Julie Smurda
moattari
Lecturer
Ph.D.: University of California, Los Angeles
Primary Area: Social Psychology
Email: smurda@g.ucla.edu
Research and Teaching Interests:
Her research and teaching focus on how individuals influence one another, how we understand others’ thoughts and emotions, and how self and identity evolve throughout our lives. With a broad interest in social psychology, her work explores how we navigate complex social interactions, from understanding social influence to the development and transformation of personal identity. Dr. Smurda’s scholarly contributions have spanned topics such as stereotyping, romantic relationships, and group dynamics, but her current focus lies in exploring the relationship between self and social environments. She is particularly interested in the role that social identity plays in shaping our perceptions, behaviors, and connections with others. Additionally, she has an emerging interest in how humans interact with technology, including the social psychology of AI.
Biography:
Julie Smurda is a Social Psychologist and Continuing Lecturer at UCLA, where she teaches courses in Social Influence, Self and Identity, Social Psychology, and Experimental Social Psychology Lab. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes engagement, resilience, and active learning. She is passionate about helping students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of how social forces shape our lives. Dr. Smurda continually adapts her teaching methods to support diverse learning needs, providing personalized attention to students both inside and outside the classroom. She also mentors students extensively, guiding them through their academic journeys and helping them navigate future careers in psychology and beyond.