Ph.D., University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky.
M.S., University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky.
B.S., Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tn.
Alanea Graci, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Office
Science Center
“I am dedicated to providing an engaging learning environment where all students feel welcome. I specifically have a passion for teaching psychology and strive to help all students determine and accomplish their academic dreams!”
Year Joined Franklin
2025
What does the field of psychology have to offer?
A lot! Psychology is more than diagnosing mental health disorders or becoming a therapist. Psychologists can also study how individuals learn, problem solve, and make decisions. These areas within psychology can lead to careers in Human Resources, Marketing, Consulting, Teaching, Research, Neuroscience, Nursing, and so much more!
How is psychology applicable to everyday life?
Psychology is the study of mental processes and behavior. It encompasses the study of our thought processes, the neuronal connections within our brains, how we perceive sight, sound, taste, and touch, and the behaviors we exhibit. Understanding how and why individuals behave and think the way that we do influences almost every part of a persons day!
Selected Professional Accomplishments
Publications:
DeCaro, D., DeCaro, M., Janssen, M., Lee, A., Graci, A., & Flener, D. (2024). Learning from regulatory failure: How Ostrom’s restorative justice design principle helps naive groups create wiser endorsement systems to overcome the tragedy of the commons. Plos One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0307832
Presentations/Conferences:
Annual Conference of Teaching (ACT)/Society of Teaching Psychology – Oct. 2024
Association of Psychological Science (APS). “Safeguards to ensure procedural fairness and security during democratic deliberation improve cooperation in politically-polarized moral dilemmas” poster. – May 2022
Association of Psychological Science (APS). “1-800-273-8255: the relationship between music preference and mood” poster. – May 2018
National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). “The role of academic self-efficacy in student success” poster. – May 2018
Professional Development:
– First-generation mentor for undergraduate students – Nov. 2022 – May 2025
– Mentoring Academy (Certificate of completion) – May 2023
– The inclusive STEM Teaching project (Certificate of completion) – Aug. 2021
In my spare time I...
In my spare time, I love to read, travel, and collect little crochet figurines. I am a huge fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas film and wish everyday could be as fun as Halloween!