Laura Bierstedt

Laura Bierstedt serves as administrative support to the executive director. She’s a PhD candidate in Developmental Psychology, and her primary research interests lie in the developmental pathways of shyness across the lifespan, from its emergence in toddlerhood, to the many ways it is expressed (or not expressed!) in adolescence and adulthood. Shyness is multifaceted and as such, Laura uses a multi-modal approach. Her most recent projects examine children’s conceptualizations of shyness, identity development, shame, and academic achievement. Past research projects have explored shyness and alcohol as a means of self-regulation using physiological measures that reflect autonomic nervous system activity associated with fear-based reactions.

Another avenue Laura has found particularly rewarding is through advocacy for undergraduate and graduate students. Within the psychology department, her dedication to teaching has been recognized by the Graduate Teaching Award in 2021, and the Colin Beer Distinguished Teaching Award in 2024. At the national level, she served as the Developmental Psychology representative on the APA Science Student Council and as a member of the APAGS Science Committee member, both of which aim to promote the voice of graduate student researchers. Her personal, professional, and pedagogical experiences have come together to shape her commitment to equity and improving the higher education landscape for the next generation.