About Me

Mary Catlin, M.S.

Ph.D. Candidate

George Mason University

M.S. (2020), Applied Experimental Psychology, Central Michigan University

B.A. (2017), Psychology, State University of New York at Potsdam

B.A. (2017), Music, State University of New York at Potsdam

Educational Background

In 2017 I graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Potsdam in psychology and music with a minor in sociology. As an undergraduate, I became involved in research while working on an independent project with my mentor Dr. Thomas Gerstenberger. After graduating, I began my Ph.D. program at Central Michigan University under the mentorship of Dr. Kyle Scherr where I researched interrogation rights and victim decision-making. I completed my Master's thesis looking at factors influencing victims' reporting and recantation decisions in an experimental (laboratory) study in 2020 with Dr. Scherr serving as my thesis committee chair. After completing my Master's, I moved to George Mason University to work under the mentorship of Dr. Allison Redlich, where I have continued exploring research topics at the intersection of psychology and law. Currently, I am working on my dissertation looking at the role of communication in plea bargaining and plea decision-making. 

Research Interests

My main area of research explores how social and cognitive factors influence legal decision-making, with a special interest in wrongful convictions. My other interests include perceptions of Miranda waivers and decision-making, interrogations, and false admissions of guilt. 

Last updated on May 1, 2024