People
Kaylin Ratner, Ph.D.
Director, Self and Psychological Well-being (SAP) Lab
​
Dept. of Educational Psychology
Developmental Sciences | Counseling Psychology
​
Dept. of Human Development & Family Studies
Specializing in the developmental areas of adolescence and emerging adulthood, my research focuses on how young people reconcile their senses of identity, purpose, and meaning in life. Guided by this broad aim, I tend to ask questions belonging to one of three areas.
First, I am interested in how identity, purpose, and meaning relate to well-being. How do these psychosocial processes leverage health and positive developmental outcomes? What happens to mental health when these processes go awry? My work mapping people's experiences with derailment, or the sense of being "off-course" in life, typically falls into this camp.
Second, I am curious about how psychosocial development occurs under the purview of different psychological symptoms. In other words, how do experiences with mental illness shape who we think we are, where we think we are going in life, and what it means to be here? In the past, I have focused on certain individual differences (e.g., subclinical depressive symptoms, subclinical autistic traits, facets of impulsivity), but I am looking forward to expanding my repertoire.
Finally, I am excited to investigate how the development of identity, purpose, and meaning can be supported. Toward this end, I have studied topics like the lay construal of identity, purpose, and meaning, and have a burgeoning program of research on how educational contexts and experiences (e.g., the transition to and through college, out-of-school time programs like GripTape and 4-H) inform psychosocial development.
​
I earned my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Cornell University in 2020, with concentrations in Social and Personality Development, Developmental Psychopathology, and Applied Statistics. Prior to that, I earned a master's degree in Clinical Psychology ('15) from the University of Central Florida, a bachelor's degree in Psychology (with Honors in the Major, '13) from the University of Central Florida, and a terminal associate degree ('11) from Daytona State College. Over the years, I have been privileged to work with a wonderful collection of mentors, programs, and collaborators. Since working as a Postdoctoral Associate at Cornell University, I have been partnered with GripTape, an out-of-school time program that supports youth as they learn about their passions. When I was a graduate student, I worked closely with Drs. Tony Burrow, Jane Mendle, and Felix Thoemmes, and had the invaluable opportunity to work with the New York State 4-H Program through the Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement (PRYDE). I have co-authored several projects with Dr. Patrick Hill at Washington University in St. Louis, and remain close with my advisor from the University of Central Florida, Dr. Steven Berman. My research is heavily informed by my past clinical therapy experiences working with youth in acute psychiatric crisis, and my translational research experiences across these aforementioned youth programs.
​
When I'm not working, I'm usually trying out new restaurants, playing video games, catching up on my favorite shows, doing fun stuff with my pets, taking casual photography, practicing Japanese, or cross-stitching.
Graduate Students
Developmental Sciences
Hou Xie
I am a PhD student in the Educational Psychology Program. My research interests revolve around the development of identity, purpose, and meaning during adolescence and emerging adulthood, as well as the design, implementation, and evaluation of intervention programs that support such development. Besides this, I’m also passionate about exploring the cultural nuances of identity, purpose, and meaning development in different social contexts.
Before joining UIUC, I completed my master’s studies at the University of Pennsylvania, dual majoring in Human Development and Quantitative Methods. However, as an undergraduate student, I earned a bachelor's degree in Drama, TV, and Cinematic Arts from the Communication University of China. I have also worked as an editor and director for children’s radio drama and a user researcher for an online pre-K education platform. These previous experiences have shown me that life is full of serendipity, making it hard for us to predict our future selves. But it is this uncertainty that ignites my passion for studying human beings.
Apart from being a graduate student, I enjoy most of my time indoors, reading non-academic books, watching documentaries, listening to music, playing flute, and practicing guitar.
Developmental Sciences
Lillian Dine Young
I completed my undergraduate education at Smith College with a major in Psychology and a minor in Education. After college I worked as a case manager for individuals who were homeless and had a severe mental illness, and with an organization that reunites foster youth with their families. These experiences deepened my interest in understanding how people find purpose even—and especially— in times of transition and hardship.
​
I am currently a doctoral student under the mentorship of Dr. Kaylin Ratner. My research focuses on the ways individuals construct stories about their experiences to find meaning and purpose in their lives. I am particularly interested in exploring how these narratives contribute to personal development and psychological well-being for children and adolescents.
​
In addition to my research, I am also a teaching assistant for various courses in the department. In my free time, I love spending time with my cats, doing crafts, and taking long walks.
Counseling Psychology
Giovanina Kelly
I am a current PhD student in Educational Psychology within the Counseling Psychology Division. My research interests include LGBTQIA+ identity and development and how stigmatization of this social identity impacts psychological well-being. Additionally, I am interested in the developmental processes of “coming out” within the LGB population.
I completed my master’s degree at UIUC in Mental Health Counseling, where I was trained as a clinician utilizing therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), while taking a person-centered/humanistic approach. I have worked as a practicum intern at the Disability Resource and Educational Services and Counseling Center at UIUC. Before coming to UIUC, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience from North Central College, where I first started my research career in the college’s Sleep Lab.
When I am not studying, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee, watching New Girl (favorite TV show!), and spending time with my friends and family.