“I wrote this paper after finding exciting results from my experiment, which used mobile eye tracking to show that people pay more visual attention to the words on printed books than electronic books like Kindles,” Sami shares. “I became interested in this project because I actually really enjoy reading on my Kindle, but I have friends who thought reading paperback books was much better. I decided it would be a good idea to use a psychology experiment to solve the debate.”

The publication is only the beginning of Sami’s commitment to learning more about science and human behavior. She’s currently interning with Dr. Sophie Choukas-Bradley at the University of Pittsburgh and completing an independent research project that examines the role of self-objectification in depression among transgender teenagers and young adults. She’s using data that Dr. Choukas-Bradley has collected on a large national sample of transgender young people, compiling the data, and is in the midst of finalizing the results. 

Through this experience, Sami has realized that she wants to continue to combine her interest in writing with her interest in psychology. This summer, she will participate in the Kenyon Review's Young Science Writers Workshop to further explore the connection.

Congratulations, Sami!