Lab Director
 | Dr Friedrich Götz (he/him) is an Assistant Professor in Social-Personality Psychology at the University of British Columbia. Originally from Germany, Dr Götz obtained his PhD from the University of Cambridge, did a post-doc at the University of California, Berkeley and feels extraordinarily fortunate to have wound up in beautiful British Columbia. While easily excited about anything related to personality, the main focus of Dr Götz’ research is on the causes and consequences of geographical personality differences. To study this, Dr Götz pursues an interdisciplinary Big Data approach that seeks to combine classic interactionist theories from social and personality psychology with an applied behavioural science perspective and consequential real-world outcomes. In recognition of his work, Dr Götz has received the Dissertation Prize of the German Psychological Society (Personality Psychology and Psychological Diagnostics Section) and was named a Green College Leading Scholar. In what might be his sweetest gig, Dr Götz is also a guest contributor at TIME Magazine. Together with Chris Wilson – TIME’s director of data journalism – he runs large-scale survey studies that have attracted more than 2.5 million participants to date. At UBC, Dr Götz teaches various personality courses and a graduate class on geographical psychology. Outside of the lab, Dr Götz enjoys running, kayaking and travelling and has a soft spot for dark chocolate, foreign languages, smoky Scotch, old cinemas, German poetry and long walks. Education: University of Cambridge, 2021, PhD University of Cambridge, 2017, MPhil |
Graduate Students
 | Sakshi Sahakari Program of study: MA Psychology Why did you join the lab? Growing up in India, I witnessed and experienced a lot of geographical, cultural and psychological diversity. Through my time at the lab, I wish to explore and understand how geography and culture affect psychology with a Big Data and applied approach to research. Your idea of happiness: Cooking a good meal for my loved ones Your idea of misery: A world without art and culture If not yourself, who would you be? A cat (getting to sleep for two-thirds of your life sounds like a pretty sweet deal) Your favourite motto: When life gives you lemonade, make lemons. Life will be all like WHAAT??!! - Phil Dunphy (Modern Family Season 4, Episode 2) |
 | Yangyilin Guo Program of study: MA Psychology Why did you join the lab? In addition to having a natural passion for learning about cultural and geographical differences, I decided that I wish to dedicate my efforts to researching the effects of these differences on who we are and how we behave after having explored the various areas of psychology during my undergraduate years. Through my work in the lab, I hope to explore the effects of cultural and geographical differences on personality and behaviors, especially focusing on North American and East Asian cultures and using a Big Data approach in my research. Your idea of happiness: Being surrounded by cats, dogs, or people I love, and working on something I am passionate about. Your idea of misery: Being unable to eat tasty foods. If not yourself, who would you be? A wild bear. Your favourite motto: Every problem has a solution. If not, change perspectives and just enjoy the experience. |
Visiting Scholars
 | Hyunjin Koo (Jin) Program of study: Social and Personality Psychology Why did you join the lab? Because I am interested in how geographical and cultural factors shape how we think, feel, and behave. Your idea of happiness: Taking a nap with my dog on the sofa. Your idea of misery: Biting into food without knowing that it contains cucumbers. If not yourself, who would you be? A student at Hogwarts. Your favourite motto: Memento mori |
 | Anabel Büchner Program of study: Social and Personality Psychology Why did you join the lab? I'm interested in dynamic conceptualizations of personality that centre around on short-term changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. I joined the lab to explore how environmental factors can enhance our understanding of interindividual differences in these short-term changes. Your idea of happiness: Finding the perfect spot for my hammock. Your idea of misery: When a drone appears. If not yourself, who would you be? My twin. Your favourite motto: Don't take yourself too seriously. |
Research Assistants
 | April Hwang Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? To learn more about geographical psychology and understand how culture can impact personalities and decisions-making Your idea of happiness: When a dog pulls away from their owner to come say hi to you Your idea of misery: Biting into a chocolate chip cookie but turns out it was raisin If not yourself, who would you be? One of those people that can toss pizza dough in the air and catch it to perfection Your favourite motto: "Yeah, no, don’t put me down for cardio" |
