Dr. Catrinel Tromp is a Professor of Psychology at Rider University’s Department of Psychology, specializing in cognitive psychology with a focus on creativity and constraints. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. from Princeton University, prior roles in finance and recruitment, and notable research awards. She explores how constraints enhance creativity across domains like education, aging, and organizational behavior. Education: Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, Princeton University Research Interests: Dr. Tromp investigates creativity through a cognitive lens, emphasizing how constraints (e.g., structural, contextual) stimulate innovation. Her work spans creative aging, STEM education, metaphor analysis, and organizational creativity. Key themes include the 'Green Eggs and Ham hypothesis,' MOCA model for older adults, and constraint-based pedagogy. Publications: Her research highlights constraints as catalysts for creativity, spanning education, psychology, and linguistics. Notable works include edited books on creativity constraints and peer-reviewed articles in journals like Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts and Creativity Research Journal . Iorio Faculty Research Award Distinguished Teaching Award Mazzotti Award in Women’s Leadership Advising/Grants: Received multiple summer research fellowships and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects. Advises students on creativity and constraint-related research. Labs/Teams: Engaged in Rider University’s psychology research initiatives, though specific lab names are not documented here.









