Get to know Rachel.
Hello! My name is Rachel Smith-Peirce (she/her/hers). I am a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Education at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). Broadly, I study how students engage in and benefit from learning and motivational strategies. I’m also interested in how strategies should be combined effectively to facilitate learning and how individual differences among learners impact the extent to which they benefit from effective strategies and their strategy use. My dissertation work seeks to understand how learners’ metacognitive knowledge and perceived cost predict the benefits of retrieval practice relative to re-studying and their choice to engage in retrieval practice.
Before attending WashU, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Sciences from UC Irvine. I worked as a lab manager under Dr. Susanne Jaeggi, where I oversaw cognitive interventions for younger and older adults. I administered behavioral assessments and neuroimaging techniques, such as MRI and tDCS, in addition to leading with a team of undergraduates each quarter.
Beyond research, I grew up in Los Angeles County in Southern California. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, playing soccer, working on puzzles, and watching crime TV shows.
Rachel presented a poster at the UCLA Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference.
Rachel received the 2019 Student Scholarship award from the Western Psychological Association.
Rachel presented a poster at the 2019 Dallas Aging and Cognition biennial conference.
Rachel presented a talk at the 2019 UC Irvine Undergraduate Research Conference.
Rachel is pictured with her mentor, Dr. Susanne Jaeggi, after receiving the Order of Merit in 2019. The Order of Merit is awarded annually to approximately 2% of the Social Sciences graduating class and a nomination by faculty is required.
Rachel presented a poster at the 2023 Psychonomic Society annual meeting.
Rachel received her M.A. in Education in 2023, and is pictured with her mentor, Dr. Andrew Butler.
Rachel presented a poster at the 2024 Psychonomic Society annual meeting.
Rachel is pictured here giving the opening speech at the 2024 Washington University in St. Louis Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards as the lead organizer.
Rachel presented a talk at the 2025 American Educational Research Association (AERA) annual convention.
Rachel presented a talk at the 2025 Society for Applied Research on Memory and Cognition (SARMAC) biennial conference.
Rachel presented a data blitz talk at the 2025 Psychonomic Society annual meeting.
Rachel received a Graduate Travel Award at the 2025 Psychonomic Society annual meeting.