Dr. Nicolle Simonovic
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences
My life before BGU:
I was born and raised in Ohio, USA. I completed my bachelor's degree in psychological sciences with a specialization in mental health services at John Carroll University, followed by a master's and PhD in both health psychology and social psychology at Kent State University. I then completed a postdoctoral fellowship through the Fulbright Program in the School of Public Health at the University of Haifa.
Why BGU?
As a psychologist who researches health behavior, I was interested in joining the Department of Nursing at BGU for our overlapping and complementary interests. Once I had a chance to meet members of the Department, I was even more excited about the opportunity to join the BGU community. Everyone I have met at BGU has been very kind, supportive, and welcoming.
My research:
I am interested in psychological, cultural, and social influences of health. In my own research, I have primarily focused on how people make decisions regarding their health. For example, I’ve examined how factors such as uncertainty and perceptions of risk influence health decisions. I also test interventions to promote health.
An insight from my research:
We often view uncertainty as something bad and scary, but uncertainty can also promote more positive feelings. For example, uncertainty can provide hope and optimism.
Something that doesn't appear on my resume:
In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, exploring new places, and trying out recipes.
In Brief:
- Pilates or spinning? A pleasant walk
- Morning or night? Morning
- Summer or winter? Both, until I get bored by the weather and feel like a change
- Steak or tofu? Steak
- Instant coffee or espresso? Instant
- Trek or a spa? Trek, and then the spa
- Car or train? Car
- Classical Europe or India? Classical Europe
- Sea or pool? Sea
- City or country? Both
- Dog or cat? Dog
- Instagram or TikTok? Instagram
