Samantha Mattheiss

Samantha Mattheiss is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Coordinator of the Adult Undergraduate Program at Felician University. She holds a PhD in Psychology (Neuroscience concentration) from Rutgers University-Newark, an MA in Psychology from Rutgers University-Newark, and a BS in Special Education from The College of New Jersey. Her research focuses on the neural basis of feedback in literacy, adversity, resilience, and the intersection of faith and science. She has conducted postdoctoral research at Rowan University and worked as an adjunct at Seton Hall University.

Dr. Mattheiss’s research interests include positive psychology, engagement with beauty, self-transcendent emotions, and student flourishing. Her work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and theology, with publications in Cerebral Cortex, Frontiers in Psychology, and interdisciplinary journals. She has presented at conferences like the Society for Catholic Scientists and published essays on ecclesial renewal in Homiletic and Pastoral Review.

Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Positive Psychology, Biopsychology, and Research Practicum. She coordinates Felician’s Adult Undergraduate Program while maintaining research collaborations on topics like neural connectivity impacts of violence exposure and the psychological effects of self-transcendent emotions.