Academics / Research

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Degrees:
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (expected 2024) - Brigham Young University
  • Bachelor of Science, Psychology (2005-2009) - Brigham Young University

Research Experience

Social Connection & Health Research Lab Manager - Mentor: Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D. (2021-present)

  • Directed survey construction and dissemination for studies on social determinants of health, including multiple  projects with over 10,000 responses across three countries, emphasizing skills in survey data collection and analysis relevant to UX research.

Eventbrite - Independent User Research (2023)

  • Co-developed and executed a national user research project on social connection of 7500+ Eventbrite users.
  • ​Presented findings to internal stakeholders at Eventbrite and at international scientific conference (SPSP)

Harold B. Lee Library - User Experience Research (2022)

  • Conducted user experience research on library patrons, leading to new in-library cafe based on user feedback, demonstrating ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations.

​Papers, Books & Publications
  • Proctor, A. S., & Holt‐Lunstad, J. (2024) Blind Spots in Health Perception: The Underestimated Role of Social Connection for Health Outcomes (under review, Feb 2024)
  • Proctor, A. S., Barth, A., & Holt‐Lunstad, J. (2023). A healthy lifestyle is a social lifestyle: The vital link between social connection and health outcomes. Lifestyle Medicine, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/lim2.91
  • Dispositional Mindfulness and Bias in Self-Theories published in the Journal of Mindfulness (Aug 2013).
  • On Earth As It is in Heaven - paper appeared in BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies publication. 
  • *The Great Prize of Mortal Life - Presented Paper in academic/religious conference (Jan 2009).
  • The Effect of the Halo Phenomenon on Student Ratings - Presented paper in undergraduate research conference (PDF below).
  • Live Your Mission - Based on the principles of positive psychology, this book is for LDS returned missionaries to help them find their purpose in life after serving a full-time mission. 

Manuscripts in Preparation
  • “Actively participating in Live Events as an Avenue for Social Connection.” 
  • ​“Loneliness, well-being and heart rate variability via wearable photoplethysmography in college students” (submitting to Psychophysiology, March 2024)
  • "Stress levels and ambient noise in library settings" (submitting to Journal of Academic Librarianship, February 2024).
  • ​“Underestimation of healthcare providers of the importance of social determinants for health outcomes.” (est submission June 2024).

​Academic Involvement and Research
  • Coauthored a paper "Dispositional Mindfulness and Bias in Self-Theories" that was published in The Journal of Mindfulness (August 2013). Dr. Adam Hanley (Florida State University) used the IAT template I created for this study. 
  • Special Mention in Duke University Dissertation (Marie Joelle Estrada) for help provided in the complex set up of Qualtrics survey to collect the data for which she was awarded her doctorate degree (2010).
  • Developed template for the Implicit Association Test (IAT) on Qualtrics (in 2010) that is available to all academia for doing research with IATs. It has been used by Stanford University, Texas Christian University, Ohio State University, Penn State University, Arizona State University, Miami University, City University London, University of Florida, Carleton University (Canada) and others (see my Work page for more details of my academic involvement at Qualtrics). 
  • Presented paper Time Management Affects Academic Success at Utah Conference of Undergraduate Research (2009). See poster below. 
  • Awarded cash prize for presentation of paper at a BYU Religious Education Student Symposium (2009).* 
  • Halo effect of subjective student ratings publication requested by Dr. Robert Ridge (BYU) to be used as an example of his applied social psychology course curriculum (2009). Also presented poster at the Mary Lou Foulton MSR Conference (2008). See poster below. 
  • Studied abroad at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies (2009).
  • Founder and former president of BYU Heroes of History Club and discussion group. 
  • PSI CHI BYU Chapter member
  • IPPA Affiliate member