Lab Director
Peipei Setoh, Ph.D.Â
PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY
Nanyang Technological University,
Psychology, School of Social Sciences
48 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639818
Email: psetoh@ntu.edu.sg

Graduate Students
Petrina Low, B.Soc.Sci
PH.D. CANDIDATE
I obtained my BSocSci from the National University of Singapore and am now working towards a PhD in developmental psychology at Nanyang Technological University. In general, I’m interested in how parents and parenting make an impact on children’s development. Currently, my research looks at the parenting practice of parenting by lying and how parents use these lies, as well as how children perceive, understand and are affected by parental lies. A related line of my research is in the bidirectionality of the parent-child relationship—how parenting practices influence children’s attachment and socioemotional resources, and vice versa. Outside of research, I also enjoy media about mysteries, origami, knitting and trying different types of tea.

Zhan Lin, M.Sc.
PH.D. STUDENT
I hold a Master of Science in Business from the National University of Singapore. After ten years working in the finance industry in both Singapore and London, I decided to pursue my PhD in developmental psychology at Nanyang Technological University. My passion lies in building happy and resilient children, exploring what predicts their achievement, and understanding how achievement relates to mental health and well-being. When not working, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.

Tasha Soh, M.A.
PH.D. STUDENT
After obtaining my BSocSci (Hons) in Psychology from NTU, I pursued a Master’s degree at NIE, where I explored sensitive parenting within the BE POSITIVE cohort. Watching the varied interactions between parent-child dyads deepened my fascination with the relational dynamics between parents and young children, and sparked my interest to uncover the ecology of Singaporean families. This led me to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD, where I aim to investigate the ecology of parenting in Singapore, starting with the concept of filial piety. Outside of my academic work, I enjoy watching Formula 1 races (with Spa being my favourite track) and discovering new places that serve delicious pasta with close friends and family.

Research Staff
Germaine Tng, Ph.D.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW
I obtained a PhD (Psychology) from Singapore Management University, where I grew interested in how parenting practices influence children’s socio-cognitive development. As a postdoctoral research fellow, I study how family environments influence children’s cognition, socioemotional development, and mental health. I am also passionate about understanding how socioeconomic stress affects children and families as a whole. To recharge, I enjoy pilates, discovering new brunch spots, and spending time with animals!

Serene Siow, Ph.D.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW
I obtained a DPhil in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oxford. My research focuses on language development in the early years. I am interested in how children’s developmental stage interacts with environmental factors like family practices in guiding multilingual children’s acquisition of their heritage languages. Outside of research, I write short stories, go swing dancing, and continue my search for the ultimate fudgy brownies recipe.

Jingyi Liu, Ph.D.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW
I obtained my PhD in Psychology from Vanderbilt University in 2024. Previously, I investigated how people engage in thinking and reasoning, particularly in educational contexts. Building on this foundation, I aim to explore how children and parents navigate prevalent societal values such as honesty and culturally significant values such as filial piety. I’m especially interested in how moral development – shaped by family and society – impacts children’s long-term outcome and well-being. Outside of my academic work, I enjoy taking long walks in nature or while exploring great food and café-hopping. I also love singing with my guitar and piano.

Christel Chang, M.A.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
I obtained a first-degree MA in Psychology (Honours) from the University of Edinburgh. Currently, my research focuses on well-being in the context of parent-child relationships, adolescence and emerging adulthood. Guided by a dominant interest in the study of human flourishing and a lifespan approach to development, I aim to enhance our understanding of how well-being can be promoted through psychosocial and lifestyle factors, meaningful human connection, and harnessing personal strengths. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, playing with my dog, and spending quality time with close family and friends.

Foo Jyh Hsien, B.Soc.Sci
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
I obtained my BSocSci in Psychology (Honours) from the National University of Singapore. I have a keen interest in understanding social-cognitive developmental processes and hope to be able to contribute to the well-being of children and families through research. My main role is to manage GUSTO and SPRESTO clinic testing to ensure smooth operations of our projects. In my free time, I enjoy movies, crafts, and spending time with friends and family.

Lab Alumni
Meryl Yu, B.A.
M.SC. STUDENT
McGill University
Karen Lee, BSoc.Sci.
SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Allkin Singapore
Yena Kyeong, Ph.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CHILD & FAMILY SCIENCE
National Taiwan Normal University
Sharon Ting, BSoc.Sci.
PH.D. STUDENT
Cambridge University
Ying Qing Won, M.A.
PH.D. STUDENT
University of Melbourne
Winnie Chau, M.Sc.
ASSOCIATE PSYCHOLOGIST
Rainbow Centre Singapore
Michelle Cheng, Ph.D.
CONSUMER RESEARCH AND INNOVATION SCIENTIST
No7 Beauty Company