Teaching
Most of my courses, both graduate and undergraduate, look at how social psychology and other disciplines in the social sciences have been used to address significant social problems. We examine the theory underlying programs and interventions for behavior change, from small adjustments to individuals’ behavior to large-scale, nationally implemented interventions. We learn from successful implementations, failed implementations, and from failures to act knowing what we know from social psychology. My courses also focus heavily on research methods, regardless of topic area.
Mentoring
One of my favorite aspects of being in academia is the opportunity to mentor students interested in doing research on social problems and behavior change. I have mentored students at many levels, from undergraduates just getting their feet wet to advanced undergraduates working on senior theses, and to doctoral students as they forge their own program of research. One of the most satisfying instances of recognition I’ve experienced was the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Mentoring Award.