Sara Algoe is an associate professor of social psychology and the director of the Emotions and Social Interactions in Relationships (EASIR) Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Algoe's research focuses on themes of emotions, relationships, and health psychology. She is particularly interested in how high-quality relationships contribute to the survival of our species, and the role that social interactions—such as giving, gratitude, and laughter—play in the bonds we form with partners, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances.