Kai Ambakad

My teaching and research interests span developmental psychology, human development and health, workplace learning, leadership and career development, and relationship psychology. Topics I could lecture on include: Human development across the lifespan Developmental psychology and theories of human development Social, emotional, and identity development Health, well-being, and human behavior LGBTQIA+ development, identity, and well-being Queer relationships and relationship development Romantic relationship formation and relationship quality Online dating, dating apps, and technology-mediated relationships Communication, commitment, and satisfaction in romantic relationships Social identity, belonging, and interpersonal relationships Research methods in psychology, including quantitative research Translating psychological research into practical applications Adult learning and learning in the workplace Training and instructional design Leadership development and emerging leader development Career development, career readiness, and professional identity Mentoring, coaching, and employee development Imposter syndrome and internalized bias Inclusive leadership, allyship, and creating inclusive workplaces Organizational learning, workforce development, and employee engagement Communication, facilitation, and interpersonal effectiveness in the workplace

I currently work in corporate learning and development, where I design, develop, and facilitate training for adult learners across a large statewide organization. My experience includes instructor-led and virtual training, leadership development, career development, employee onboarding, professional development, and customized learning solutions developed in partnership with subject matter experts and organizational leaders. I have developed programs and courses covering areas such as leadership development, mentoring, career planning and internal mobility, interviewing, customer service, workplace inclusion and allyship, and employee leave programs. My teaching experience also extends beyond traditional corporate training. I regularly use principles from developmental psychology, adult learning, instructional design, and behavioral science to determine how information should be structured, communicated, and applied. I have facilitated workshops, interactive learning activities, panel discussions, and presentations for audiences ranging from employees and emerging leaders to senior professionals and executives. As a researcher, I have also presented on psychological topics including imposter syndrome, internalized bias, LGBTQIA+ leadership, interpersonal relationships, and identity. I hold a PhD in Developmental Psychology with a specialization in Human Development and Health and have conducted quantitative research examining romantic relationships, communication, relationship quality, and LGBTQIA+ populations. My research background allows me to teach not only established psychological concepts but also how research questions are developed, how psychological research is conducted and interpreted, and how findings can be translated into practical applications.

I am particularly interested in teaching at the intersection of psychological theory and real-world application. Whether I am discussing human development, relationships, leadership, career development, or workplace behavior, I want learners to understand not only what research and theory tell us, but also why that knowledge matters in their own lives, relationships, organizations, and careers. My lecturing style is conversational, interactive, and application-focused. I enjoy using research findings, real-world scenarios, discussion questions, case examples, reflection activities, multimedia, and audience participation to make complex concepts approachable without oversimplifying them. Rather than relying heavily on lecture alone, I try to create opportunities for learners to connect new information with their own experiences and actively work through ideas. I also approach teaching with the understanding that learners bring different identities, experiences, levels of knowledge, and ways of engaging with material. I aim to create an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, challenging assumptions, and exploring topics that may not always have simple answers. Ultimately, I want learners to leave a session with both a stronger understanding of the subject and something practical they can continue thinking about or applying afterward.