Get to know Rachel.

Hello! My name is Rachel Smith-Peirce and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Education at Washington University in St. Louis. Broadly, my research interests are individual differences in learning. My current research projects focus on how individual differences in intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy moderate performance in a retrieval practice task. I look forward to studying individual differences in retrieval practice in college classes. I enjoy learning quantitative methodology and writing R code.

Before attending Washington University, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Sciences from UC Irvine. I worked as a lab manager for the UC Irvine Working Memory and Plasticity Lab, where I oversaw cognitive interventions for younger and older adults. I administered behavioral assessments and neuroimaging techniques, such as MRI and tDCS, in addition to leading with a team of 15 undergraduates each quarter.

Beyond research, I grew up in Los Angeles County in Southern California. I got married to my husband, Zach, in 2020. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, working on puzzles, and watching crime shows in TV. If we have similar research or personal interests, I would love to connect with you!

Rachel presented a poster at the Biennial Dallas Aging and Cognition Conference.

Rachel presented a poster at the Biennial Dallas Aging and Cognition Conference.

Rachel presented a poster at the Biennial Dallas Aging and Cognition Conference.

Rachel presented a poster at the Biennial Dallas Aging and Cognition Conference.

Rachel received the 2019 Student Scholarship award from the Western Psychological Association.

Rachel received the 2019 Student Scholarship award from the Western Psychological Association.

Rachel presented a poster at the UCLA Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference.

Rachel presented a poster at the UCLA Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference.

Rachel presented a talk at the UCI Undergraduate Research Conference.

Rachel presented a talk at the UCI Undergraduate Research Conference.

Rachel is pictured with her mentor at UC Irvine after receiving the Order of Merit. The Order of Merit is awarded annually to approximately 2% of the Social Sciences graduating class and a nomination by faculty is required.

Rachel is pictured with her mentor at UC Irvine after receiving the Order of Merit. The Order of Merit is awarded annually to approximately 2% of the Social Sciences graduating class and a nomination by faculty is required.