Emily Rolan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Phone: 269-749-7150
Dr. Emily Rolan is an assistant professor of psychology at The University of Olivet. She teaches a range of courses, including Lifespan Development, Learning and Behavior, Biopsychology, Social Psychology, Introduction to Psychology, and Psychological Disorders of Childhood. With a passion for engaging students in active learning, she strives to create an inclusive and dynamic classroom environment where students can apply psychological concepts to their lives and future careers.
Dr. Rolan earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Purdue University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Michigan State University. Her research is interdisciplinary, bridging child development, family studies, and biological processes to examine how individual characteristics—such as executive function and genetic factors—interact with environmental influences, including prenatal conditions and sibling relationships. She is particularly interested in how these factors shape adolescent development and risk behaviors across the lifespan. Her work ultimately aims to advance knowledge that enhances family relationships and youth well-being.
Beyond research and teaching, Dr. Rolan is dedicated to mentoring undergraduate students as they explore careers in psychology. She enjoys guiding students through the research and writing process, helping them develop critical thinking skills and hands-on experience that prepares them for graduate school and careers in the field. She has supervised undergraduate research projects from initial question development through data analysis and presentation, fostering students’ confidence and independence as scholars. Her goal is to create opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research and apply psychological science beyond the classroom.
