Research Team

Welcome to the SETO Lab!

I’m Professor Elizabeth Seto, and I’m a social psychologist interested in studying a variety of topics historically found in existential philosophy. I received my B.A. in Psychology at Baylor University and my Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology at Texas A&M University. I joined the Psychology Department at Colby College in 2017. I am teaching Introduction to Psychology (PS111), Social Psychology (PS253), and Seminar and Collaborative Research in Experimental Social Psychology paired-courses (PS336 and PS337) during the 2024-2025 academic school year.

My research team and I are currently pursuing two lines of research. Our first line of research examines the mechanisms and psychological consequences of belief in free will. Specifically, we are interested in how belief (or disbelief) in free will influences different components of our self-concept and our social behavior. Our second line of research focuses on understanding how people experience authenticity. In other words, under what circumstances do we find or feel closer to our true selves? I welcome the opportunity to discuss my work, and if you are interested in joining my research team, you can find me in Davis 302 or reach me at [email protected].

Domenica Gomez ’25

I am a senior from Houston, Texas majoring in Psychology with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and I am on the pre-med track. I am interested in social psychology because I find it interesting how we can apply what we learn in the classroom to better understand daily social interactions. On campus, I am the president of the Colby Spanish Club and a member of the Colby Dancers. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my friends, and watching movies. 

Yoselin Ramirez ’25

I am a senior from Inglewood, California majoring in Psychology and Anthropology. Social Psychology has always fascinated me, especially when it comes to how different aspects of the environment affect perceptions of free will and meaning in life. On campus, I am president of the Quilting Club. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, playing video games, and volunteering with Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area.

Zoe Dodge ’26

I am a junior from Newton, Massachusetts majoring in Psychology and Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience, on the pre-med track. I am interested in social psychology because I want to learn more about what makes people who they are and how their beliefs influence decision making. On campus, I am on the varsity rowing team, president of Club Softball, and participate in the CCAK program. In my free time I like to ski and snowboard and spend time outside.

Zoey Ricco ‘24

John Silberman ’24

Emily Riley ’23