 | Mizuki Kubota Program of study: Psychology and Speech Science Why did you join the lab? I was drawn to this lab’s broad perspectives of the world, with collaborations with many researchers across countries. By reaching beyond one region or population, the more globalized target reflects my background and I can relate to it. As an international student, I have lived in different countries and had the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of people. By working in this lab, allows me to seek some answers to questions I came across in those environments and interactions. It’s fascinating to learn the various factors that contribute to the differences in cross-cultural personality and social psychological constructs. Your idea of happiness: Knowing I have friends and family I can rely on and enjoy spending time with them. Your idea of misery: Not having a passion/goal or something to look forward to. If not yourself, who would you be? A dog or cat (play, nap, eat, repeat). Your favourite motto: "Diamonds are made under pressure ." |
 | Chastity Chloe Leong Ka See (Chassy) Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? I was extremely interested in the lab research on populations outside WEIRD populations, and I wanted to understand how culture and geographical differences can influence personality and its conceptualizations. Your idea of happiness: When an animal decides you are their pillow. Your idea of misery: My roommate's inability to read full sentences. If not yourself, who would you be? Ada Limon. Your favourite motto: In the darkest of times, hope is something you give yourself - Uncle Iroh, Avatar the Last Airbender |
 | Radha Bazaz Program of study: Psychology Honours Why did you join the lab? I took a cultural psychology course in my second year and started wondering why cultures develop a certain way, and why they diverge from other cultures. I came across the PANGEA lab's website and saw that we can understand these changes by looking at geography and ecology. I'm very interested in exploring how humans came to inhabit diverse environments, ranging from extreme climate to challenging topography, and I think the lab is the perfect place to dig deeper into these questions. Your idea of happiness: A cosy night in with friends and family. Your idea of misery: A lack of self understanding. If not yourself, who would you be? One of the royal corgis. Your favourite motto: Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not- Iroh, Avatar the Last Airbender |
 | Christiane Peretz Program of study: Psychology Honours Why did you join the lab? After taking Dr. Götz's class on personality psychology and enjoying it immensely, I knew this was a lab I had to join. Not only is the research incredibly fascinating, it's incredibly important - reaching beyond the boundaries set by WEIRD perspectives. Your idea of happiness: Making people laugh. Your idea of misery: Realizing I hadn't bought enough yarn for a project when I very much thought I had. If not yourself, who would you be? A bobcat with wings. Final answer. Your favourite motto: "Slow down, you're doing fine." |
 | Wendy Cheung Program of study: Behavioural Neuroscience Why did you join the lab? I am joining the lab because I recently developed an interest in personality psychology and how it affects people across the world, particularly how it manifests in people's mental health/coping strategies. I would like to explore this field further and broaden my knowledge of the many disciplines within psychology and neuroscience! Your idea of happiness: Having a bunch of dogs, cats, and snakes as pets! Your idea of misery: Not having access to music or things to make music with for the whole day. If not yourself, who would you be? A snow leopard (run in the snow all day!) Your favourite motto: "Sometimes the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else" - Uncle Iroh, Avatar the Last Airbender |
 | Tibet Karayazgan Program of study: Cognitive Systems Why did you join the lab? As a multinational student, I found PANGEA lab’s focus on the consequences of geographical personality differences riveting. I have always considered personality psychology to be fascinating because I believe it can (at times) act as an instruction book for who we are. Not only that, it can also contribute to the understanding of our environment and how it shaped us, which makes our experience a lot more meaningful for me. Your idea of happiness: Making memorable and thought-provoking films! Your idea of misery: When I am starving but the fridge is empty. If not yourself, who would you be? Danny Devito Your favourite motto: “If you’re not scared then you’re not taking a chance. If you’re not taking a chance then what the hell are you doing anyway?” (Ted Mosby, HIMYM) |
