The Human Condition Lab examines the ways in which people seek to construct their best life in a given context and with endowed and acquired knowledge, ability, and self-efficacy. The ultimate outcome of our research is well-being including general well-being, financial well-being, and physical and mental well-being.
Our Focus
Whole Person Well-Being
How decisions and experiences in four key life domains influence well-being in that domain and overall well-being for the individual and their community.
Recent Grants
Collegiate Financial Education
A longitudinal study in partnership with 20 universities to examine the relationship between the design of a collegiate fin ed course and student outcomes. This study was funded by a grant from AccessLex.
Consumer Financial Decision Making
A longitudinal study conducted in partnership with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission to understand the process and outcomes of financial decision making.
Experiential Learning Projects
Conducted in partnership with organizations external to UGA, these projects offer opportunities for students in the Human Condition Lab to gain real world experience by applying what they have learned to the needs of these organizations.
Police Attrition in Georgia
A mixed methods study of the factors associated with whether a Georgia police officer stays with or leaves the force to support actions to improve hiring and retention outcomes.
Accountant Burnout
An experiential learning project conducted for FloQast that examines the extent and effects of burnout for accountants. Read More
Rethinking Retirement
A partnership with RichLife Advisors to consider retirement as more than finances.
Meet the Team
Dee Warmath
My research focuses on the ways in which an individual's capacity to make decisions and their involvement of others in those decisions influence their well-being in the areas of finances and health.
Pan-Ju Chen
PhD Candidate, Consumer Economics
My research focuses on the impact of human tendencies and interpersonal relationships on individuals’ decision-making, behaviors and, ultimately, their well-being.
Jordan Bell
PhD Candidate, Consumer Economics
I study how people navigate decisions and tradeoffs across the domains of life in pursuit of well-being and the role that financial well-being plays in their success.
Heejae (Hannah) Lee
PhD Candidate, Consumer Economics
I study the dark side of effortful decision making that emerges from information overload, misinformation, and decision fatigue.
Camden Cusumano
PhD Student, Consumer Economics
I study the ways in which an individual’s work and work environment influence their overall well-being.
Camryn Cobb
PhD Student, Consumer Economics
My current research examines community well-being and the lived experiences of marginalized people including how policy support is influenced by stereotypes and the relationship between materialism and social justice.
Rebekah Carnes
PhD Student, Consumer Economics
My research examines the ways in which identity formation during emerging adulthood affects well-being and the successful transition to adulthood.
Sofie Wood
Master’s Student, Consumer Analytics
I am interested in the consumer’s relationship with fashion and the implications of that relationship for consumer well-being and the fashion industry.