Sam (they/them) is a first-generation graduate student pursuing their PhD in the Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology. They received their Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Iowa State University. They have an interest in learning, with a focus on the nature, function, and underlying mechanisms associated with hand gesture. They are specifically drawn to how gesture can assist cognitive processes and skills, such as spatial reasoning and representational competence. In previous years, they have studied embodied cognition abroad, assisted with research projects surrounding learning, memory, explanatory feedback, gesture, and spatial cognition. 

In their free time they enjoy spending time with their three cats, gardening, hiking, sailing, and any and all things related to gaming.