Education

• Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• M.A. Loyola University-Chicago
• B.A. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Background

I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love, which is to teach psychology. When I’m not prepping for classes or mentoring student researchers, you’ll find me trying to stay abreast on the most recent research in the scholarship of teaching and learning or following various psychology related blogs for innovative ideas and new findings. To think, I get paid for this! 

On a personal level, the majority of my time right now is spent cheering on my three kids at their various sports and school activities and trying not to forget anyone anywhere! In addition, I enjoy reading (especially historical fiction) and somewhat spontaneous travel with my family and friends.        

Teaching

• PSY 101 – Introduction to Psychology
• PSY 300 – Abnormal Psychology
• PSY 390 – Social Psychology
• PSY 411 – Experimental Psychology
• PSY 490 – Psychological Testing

Research Interests

My research interests lie in the area of better understanding motivation as it relates to achievement and well-being, from a social psychological perspective. Specifically, why do some kids persist in the face of obstacles and what are the factors that facilitate this type of resilience? Why is the same event viewed as a threat to some, but a challenge to others? For me, Dweck’s theory of mindset coupled with self-determination theory and social cognitive theory as well as developing research on GRIT provide a framework for better understanding these questions and also inform my practice within the classroom.

Select Scholarly Works

Grants

2011-2012: Faculty perspectives on collaborating with students on research. Thelma Hunt Research Grant: Role: PI

2011: Capstone Courses and Program Portfolios in Undergraduate Psychology. Society for the Teaching of Psychology Promoting Partnership Grant: Role: (Co-PI)

Publications

Close, W. & Solberg, V. S.  (2008).  Predicting achievement, distress, and retention among lower-income Latino youth.  Journal of Vocational Behavior, 72, 31-42. 

Howard, K. A., Close, W., Blustein, D. L., & Solberg, V. S.  (2002).  Career Development in the Schools: Connecting Self-to-School-to-Work.  The Counseling Psychologist.

Solberg, V. S., Close, W., Metz, A.  (2001).  Promoting Success Pathways for Middle and High  School Students.  In D. Atkinson & C. Juntenen (Eds.), Counseling Strategies.  Newberry, CA: Sage.  

Garwood, M. & Close, W.  (2001).  Identifying the Mental Health Needs of Foster Children.  Child Psychiatry and Human Development, Winter.

Conference Presentations

Close, W.  (2012, August).  Psychology faculty perceptions of collaborating on research with undergraduate students.  Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Orlando, FL.   

Johnson, J., Tuskenis, A., Close, W., & Wesner, K.  (2012, May).  The STP Capstone Project.  Roundtable Discussion of the Teaching of Undergraduate Psychology of the Midwest Psychological Association, Chicago, IL. 

Johnson, J. E., Close, W., Tuskenis, A.  (2012, August).  The society for teaching of psychology capstone project:  Capstone Effectiveness and Resource Page  Symposium conducted at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Orlando, FL. 

Appleby, D., Close, W., Kite, M., Marsh, P., Peterson, J., Tuskenis, A., & Wesner, K.  (May, 2011).  In J. Johnson (Chair).  Preliminary report from the Capstone Project for Undergraduate Psychology.   Symposium conducted at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Chicago, IL. 

Johnson, J. E., Kite, M., Close, W., & Tuskenis, A.  (2011, August).  Capstone experience in undergraduate psychology:  Report from the Capstone Project team.  Symposium conducted at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC.

Close, W. & Cinamon, G. (2011, August).  Future constructions among American youth.  Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC.

Close, W.  (2010).   Dear Dr. Rosenhan:  Introducing introductory students to psychological research through letter writing.  Poster session presented at the National Institute for the Teaching of Psychology, St. Petersburg, FL.

Close, W., Solberg, V., Boldt, J., Howard, K., Cinamon, R.  (2008).  Anticipated work family conflict and work family facilitation in college students.  Poster session presented at the American Psychological Association, Boston, MA.

Close, W., Cinamon, R., Jones, J., Solberg, V., Howard, K.  (2008).  Multinational study of women’s anticipated challenges in balancing work and family roles and health.  Paper presented at International Counseling Psychology Conference, Chicago.

Service

• Department Head of Psychology
• Chair of the School of Behavior and Exercise Science
• Academic Affairs
• Psi Chi – Co-faculty Sponsor
• Psi Chi Undergraduate Poster Reviewer for Midwest Psychological Conference
• Ad-Hoc Reviewer for the Teaching of Psychology
• Licensed Psychologist, State of Wisconsin  

Professional Memberships

• Member of the American Psychological Association – Division 2 Teaching of Psychology
• Member of the Association for Psychological Science
• Member of the Midwest Psychological Association