a group of students surrounding a guest speaker in a field trip

About

Students in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences learn to apply psychological theories and methods to solve urgent problems facing individuals, communities and society. Our faculty members are active in mentoring student research, and several have been recognized for their prolific contributions to their fields of study.

Surrounded by the esteemed research and health centers that Washington, D.C., and GW have to offer, psychology students integrate practical experience and research into their coursework, preparing them for a wide range of successful careers.

 

 

Psychology News

Liam Searcy

Adapting to a Different Kind of Fall Semester

From remote learning to virtual club meetings, Columbian College students are approaching an unprecedented semester with optimism, determination and a commitment to making the most of new experiences. Psychology students like Liam Searcy and Isabella Guastaferro share their stories of how they are approaching the challenges that COVID-19 brings.
Bill Goldman standing with his arms around two women

Alumnus Doctor Takes Care Abroad

For more than 45 years, Dr. Bill Goldman, BA ’72, MD ’75, has brought care and kindness to his patients. After retiring from his pediatric practice, he found a new home for his passion: volunteering as a health care provider in Tanzania. 
Gabriela Rosenblau

Researchers Follow Social Distancing’s Path

Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience Gabriela Rosenblau is in the midst of an international survey on decision-making during the COVID crisis. She is focusing on whether optimism bias — our belief in the probability of becoming infected — influences behavior like complying with social distancing guidelines.

Sophie Gengler

Students Step Up During COVID Crisis

Cognitive neuroscience major Sophie Gengler, BS '23, has volunteered at her local food bank every week since the GW campus closed in March due to COVID-19. With demand for food syrocketing, more than 1,000 families seek aid at the program every day.
A woman sits on a couch with two small children on her lap looking at a laptop

Q & A: Talking to Kids about COVID-19

Professor of Psychology Cynthia Rohrbeck shared some tips on the best approaches to discussing the global pandemic with children

Michelle Jacoby

Matchmaker, Matchmaker: An Alumna’s Labor of Love

As a professional matchmaker, psychology major Michelle Jacoby, BA ’87, uses her people skills to help D.C singles look for love in all the right places.