Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Cambridge, received the 2026 Grawemeyer Award in Psychology. Baron-Cohen was recognized for pioneering scientific research into the prenatal sex steroid theory of autism. He and his team presented pioneering evidence that prenatal sex steroid hormones, in combination with genetic susceptibility, play a role in autism—a finding later corroborated by independent research groups.
Vivian Gadsden, PhD, the William T. Carter Professor Emerita of Child Development and Education at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, has been named vice president of the National Academy of Education. At Penn, she codirects the Early Childhood and Family Research Center. Her work focuses on learning and literacy across the life span, emphasizing equity, access, and transformative change for young children and families in historically marginalized communities.
Dedre Gentner, PhD, the Alice Gabrielle Twight Professor of Psychology at Northwestern University, received the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Medal in computer and cognitive science from the Franklin Institute, which honors global leaders in science and technology. Gentner helped found and directed Northwestern’s Cognitive Science Program for more than 2 decades. Her research explores language, learning, and analogical processing—the use of comparisons to foster understanding and insight.
Tamika Harrel, PhD, has been named dean of students and associate vice president for student affairs at Arkansas Tech University. In this role, she oversees student wellness, testing and disability services, academic advising and career development, student conduct, and Title IX compliance. She also chairs the behavioral intervention and threat assessment team and leads assessment for the Division of Student Affairs. Harrel began her career as head softball coach and instructor at Coffeyville Community College before moving into student affairs, later serving as Title IX coordinator and dean of students at Missouri Southern.
Teri Kirby, PhD, an associate professor of psychological sciences at Purdue University, received the 2025 Outstanding Early Career Award from the International Society for Self and Identity. The award honors scholars within 10 years of earning their doctorate who have made significant contributions to the study of self and identity. Kirby’s research, grounded in theories of self, identity, and acculturation, examines why diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives often fall short of their goals.
Julian F. Thayer, PhD, distinguished psychology professor at the University of California, Irvine, received the International Society of Behavioral Medicine’s Lifetime Achievement Award. For nearly 40 years, Thayer has advanced understanding of how stress and emotions influence the heart-brain connection. He developed the neurovisceral integration model, linking heart rate variability to cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation, and mental health. His research also highlights how systemic racism and discrimination contribute to health disparities among African Americans, who face the nation’s highest rates of hypertension-related disease.
Santiba Campbell, PhD, former interim vice president of academic affairs at Bennett College, has been appointed chief strategy officer at the college. Her research examines the psychological well-being and success of African Americans facing racial discrimination. In her new role, she will guide Bennett in aligning mission, innovation, and measurable impact.
