Melissa Ferguson is a renowned American psychologist who has made significant contributions to the field of social psychology. She is currently the Benjamin E. Lippincott Professor of Psychology at Yale University, where she has been a faculty member since 2009. Ferguson's research focuses on the cognitive and motivational processes that underlie human behavior, with a particular emphasis on the role of implicit attitudes and goals in shaping our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Early Life and Education
Melissa Ferguson was born and raised in the United States. She developed an interest in psychology at an early age and pursued her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she graduated with honors in 1995. Ferguson then went on to earn her Ph.D. in social psychology from New York University in 2002, under the supervision of Dr. John A. Bargh. During her graduate studies, Ferguson’s research focused on the automatic and controlled processes that underlie human behavior, with a particular emphasis on the role of motivation and goals in shaping our thoughts and actions.
Research Interests and Contributions
Ferguson’s research program at Yale University has been highly productive, with a focus on the cognitive and motivational processes that underlie human behavior. She has published numerous papers on the role of implicit attitudes and goals in shaping our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and has received numerous awards for her research, including the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology. Ferguson is also a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (APS) and has served on the editorial boards of several top-tier journals in the field of psychology, including the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and Psychological Science.
| Research Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Implicit Attitudes | Examines the automatic and controlled processes that underlie human behavior, with a focus on the role of implicit attitudes in shaping our thoughts, feelings, and actions. |
| Goals and Motivation | Investigates the cognitive and motivational processes that underlie human behavior, with a particular emphasis on the role of goals and motivation in shaping our thoughts, feelings, and actions. |
| Social Cognition | Explores the mental processes that underlie human social behavior, including perception, attention, memory, and decision-making. |
Teaching and Mentorship
In addition to her research, Ferguson is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught a range of courses at Yale University, including introductory psychology, social psychology, and research methods. Ferguson is also committed to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and has supervised numerous research projects and theses. Her teaching and mentorship have been recognized with several awards, including the Yale University Teaching Award and the Mentorship Award from the American Psychological Association.
Professional Service
Ferguson has also made significant contributions to the field of psychology through her professional service. She has served on the editorial boards of several top-tier journals, including the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and Psychological Science. Ferguson has also served as a reviewer for numerous grant agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Her professional service has been recognized with several awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Association for Psychological Science.
- Editorial board member, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
- Editorial board member, Psychological Science
- Reviewer, National Science Foundation
- Reviewer, National Institutes of Health
What is the focus of Melissa Ferguson’s research?
+Melissa Ferguson’s research focuses on the cognitive and motivational processes that underlie human behavior, with a particular emphasis on the role of implicit attitudes and goals in shaping our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
What awards has Melissa Ferguson received for her research?
+Melissa Ferguson has received numerous awards for her research, including the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology and the Association for Psychological Science’s (APS) Distinguished Service Award.
