Undergraduate Psychology Faculty
Core Faculty
James D. Foster, PhD
Dean, School of Behavioral and Health Sciences; Chairperson of the Undergraduate Psychology Department; Professor of Psychology
Telephone: 503-554-2144
E-mail: jfoster@georgefox.edu
Foster is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University and received an MA in Educational Psychology and a PhD degree in Developmental Psychology from Ohio State University. Foster's research has included moral and spiritual development, spiritual well-being, and identity develoment. Foster has co-authored a non fiction book and papers in journals such as the Journal of Psychology and Theology, the Journal of Experimental Education, and Teaching of Psychology. Foster has co-lead Junior's Abroad experiences to Russia, Western Europe, Australia, and Egypt. Foster is the chair of the department of psychology and teaches Child Development and Lifespan Development courses.
Kelly Chang, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Telephone: 503-554-2758
E-mail: kchang@georgefox.edu
Kelly Chang joined the psychology department as an assistant professor in 2006. Kelly grew up in Kaneohe, Hawai'i. The opportunity to teach at George Fox gave Kelly a chance to return to Oregon: She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Linfield College in 1997. She earned an MA and PhD in psychology from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. She is a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association, and actively participates in other associations and conventions. Her research interests include positive psychology and poverty, emotional intelligence, and diversity. She regularly takes students to Nicaragua to serve and study resilience and interventions for some of the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere. Kelly is involved in her church in West Linn, Southlake Foursquare. She also partners with Forward Edge International in missions and child-sponsorship.
Kristina Kays, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Telephone: 503-554-2762
E-mail: kkays@georgefox.edu
Kristina arrived at George Fox in 2005. Along with teaching clinical psychology courses in the undergraduate psychology department, she is a clinical supervisor for the university's Health and Counseling Center. She's had nearly two decade as a clinical psychologist in greater Portland. Her practice specialties include grief and loss, adult anxiety and depression, and adolescent girls and their families. Kristina graduated with a doctorate in clinical psychology from George Fox in 1994, a master's degree in the same field from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in 1990, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from George Fox in 1987. Primary research interests include college student health and academic advising.
Chris Koch, PhD
Professor of Psychology; Director of Assessment
Telephone: 503-554-2744
E-mail: ckoch@georgefox.edu
GFU Page, Lab Page
Koch is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and completed an MS and a PhD in cognitive-experimental psychology at the University of Georgia. He joined the Graduate School of Clinical Psychology at George Fox University in 1993 and is director of the undergraduate psychology department. He is also the current National President of Psi Chi, the undergraduate psychology honors society. Primary research interests concern attention, particularly using the Stroop effect. Current projects involving the Stroop effect include chronometric studies, analysis of error rates, examining individual difference (e.g. personality and intelligence), and further exploring why the Stroop exists. A second line of research involves visual perception. Several studies are being conducted to examine how objects are recognized. Some of these studies include intelligence testing. Other research projects include developing a vision screening instrument and a measure and model of perceived ability in sports.
Susan L. "Sue" O'Donnell, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychology
Telephone: 503-554-2756
E-mail: sodonnell@georgefox.edu
O'Donnell received her PhD in Child Psychology from the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Research projects have included an observational study examining the role of mothers and fathers on the development of motivation in children. She has taught as adjunct faculty at Bethel College in Arden Hills, Minn., and at the University of Minnesota. Primary research interests include the unique contributions of fathers to children's development, and particularly the development of learned helplessness in young children. Other research interests include the development of autonomy in young adults and the effect of religiosity on adolescent participation in risk behaviors.