Principle Investigator: Sara M. Levens
Dr. Sara Levens is an Associate Professor of Psychological Science and the director of the Levens Affective Behavioral Science Lab at UNC Charlotte. Dr. Levens received her B.A. from University of California Berkeley, and her Ph.D. from New York University. Prior to joining UNCC in 2012, Dr. Levens held post-doctoral positions at Stanford University, University of California Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, and University of Pittsburg.
Dr. Levens is also the Coordinator of the Behavioral Science Concentration of the Health Psychology Doctoral Program at UNC Charlotte.
Message from Dr. Levens
I am a cognitive and affective health behavior scientist interested in understanding how thoughts, emotions, and meaning shape human health and behavior. Throughout my career, I have been fascinated by the connection between emotional experience and physical well-being, as well as the remarkable capacity of positive emotions to influence resilience, motivation, and personal growth.
My research is guided by a commitment to understanding. By uncovering the mechanisms that drive behavior and translating that knowledge into interventions, I hope to contribute to healthier, more fulfilling lives and to train future scientists who share a passion for curiosity, discovery, and impact.