Sydney G. Wicks

I am a PhD candidate in Experimental Psychology at the University of Mississippi, under the primary mentorship of Dr. Andrew "Andy" Hales and supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. I currently conduct research with the Social Connections and Influence Lab at the University of Mississippi, and I am a graduate research affiliate in the Social Cognition of Social Change Lab at the University of Missouri.

 

My dissertation focuses on singlehood and social exclusion, examining single individuals as a stigmatized group.

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I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Marketing from Mississippi State University, as well as a Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology from the University of Mississippi.

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My research focuses on how social exclusion and disapproval from one’s social network (e.g., friends and family) function as relational conflict that affects individuals, their other relationships, and broader cooperative dynamics. I study these processes across a variety of settings, including interpersonal, technology‑mediated, and professional contexts.

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I am also deeply passionate about inclusive science communication, outreach, and best science practices.