2026 ExpiWell Dissertation Award for ESM and EMA Research
ExpiWell is pleased to announce the sixth annual Dissertation Award, an initiative dedicated to recognizing and supporting doctoral candidates who demonstrate excellence in the application of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) or Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA).
Video: 2026 ExpiWell Dissertation Award Announcement for ESM and EMA Research
As these methodologies continue to redefine the landscape of real-time data collection, ExpiWell remains committed to fostering the next generation of scholars who are advancing the boundaries of intensive longitudinal research.
Award and Recognition
For the 2026 cycle, ExpiWell will grant up to two awards of $1,000 each to doctoral students whose work exemplifies high-impact research. Beyond financial support, awardees will receive a platform to disseminate their findings through our professional network, including featured blog publications and video presentations to the global research community.
A Legacy of Scholarly Excellence
We invite you to review the contributions of our distinguished past recipients, whose work continues to influence diverse academic disciplines:
Our inaugural winners set a high bar for methodological rigor, exploring the very core of what makes life and work fulfilling.
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Dr. Jessie Sun: Researching the roles of personality and everyday social interactions in the pursuit of a moral and "good life."
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Dr. O. Dorian Boncoeur: Investigating "human sustainability" in organizations, specifically focusing on the impact of sleep quality on workplace behavior.
The 2022 awardees highlighted the importance of EMA in tracking physical health and behavioral adherence in the real world.
- Bridgette Do: Focused on capturing health behaviors in natural environments to improve public health outcomes.
- Katie Kemp: Researching the daily fluctuations of lifestyle factors and their long-term impact on psychological health.
Video: ExpiWell: Ecological Momentary Assessment Dissertation Winner takes us through their process
Video: 2022 ExpiWell Dissertation Winner: Kathryn Kemp
The 2023 recipients focused on the high-stakes environments of the workplace and the lifespan of emotional health.
- Mahira Ganster: Examining daily employee experiences to foster inclusive diversity climates and reduce incivility.
- Tabea Springstein: Using ESM to track emotional regulation and well-being patterns across different life stages.
Video: 2023 ExpiWell Dissertation Winner: Mahira Ganster
Video: 2023 ExpiWell Dissertation Winner: Tabea Springstein
Our 2024 winners demonstrated how ESM can be a powerful tool for studying complex social dynamics and equity in real-time.
- Christiane Büttner: Investigating the social and psychological processes that influence everyday interactions and individual belonging.
- JaNiene E. Peoples: Utilizing EMA to examine the mechanisms linking racial discrimination to substance use among Black college students.
Video: 2024 ExpiWell Dissertation Award Winner: Christiane Büttner
Video: 2024 ExpiWell Dissertation Award Winner: JaNiene Peoples
The 2025 cohort focused on the intersection of digital technology and personalized intervention. From analyzing the impact of social media to personalizing mental health support through passive sensing, these researchers are defining the "digital-first" era of EMA research.
- Elizabeth Lampe: Exploring the intersection of data science and the lived experience of well-being.
- Kiran Kaur: Leveraging wearables and just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAIs) to bridge equity gaps in mental health.
- Alison Tuck: Investigating the momentary psychological impacts of social media "scrolling" habits.
- Shiva Pauer: Utilizing ESM to quantify the science of uncertainty and its effect on decision-making.
Video: 2025 ExpiWell Dissertation Award Winner: Elizabeth Lampe
Video: 2025 ExpiWell Dissertation Award Winner: Kiran Kaur
Video: 2025 ExpiWell Dissertation Award Winner: Alison Tuck
Interdisciplinary Scope
The ExpiWell Dissertation Award is open to doctoral students across all academic disciplines where ESM/EMA methodologies are utilized, including but not limited to:
- Psychology & Sociology
- Organizational Behavior & Management
- Health Sciences & Clinical Medicine
- Computer Science & Engineering
Successful applications will be evaluated based on the theoretical significance of the research, the novelty of the inquiry, and the methodological rigor of the data collection and analysis.
Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Eligibility Criteria:
- Current enrollment in a recognized Ph.D. program.
- Dissertation proposal scheduled for 2026, or a defense completed in 2025.
Required Materials: To be considered for the 2026 award, please submit the following documents to award@expiwell.com by May 15th, 2026:
- Dissertation Abstract: A summary of the research (maximum 500 words).
- Methodological Overview: A detailed description of data collection and analytical approaches (maximum 500 words).
- Curriculum Vitae: A comprehensive record of academic and research achievements.
- Letter of Support: A formal recommendation from the applicant’s academic advisor (to be sent directly to the provided email).
We look forward to reviewing your contributions to the advancement of ESM and EMA research.