my training and the friendships forged in my time at the School of Psychology." — Hillary Schwarb, Ph.D.

Charles Calderwood, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of I/O Psychology
Virginia Tech

Ph.D. Graduate: Industrial Organizational Psychology, 2012
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Phillip Ackerman

"My experiences in the I/O program at Georgia Tech were really instrumental in laying the foundation for future success in my academic career... the caliber of the methodological and quantitative training I received has given me great flexibility." — Charles Calderwood, Ph.D.

School of Psychology

College of Sciences