About the Lab

​The Wellbeing, Affect, Life Satisfaction, & Happiness (WALSH) Lab is directed by Dr. Lisa Walsh, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

At the WALSH Lab, we study what helps people live happier, healthier, and more connected lives. Our research examines the science of well-being across positive emotions, life satisfaction, happiness, social connection, personality, culture, close relationships, health, and technology.

Our work asks not only whether happiness matters, but how, when, where, why, and for whom it unfolds. We investigate positive social behaviours such as gratitude, kindness, and flow; close relationships across romantic, friendship, family, and singlehood contexts; and the role of digital technologies, including smartphones, social media, and AI, in shaping social life and well-being.

Using rigorous psychological science, we address questions with real-world relevance: Can small positive activities improve well-being and health? How do close relationships support or undermine happiness? Does reducing smartphone use make people happier? Are some people, relationships, or cultures especially likely to benefit from positive social behaviours? How might emerging technologies change the way people connect, flourish, and pursue the good life?

Ultimately, the WALSH Lab aims to deepen scientific understanding of happiness while helping people, communities, and societies create conditions for more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Join the Lab

Research Assistant Positions

Want to gain research experience, build your CV, and work on innovative well-being projects? Join the WALSH Lab as a Research Assistant! 

We review new applications for volunteer Research Assistant (RA) positions on an ongoing basis. These positions are unpaid. Primary selection criteria are interest in and commitment to the lab's research, performance in psychology courses, GPA, and an in-person interview. Research assistants typically:
  • Work mostly remotely during flexible hours
  • Run studies with introductory psychology students
  • Pilot test procedures and measures
  • Conduct literature reviews
  • Assist with analyses and manuscript preparation
  • Help brainstorm new studies or refine ongoing studies
  • Attend meetings with Dr. Walsh and other lab members to discuss lab issues, research, and graduate school and career options

To apply as an RA, please click the button below and complete the WALSH Lab application. The form will be submitted directly to Dr. Walsh. After submitting your application, you may also email Dr. Walsh at [email protected] with a brief introduction, your year of study, and your research interests.

GP/FYP or URECA Mentorship

​Looking for a faculty mentor for your Graduation Project (GP) / Final Year Project (FYP) or Undergraduate Research Experience on Campus (URECA) project? Students interested in well-being and related topics are welcome to apply for WALSH Lab mentorship.

Potential projects may involve developing a new research idea, analysing existing datasets, conducting literature reviews, designing surveys or interventions, or contributing to ongoing WALSH Lab research.

To apply for GP/FYP or URECA mentorship, please click the button below and complete the WALSH Lab application. The form will be submitted directly to Dr. Walsh. After submitting your application, you may also email Dr. Walsh at [email protected] with a brief introduction, your year of study, your research interests, and the type of mentorship you are seeking.

For more information, please visit the official NTU pages for GP/FYP and URECA.

Graduate Students

Dr. Walsh is actively seeking new PhD students passionate about well-being! Prospective graduate students interested in studying well-being and related topics at NTU are welcome to contact Dr. Walsh about potential graduate supervision. 

PhD positions are typically funded full-time for up to four years, with funding generally covering tuition fees and a stipend; self-funded options may also be available. Both Singaporean and international candidates are eligible to apply.

If you are interested in pursuing graduate study in the WALSH Lab, please email Dr. Walsh at [email protected]  with a brief summary of your research interests, relevant experience, fit with the Lab, GPA, CV, and any relevant test scores, such as IELTS/TOEFL or GRE (if available).

The links below may be useful as you explore the NTU Psychology graduate programme, including requirements, application details, fees, scholarships, and financial matters.

Useful links: