Dartmouth College Psychollogy Professors

Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, boasts a distinguished faculty in the Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences. In this blog post, we will delve into the lives and contributions of some of the renowned professors who have shaped the field of psychology at Dartmouth.

Professor John Bargh

John Bargh, a prominent figure in social psychology, has made significant contributions to the understanding of unconscious processes and their impact on human behavior. His research focuses on the automaticity of human cognition and the ways in which subtle cues in our environment can influence our thoughts and actions without conscious awareness.

Professor Bargh's work has shed light on the power of unconscious biases and the role they play in shaping our social interactions. His studies have explored topics such as the automatic activation of stereotypes, the influence of priming on decision-making, and the impact of non-conscious goal pursuit on behavior. His research has not only advanced our understanding of human cognition but has also had practical implications for fields such as marketing, advertising, and public policy.

At Dartmouth, Professor Bargh continues to mentor and inspire students, encouraging them to explore the fascinating world of unconscious processes. His courses and seminars provide a unique opportunity for students to engage with cutting-edge research and develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior.

Professor Nancy Kanwisher

Nancy Kanwisher, a pioneer in the field of cognitive neuroscience, has dedicated her career to unraveling the mysteries of the human brain. Her research focuses on understanding the neural basis of cognitive functions, particularly those related to visual perception and high-level cognitive processes.

Professor Kanwisher's work has led to the discovery of several specialized regions in the human brain, known as "functional modules." These modules are believed to be responsible for specific cognitive functions, such as face recognition, spatial orientation, and language processing. Her research has not only advanced our understanding of the brain's organization but has also provided insights into the neural basis of individual differences in cognitive abilities.

At Dartmouth, Professor Kanwisher brings her expertise and passion for neuroscience to the classroom. Her courses offer students a unique opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between the brain and cognition, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human mind.

Professor Mary Rothbart

Mary Rothbart is a leading researcher in the field of developmental psychology, with a particular focus on the early development of temperament and personality. Her work has made significant contributions to our understanding of the biological and environmental factors that shape individual differences in behavior and personality traits.

Professor Rothbart's research has explored the interplay between genetic and environmental influences on temperament development. She has developed innovative assessment tools, such as the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R), which has become a widely used measure of infant temperament. Her studies have provided valuable insights into the early predictors of later personality traits and the role of temperament in shaping social and emotional development.

At Dartmouth, Professor Rothbart continues to mentor and guide students interested in developmental psychology. Her courses offer a comprehensive exploration of the field, covering topics such as attachment, emotion regulation, and the influence of early experiences on later outcomes.

Professor William Kelley

William Kelley, a distinguished cognitive psychologist, has made significant contributions to our understanding of human memory and cognition. His research focuses on the mechanisms underlying memory retrieval, the role of context in memory, and the impact of cognitive load on learning and performance.

Professor Kelley's work has explored the intricate relationship between memory and the context in which information is encoded and retrieved. He has developed innovative theories and models, such as the "contextual-interactive" model of memory, which propose that memory retrieval is influenced by both the content of the memory and the context in which it was encoded. His research has not only advanced our understanding of memory but has also had practical implications for educational practices and the design of effective learning environments.

At Dartmouth, Professor Kelley engages students in exploring the fascinating world of cognitive psychology. His courses provide a hands-on approach to understanding memory, attention, and decision-making, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human cognition.

Professor James Tan

James Tan is a renowned researcher in the field of social psychology, with a particular focus on intergroup relations and the psychology of prejudice. His work has made significant contributions to our understanding of the factors that shape attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination toward social groups.

Professor Tan's research has explored the complex interplay between individual characteristics, social contexts, and group identities in shaping intergroup attitudes and behaviors. He has developed innovative theoretical frameworks, such as the "social-functional approach," which proposes that intergroup attitudes serve specific social functions and are influenced by both individual and group-level factors.

At Dartmouth, Professor Tan offers students a unique perspective on the psychology of social groups. His courses delve into topics such as the psychology of racism, intergroup conflict and cooperation, and the role of media and culture in shaping intergroup relations. His teaching and research inspire students to critically examine the social dynamics that shape our world.

Professor Michael McCloskey

Michael McCloskey is a distinguished cognitive neuroscientist whose research focuses on the neural basis of language and memory. His work has made significant contributions to our understanding of the brain regions involved in language processing and the mechanisms underlying language impairments.

Professor McCloskey's research has explored the interplay between language and memory, particularly in the context of aphasia and other language disorders. He has used a range of neuroimaging techniques to investigate the structural and functional changes associated with language impairments, providing valuable insights into the neural basis of language recovery and rehabilitation.

At Dartmouth, Professor McCloskey offers students a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of language and neuroscience. His courses cover topics such as the neurobiology of language, the cognitive neuroscience of memory, and the neural basis of reading and writing. His research and teaching inspire students to pursue innovative approaches to understanding the complexities of the human mind.

Professor Alison Preston

Alison Preston is a leading cognitive neuroscientist whose research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying memory and cognition. Her work has made significant contributions to our understanding of how the brain encodes, consolidates, and retrieves memories, particularly in the context of decision-making and future planning.

Professor Preston's research has explored the role of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in memory and cognitive control. She has used a range of neuroimaging techniques to investigate the neural dynamics underlying memory formation and retrieval, providing valuable insights into the brain's ability to flexibly adapt to changing contexts and goals.

At Dartmouth, Professor Preston offers students a unique perspective on the interplay between memory, cognition, and the brain. Her courses cover topics such as the neuroscience of memory, cognitive control, and the neural basis of imagination and future thinking. Her research and teaching inspire students to explore the fascinating complexities of the human mind and its capacity for learning and adaptation.

Professor Christina Katsikis

Christina Katsikis is a distinguished developmental psychologist whose research focuses on the early development of social and emotional skills in children. Her work has made significant contributions to our understanding of the factors that shape children's social and emotional competence, particularly in the context of family and peer relationships.

Professor Katsikis' research has explored the interplay between genetic and environmental influences on social and emotional development. She has developed innovative assessment tools and intervention programs aimed at promoting social and emotional well-being in children. Her studies have provided valuable insights into the early predictors of social and emotional competence and the role of parenting practices in shaping children's socio-emotional development.

At Dartmouth, Professor Katsikis offers students a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of developmental psychology. Her courses cover topics such as the development of social skills, emotional regulation, and the impact of early experiences on later social and emotional outcomes. Her research and teaching inspire students to pursue a deeper understanding of the factors that shape children's social and emotional development and to develop innovative approaches to promoting positive social and emotional well-being.

Professor Peter Tse

Peter Tse is a renowned cognitive neuroscientist whose research focuses on the neural basis of aesthetic experience and creativity. His work has made significant contributions to our understanding of how the brain processes and responds to beauty, art, and creativity.

Professor Tse's research has explored the neural correlates of aesthetic appreciation and the role of emotion and cognition in aesthetic experiences. He has used a range of neuroimaging techniques to investigate the brain regions involved in processing aesthetic stimuli, providing valuable insights into the subjective nature of beauty and the neural basis of creativity.

At Dartmouth, Professor Tse offers students a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, art, and creativity. His courses cover topics such as the neuroscience of aesthetics, the psychology of creativity, and the neural basis of artistic expression. His research and teaching inspire students to pursue a deeper understanding of the mind's capacity for aesthetic appreciation and creative thinking.

Professor Richard Amso

Richard Amso is a distinguished cognitive psychologist whose research focuses on the development of cognitive control and decision-making in children and adolescents. His work has made significant contributions to our understanding of the neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying executive functions and their role in academic achievement.

Professor Amso's research has explored the development of cognitive control processes, such as inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, and their impact on academic performance. He has used a range of behavioral and neuroimaging techniques to investigate the neural basis of executive functions and the factors that influence their development. His studies have provided valuable insights into the role of cognitive control in learning, problem-solving, and academic success.

At Dartmouth, Professor Amso offers students a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of cognitive development. His courses cover topics such as the neuroscience of cognitive control, the development of decision-making skills, and the relationship between executive functions and academic achievement. His research and teaching inspire students to pursue a deeper understanding of the cognitive processes that shape our ability to learn, reason, and make effective decisions.

💡 Note: This blog post provides an overview of some of the renowned psychology professors at Dartmouth College. For more detailed information and a complete list of faculty members, please visit the official Dartmouth College website.

Conclusion

The Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College is home to a diverse and talented group of professors who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. From social psychology to cognitive neuroscience, these professors inspire and mentor students, fostering a deep understanding of the complexities of the human mind and behavior. Their research and teaching not only advance our knowledge but also have practical implications for various domains, including education, healthcare, and social policy. The faculty at Dartmouth College continues to shape the future of psychology, ensuring that the next generation of scholars and practitioners is well-equipped to address the challenges and opportunities in this ever-evolving field.