Dr. Whatley is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Western Carolina University and the director of the Motivated Memory and Successful Aging Lab at WCU. Her research focuses on how memory and metacognition change and adapt as we age. More recently, she has been interested in the role of curiosity in learning and memory processes, and how this changes in older adulthood.

She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at UNC-Chapel Hill and her PhD at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is a native of Asheville, NC and loves the Western North Carolina region. In her free time, she likes hiking and being outside with her husband and two dogs. 

Joseph completed his bachelors degree in psychology at WCU in Spring 2026. He is a first year Clinical Psychology M.A. student at WCU. His research interests involve how addiction/trauma can affect memory/curiosity. He was born in Dallas, TX but moved to Western North Carolina shortly after. His future goals include finishing grad school to pursue a master’s in clinical psychology and to own his own private practice. In his free time, he loves to hike and spend time with his family, girlfriend, and friends.

Ryan completed his degree in the Clinical Psychology M.A. program at WCU in Spring 2026. He is now working on his PhD in Clinical Psychology at Oklahoma State University!

Natalie completed her bachelors degree in psychology at WCU in Spring 2026. She is currently enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program at WCU!

Rachel completed her B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in English Studies in December, 2025. She is now pursuing a masters in social work at the University of Kentucky, aiming to advocate for and improve mental health care in the geriatric population. She hopes to raise awareness about the unique psychological needs of older adults and contribute to better support systems for aging individuals.