Laurie Santos is a prominent American psychologist and professor at Yale University, known for her work in the field of psychology and behavioral economics. She has been a faculty member at Yale since 2003 and is currently the Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Comparative Cognition Laboratory. Santos' research focuses on the evolutionary origins of the human mind, exploring how our cognitive biases and emotions influence our decision-making processes.
Academic Background and Research Focus
Santos received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Biology from Harvard University in 1997 and went on to earn her Ph.D. in Psychology from Harvard in 2003. Her graduate work focused on the evolution of primate social behavior, and she has since expanded her research to include human psychology and behavioral economics. At Yale, Santos teaches a variety of courses, including introductory psychology, behavioral economics, and a popular course on “Psychology and the Good Life,” which explores the science behind happiness and well-being.
Teaching and Research Achievements
Santos’ teaching and research have been widely recognized, and she has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of psychology. In 2018, she was awarded the Lex Hixon ‘63 Prize for Teaching Excellence in the Social Sciences, and in 2019, she received the Yale College Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching. Her research has been published in top-tier journals, including Science, Nature Human Behaviour, and Psychological Science. Santos is also a popular public speaker and has given talks at conferences and events around the world, including the TED Conference and the World Economic Forum.
One of Santos' most notable achievements is the development of her course "Psychology and the Good Life," which became the most popular course in Yale's history, with over 1,200 students enrolled in the spring of 2018. The course focuses on the science behind happiness and well-being, exploring topics such as mindfulness, self-care, and positive relationships. Santos has also developed a series of online courses and resources based on the course, which have been used by millions of people around the world.
| Research Area | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Evolutionary Origins of Human Mind | Santos' research has shown that many of our cognitive biases and emotions have evolutionary origins, and that understanding these origins can help us make better decisions in our personal and professional lives. |
| Behavioral Economics | Santos' work in behavioral economics has explored how our emotions and cognitive biases influence our financial decisions, and how we can use this knowledge to make more informed choices. |
| Positive Psychology | Santos' research on positive psychology has focused on the science behind happiness and well-being, exploring topics such as mindfulness, self-care, and positive relationships. |
Public Engagement and Media Presence
Santos is a frequent contributor to popular media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR. She has also appeared on television shows such as The Today Show and Good Morning America, and has been featured in documentaries and podcasts on topics related to psychology and behavioral economics. Santos is also active on social media, where she engages with her followers and shares her insights on psychology and well-being.
Impact and Legacy
Santos’ work has had a significant impact on our understanding of human behavior and decision-making, and her research has the potential to inform policy and practice in a variety of areas. Her teaching and public engagement have also inspired a new generation of researchers and practitioners in the field of psychology, and her legacy will likely continue to shape the field for years to come. As Santos continues to advance our understanding of the human mind and behavior, her work will remain a vital contribution to the field of psychology and beyond.
What is the focus of Laurie Santos' research?
+Laurie Santos' research focuses on the evolutionary origins of the human mind, exploring how our cognitive biases and emotions influence our decision-making processes. Her work also includes research on behavioral economics and positive psychology.
What is the "Psychology and the Good Life" course?
+The "Psychology and the Good Life" course is a popular course taught by Laurie Santos at Yale University, which explores the science behind happiness and well-being. The course covers topics such as mindfulness, self-care, and positive relationships, and has been taken by over 1,200 students.
What are some of Laurie Santos' notable achievements?
+Laurie Santos has received numerous awards for her teaching and research, including the Lex Hixon '63 Prize for Teaching Excellence in the Social Sciences and the Yale College Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching. She has also developed a series of online courses and resources based on her "Psychology and the Good Life" course, which have been used by millions of people around the world.
- Santos' research has been published in top-tier journals, including Science, Nature Human Behaviour, and Psychological Science.
- She has given talks at conferences and events around the world, including the TED Conference and the World Economic Forum.
- Santos is a frequent contributor to popular media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR.
In conclusion, Laurie Santos is a prominent American psychologist and professor at Yale University, known for her work in the field of psychology and behavioral economics. Her research focuses on the evolutionary origins of the human mind, and her teaching and public engagement have inspired a new generation of researchers and practitioners in the field of psychology. As Santos continues to advance our understanding of the human mind and behavior, her work will remain a vital contribution to the field of psychology and beyond.
