Who We Are
Founder and Director of Research
Kristine Klussman, PhD, is a positive psychology researcher, clinician, and community organizer dedicated to helping people more effectively solve global problems through personal accountability and transformation at the individual level. Klussman earned graduate degrees and post-graduate training in psychology from Palo Alto University, Medical College of Virginia and Harvard Medical School. She returned to her native Bay Area to found and direct California Pacific Medical Center’s Health Psychology Program, providing free behavioral and motivational counseling to seriously ill patients and their families. In 2016, Klussman founded the Purpose Project, a nonprofit think tank committed to the scientific research, exploration, education and practice of authentic connection. She speaks on issues of connection and disconnection at workshops and conferences for the general public, and offers coaching for individuals and groups, emphasizing authentic connection as the path to greater peace, purpose, productivity and well-being.
Senior Research Scientist
Nicola Curtin, PhD, is a social-personality psychologist with over 15 years' experience conducting social behavioral research. Her focus is on using social science to improve people's everyday lives. She is excited to explore ways that people can build both self-awareness as well as inclusive communities, because she believes the two are profoundly related.
She received her joint PhD in Psychology (Personality and Social Contexts) and Women's Studies from the University of Michigan. Before starting at Connection Lab, she was an assistant professor of social psychology at Clark University (Worcester, MA) and the Program Evaluator for Stanford University's School of Medicine Center of Excellence in Diversity in Medical Education.
She lives in Oakland with her partner and their always-on-the-move toddler. She loves to spend time with her family, read, cook and explore all that the beautiful Bay Area has to offer.
Research Associate
Nathan Lyles, MS, enjoys helping others meet challenges in joyful, effective ways, and brings a diverse background in cognitive science, performance improvement and education. He is excited to explore how people cultivate well-being in the midst of hectic lives and competing priorities. Prior to joining Connection Lab, Nathan led human-centered process design efforts in fields ranging from healthcare and technology to corporate training and career services. Outside of work, Nathan loves exploring nature and meeting people from all walks of life. He spends his spare time hiking, writing, and directing short films. Nathan holds a Masters in Health Informatics from the University of San Francisco.