Natalie Homa, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology, Department Chair

  nhoma@thiel.edu
  724-589-2251
  Academic Center Room 251

Education:

• Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology (2013)- Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
• M.S. in Developmental Psychology (2011)- Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
• B.S. in Psychology (2008)- Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, OH

Courses Typically Taught:

• General Psychology (PSY 150)
• Research Methods (PSY 235)
• Lifespan Development (PSY 255)
• Child Development (PSY 262)
• Adulthood and Aging (PSY 272)
• Cognitive Psychology (PSY 342)
• Special Topics: Social Cognition (PSY 450)
• Special Topics: Parenting (PSY 450)

What I love most about Thiel College?

I love that a motivated student will have the ability to explore and develop during their time at Thiel. Thiel, including the Psychology Department, provide students with opportunities to develop intellectually, professionally, socially, and emotionally.  These opportunities are provided through course offerings, such as the Core Curriculum or major/minor curriculums, the many student-led organizations on campus, the support services provided, extracurricular activities including athletics, etc. In addition, supportive faculty and staff are available to provide guidance throughout this time of exploration.  I love watching that somewhat confused, timid freshman walk across the stage with diploma in hand a proud, confident graduate!

Research Interests:

Developmental psychology examines cognitive, social, emotional, and physical changes and consistencies across the lifespan. Therefore, the research possibilities are abundant! My research tends to focus on the parent-child relationship.  From questions such as what knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs do parents have about parenting and their child’s development? Where do parents obtain their knowledge? And how do those cognitions impact parent behavior and, ultimately, child outcomes? To more theoretically based questions arising from attachment theory such as what is the “internal working model?” How do individual’s memories, attitudes, beliefs, actions, etc. differ in day-to-day interactions based on attachment style?

In addition, I have research interests in the scholarship of teaching and learning.  Specifically, I have examined predictors and outcomes of academic entitlement and tested ways to reduce academic entitlement in the classroom.  I have also explored student variables related to balancing schoolwork and social life in traditional college students.  

I am incredibly passionate about research but I am most passionate about sharing that joy for research with my students.  Developing research knowledge and skills is a major part of the psychology major and one-on-one exploration can be very beneficial.  So, if you have interest in studying any of the questions above or sharing your own research ideas, please contact me. I am always eager to work with students on research.

Selected Publications and Presentations: 
(*denotes undergraduate student co-author)

Homa, N.L. (2019). A celebration of Erikson's theory through the examination of birthday cards.  In H. Scherschel & S. Baker (Eds.) Teaching Tips: A Compendium of Conference Presentations on Teaching, 2018-19. (pp. 83-85). Retrieved from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology website: http://teachpsych.org/ebooks/teachingtips4

*Meyer, K. Homa, N., & Marley, K. (2019). Learning and grade orientation in undergraduate students. Midwest Journal of Undergraduate Research, 10, 15-30.

Homa, N. (2018, September). A secure base is a human right. Pennsylvania Psychologist, 78(9),17-18.

Homa, N. (2018). Virtual parenting: Applying developmental psychology. In R. J. Harnish, K. R.  Bridges, D. N. Sattler, M. L. Signorella, & M. Munson (Eds.). The Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology web site: http://teachpsych.org/ebooks/ 

*Bohlen, J. & Homa, N. (2018, April). Why race still matters: White privilege awareness and social justice. Poster presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.

*Meyer, K. & Homa, N. (2018, April). Role conflict in higher education. Poster presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.

Homa, N. (2018, January). Incorporating service learning: Not a one size fits all approach.  Poster presented at the meeting of the National Institute for the Teaching of Psychology, St. Petersburg, FL.

Homa, N., Foust, M., Perry, J., & *Meyer, K. (2017, March). Predictors of emotional labor in academia. Poster presented at the meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Association, San Antonio, TX.

Homa, N., *Meyer, K., *Garbin, G, *Nyberg, K., & Brown, C.M. (2016, May). A qualitative and quantitative look at parental sources of information. Poster presented at the meeting of the Association for Psychological Science, Chicago, IL.

*Nyberg, K., *Garbin, G., & Homa, N. (April, 2015). Top parenting websites: A mixed-method analysis. Poster presented at the meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Association, Wichita, KS.