 | Leo McHegg Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? A passion for psychology research, a desire to work with global samples and my curiosity to learn more about how big data can contribute to psychology to contribute to psychology research. Also I'm a nerd and I love stats:) Your idea of happiness: Feeling grateful for every small thing in my life. Your idea of misery: Pulling an all-nighter. If not yourself, who would you be? Hank Green. Your favourite motto: "Bigger fools than you have done it," - my brother |
 | Frankie Zhong Program of study: Psychology Honours Why did you join the lab? I am interested in exploring geographical differences in personality and behaviors. I am curious about how culture and geographical features shape who we are and what we value. Your idea of happiness: Being surrounded by fur friends. Your idea of misery: Losing one's hope. If not yourself, who would you be? A traveler and photographer. Your favourite motto: Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain! |
 | Lisa Li Program of study: Psychology and Math Why did you join the lab? I was originally drawn to the lab because of their Big Data approach, as I wanted to learn more about how data and technology can be used creatively to answer meaningful questions. The lab's research and its broad applications on many micro and macro-level outcomes also matched with my desire to understand topics on both individual and societal levels in hopes of developing more nuanced perspectives. Dr. Götz and Sakshi were also very friendly and approachable in the interview which made me feel comfortable and excited to work in the lab! Your idea of happiness: The breeze, coke (the drink), sunsets, vocal harmonies. Dogs anytime, kids depending on how evil they are. Your idea of misery: Forgetting my earbuds at home, hardboiled eggs, squeaky styrofoam (I'm not sure if making this public was a good idea. Please don't show up with this.) If not yourself, who would you be? Not sure exactly who, but I think any polymath (eg. Da Vinci or Aristotle) would be pretty cool. I have a wide set of interests, and with that comes crippling decision anxiety and monthly existential crises. Or maybe a dog because everyone would like me and give me free food and cuddles. Your favourite motto: A song lyric by Ed Sheeran: "A heart that's broke is a heart that's been loved." |
 | Valentina Balcázar Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? Taking personality psychology with Dr. Götz really sparked a curiosity for the topic in me. I also found the interaction of personality psychology and geography super interesting, as I am an international student! Your idea of happiness: The laughter of the people I love, and the ocean. Your idea of misery: Music not existing. If not yourself, who would you be? Natalia Lafourcade, a Mexican folk music singer. Your favourite motto: “Let everything happen to you / Beauty and terror / Just keep going / No feeling is final” - Rainer Maria Rilke |
 | Hazuki Miyoshi Program of study: Psychology and Design Why did you join the lab? To comprehend the influence of culture on personalities and decision-making processes, and to cultivate enhanced research acumen, particularly in quantitative methodologies. Your idea of happiness: Great friends. Your idea of misery: No learning. If not yourself, who would you be? Shusaku Endo Your favourite motto: 諸行無常 |
 | Lena Khadra Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? Through taking Dr. Götz's course in personality psychology I grew a passion for the feild and the lab's research topics. Consequently, I joined the lab to immerse myself further in the discipline and gain insight into Dr. Götz's research. Your idea of happiness: Watching TV when its raining outside. Your idea of misery: Getting on the buss and realizing that your headphones are out of battery. If not yourself, who would you be? Someone with a lot of cats. Your favourite motto: "Sometimes we search for one thing, but discover another." —Barney Stinson |
 | Anna Greydanus Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? I became very intrigued by the field of personality psych after learning about the vast range of theories and research on it in PSYC 305 with Dr. Götz. I have always been curious about the concept of personality, differences within personality, and how it affects and interacts with our lives in so many diverse ways. I am eager to gain insight, and build research skills within this field. Interactions between personality, culture, and geographical differences are fascinating to me, important, and it is research that I am very excited to explore further and learn more about in this lab. Your idea of happiness: Laughing until my belly hurts and being in awe of nature. Your idea of misery: Walking around in wet socks for a prolonged period of time. If not yourself, who would you be? A sailor (admittedly a little contradictory to the misery of walking around in wet socks, but alas the open ocean calls). Your favourite motto: “Even the steps backwards are a part of the dance.” |
 | Elli Margerison Program of study: B.A. Major in Psychology and Minor in Sexuality Studies Why did you join the lab? I joined the lab because Dr. Götz’s line of research aligns deeply with my sense of self. As a bicultural person, I have come to understand firsthand that regional personality differences can be extreme, and that people’s perspectives differ in various ways. My curiosities about these regional personality differences have led me here today. Your idea of happiness: 30 degree weather in Vancouver but without the traffic. Your idea of misery: A world without olive trees (I love my olives). If not yourself, who would you be? That’s a tough one, a finger monkey. Your favourite motto: “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
 | Matt Mosher Program of study: Behavioural Neuroscience Why did you join the lab? I joined the lab due to curiosity and inspiration to learn about the personalities within and between people in different situations, which was further inspired by Fritz’s Personality Psychology course. Your idea of happiness: Being able to spring out of bed every morning with genuine excitement for the day. Your idea of misery: Desire to consistently be alone with only your own thoughts. If not yourself, who would you be? Sidney Crosby Your favourite motto: “One day or day one, you decide” - Paulo Coelho |
 | Selina Tai Program of study: Psychology and minor in Japanese Why did you join the lab? I joined the PANGEA lab because I'm intrigued by the powerful role of characteristics of geographical locations in developing unique cultures, which shape differences in individuals' psychological traits, values, and beliefs. I'm also curious to explore the relationship between geographical features and within-country level differences in inhabitants' behaviors and overall wellbeing. Your idea of happiness: Enjoying the music with other metalheads and dancing two-steps in my favorite bands' live concerts or rock music festivals. Your idea of misery: A world without music. If not yourself, who would you be? A professional bass player Your favourite motto: "The concept of progress acts as a protective mechanism to shield us from the terrors of the future." (DUNE, p. 521) |
 | Kaylee Fung Program of study: Psychology, Minor in Health and Society (HESO) Why did you join the lab? Since taking PSYC 305A recently, I’ve been interested in learning more about how personalities vary across the world, and how the biopsychosocial model influences people’s personalities. Specifically, I am interested in learning about how people’s personalities influence their psychological and social well being. Your idea of happiness: Going to the beach, listening to music, going on night drives and hiking! Your idea of misery: Stubbing my toe in the most random places. If not yourself, who would you be? A Platypus. They’re so cute and I would love to just lie around and eat food all day. Your favourite motto: “Don’t lose hope” |
 | Adam Narbeth Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? I joined PANGEA with the hope of expanding my knowledge of the research process, but also of how personality differences, particularly when aggregated at the regional level, can have important implications for policymaking and politics more broadly. Your idea of happiness: A glassy, quiet, pumping surf break. Your idea of misery: When a non-glassy, busy, and heavily pumping surf break puts you through the ringer. If not yourself, who would you be? A landscape or wildlife photographer. Maybe a film or videogame writer. Probably a free surfer. All of them? Your favourite motto: “The opportunity of a lifetime needs to be seized during the lifetime of the opportunity” – My dad (it was Leonard Ravenhill actually, but my dad says it a lot) |
 | Tanisha Chawlah Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? I was eager to explore the intersection of culture and personality research, and have the opportunity to work with Big Data in Psychology! Your idea of happiness: Small pleasures: a nice cup of tea, the sound of rain, and a cozy nap. Your idea of misery: Having too much time on my hands and nothing left to achieve. If not yourself, who would you be? An orange cat, for sure. Your favourite motto: Be the change you want to see. |
 | Rayhan Leandro Chahoud Program of study: Psychology, Minor in Philosophy Why did you join the lab? I have always been fascinated by why people act the way they do. While it may impossible to understand the exact motivations behind every individual’s behaviour, studying how geographical factors influence personality can give us a much deeper understanding into people’s personalities. Through PANGEA, I hope to explore how these factors shape not only people’s tendencies but also the cultural dynamics that contribute to these traits. Your idea of happiness: knowing we can do better every new day. Your idea of misery: Not being able to talk to my family and friends. If not yourself, who would you be? Marcus Aurelius, as he was the Roman Emperor and a philosopher (how cool is that?). Your favourite motto: "I’m not superstitious, but I’m a little stitious" – Michael Scott (The Office Season 4, Episode 1). |
 | Sierra Bhatti Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? Hearing stories from my family about their experiences adapting to new environments and social contexts sparked my interest in understanding the dynamic interactions between humans and the environment. This lab offers a unique opportunity to explore how culture and geography intersect and influence personality, and I am eager to contribute to and learn from research in this field! Your idea of happiness: Laughing with loved ones. Your idea of misery: Parallel parking. If not yourself, who would you be? A vampire (I hate garlic so it would work out well). Your favourite motto: “You either win or you learn.” |
 | Fara Putri Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? I joined the PANGEA Lab because its research resonates with my personal experiences and interests. Growing up in a diverse cultural environment, I’ve seen how regional differences shape personalities and behaviors, sparking my curiosity about how our surroundings influence us. I’m excited to explore these topics further and gain hands-on research experience. Your idea of happiness: Cooking and baking food at home. Your idea of misery: Life without chocolate. If not yourself, who would you be? A parrot Your favourite motto: "You will when you believe" |
 | Fiona Averill Program of study: Honours Psychology Why did you join the lab? I’m deeply fascinated by the ways in which culture intersects with psychology, and am passionate about making the field more inclusive and reflective of the real world. I believe this lab reflects that, and understands that representing diverse perspectives doesn’t just enhance inclusivity—it actually leads to a more accurate and robust science. Your idea of happiness: Kayaking on a sunny windy day! Your idea of misery: Eating with no YouTube. If not yourself, who would you be? I’m not sure if this counts, but I’d want to be a fish. No thoughts, just swimming around. Your favourite motto: Keep it funky ☆ |
 | Andrew Yeung Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? I was excited to learn about the studies of regional differences in personalities in this lab. While I have my personal observations from living in different North American cities in the past few years, I would like to develop a scientific understanding of this topic. I am also interested in the Big Data approach of this lab as I believe this can bring us many insights into human behaviour. Your idea of happiness: Hanging out with friends and family. Singing and listening to music. Your idea of misery: Feeling too full with no more room for dessert. If not yourself, who would you be? A spoiled cat. Your favourite motto: Life finds a way. |
 | Livia Buduru Program of study: Psychology Why did you join the lab? The lab's research on regional personality differences piqued my interest the most, as studying psychology has instilled in me a desire to learn more about the interplay between personality and the environment. I hope to gain a more nuanced understanding of how personality is both stable and variable across multiple settings, uncovering key behavioral and social outcomes at the individual level. Your idea of happiness: A hot cup of earl grey tea on a rainy day. Your idea of misery: Mosquito bites. If not yourself, who would you be? A sea cucumber on the ocean floor. Your favourite motto: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." – Master Oogway, Kung Fu Panda |
 | Tomas Vanderkam Program of study: Psychology (Honours) Why did you join the lab? In my first Psychology honours thesis, supervised by Dr. Peter Suedfeld, I identified statistically significant regional differences in resilience markers among Ukrainian survivors from various parts of the country. This fuelled my interest in geographical psychology and the role of environmental influences, particularly in extreme environments. The PANGEA Lab offers an exciting environment to explore these interests and develop my research in this area. Your idea of happiness: The shawarma place is still open late at night. Your idea of misery: The shawarma place is NOT still open late at night (we are ordering A&W in defeat). If not yourself, who would you be? Four dogs in a trench coat. Your favourite motto: À vaincre sans péril, on triomphe sans gloire |
 | Noelle Kim Program of study: Psychology Honours Why did you join the lab? After taking Cultural Psychology, I became enamoured with the psychological world outside of the “standardised brain” perspective. The PANGEA lab is part of the exploration into not only the similarities but also the differences in cultural presentations, expressions and representations of the human mind. This large-scale dissection is what drew me to the lab! (Plus the name PANGEA is sick) Your idea of happiness: Food. Particularly raw seafood and sweets but I’m always open to trying new food. Your idea of misery: Being itchy in an unidentifiable area. If not yourself, who would you be? rock. Your favourite motto: “There are people in your life that help you become the person you end up being, and you can be grateful for them, even if they were never meant to be in your life forever” |
 | Remy Li Program of study: Honours Psychology, Minor in Sociology Why did you join the lab? Growing up in two distinct geographical locations allowed me to experience the similarities and differences between the two cultures. This sparked my interest in how individuals interact with their broader environments and how these interactions shape their behavior. I'm eager to contribute to research that explores these dynamics across diverse populations. Your idea of happiness: Snowboarding on powder days Your idea of misery: Nails on a chalkboard If not yourself, who would you be? Inflatable tube man Your favourite motto: Be the change that you wish to see in the world |
Past Research Assistants
 | Andrea Camacho Garron Program of study: Psychology and sociology Why did you join the lab? Because the lab's vision aligned with my own perspective on the importance of carrying and expanding psychology research beyond WEIRD populations. I think geographical psychology has the potential to fill the immense gaps of knowledge that exist beyond WEIRD countries in the world map. I am also very passionate about how research in social and personality psychology can lead to positive change Your idea of happiness: Being surrounded by the ones you love sharing a good meal during a nice and sunny day Your idea of misery: Feeling unfulfilled and empty If not yourself, who would you be? Adela Zamudio Your favourite motto: "That’s what it is all about, coinciding with people that make you see the things you dont see, that teach you how to look with different eyes.”- Mario Benedetti |
 | Paniz Radjaee Program of study: Cognitive Systems Why did you join the lab? To explore individual and cross-cultural differences in personality, perceptions, attitudes, and decision making, as well as the interaction between psychological and non-psychological (especially geographical) origins/evolution of these concepts Your idea of happiness: Being close to people I love Your idea of misery: Feeling far from my purpose If not yourself, who would you be? An alien so I can see what they're about Your favourite motto: “You can do what you have to do, and sometimes you can do it even better than you think you can.” – Jimmy Carter |
 | Gian Hermosa Program of study: B.A. Major in Psychology and Minor in Family Studies Why did you join the lab? To explore the field of personality psychology and how personalities can be influenced based on cultural, regional, and familial differences. To learn more about how personality differences have implications on individual levels (such as mental health) and societal levels (such as policy-making) Your idea of happiness: Chilling and playing music and games with friends at Wreck beach on a nice, hot, sunny day Your idea of misery: Being hungry and sleepy at the same time If not yourself, who would you be? Stephen Curry Your favourite motto: "Life is like a mirror: if you frown at it, it frowns back; if you smile, it returns the greeting." |
 | Beatriz Barddal Fantini Program of study: Bachelor of Arts, Double Major in Geography and Psychology Why did you join the lab? When I saw the posting about a new Geographic Psychology lab starting at UBC, it was like one of those moments in life where everything seemed to be falling into place. When I decided to double major in psychology and geography, it was because I had a passion for both separately. Throughout my time at UBC, I kept thinking about (and being asked about) how I would bring the two together. I always felt like the two fields complemented each other and being a part of this lab has really solidified that for me and shown me that they really do. Your idea of happiness: Noticing the little moments in each day that make me feel happy or calm Your idea of misery: Knowing that we are slowly making our planet uninhabitable for other animals and ourselves and feeling like there is nothing I can do to stop it. If not yourself, who would you be? My dog Your favourite motto: "Life is a combination of magic and pasta" - Federico Fellini |