GW Research Team Awarded Funding to Study Impact of Stress, Adversity on Latino/a Adolescents
This NIH-funded project combines public health, clinical psychology, sociology and public policy.
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.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the George Washington University is to contribute to psychological knowledge and educate undergraduate and graduate students. Our aim is to provide a solid foundation in scientific approaches, psychological theory and education and training in both basic and applied aspects of psychological and brain sciences. Central to this mission is a scientist/practitioner model that emphasizes the development of proficiency in theoretically grounded research and quantitative and qualitative methods to: (1) elucidate cognitive, neural and affective mechanisms as well as social and structural factors driving behavior; (2) advance empirical knowledge about mental and physical health and well-being; and (3) reduce health and social inequities. Our location in Washington, D.C., is ideally suited to our mission.
Our proximity to many of the nation’s leading research institutes and organizations — such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, as well as numerous other nonprofits, think tanks, policy organizations and applied research units — creates opportunities for students to enhance their academic and professional development and training beyond the classroom.
Vision
Through our teaching, research and service, we aim to make the world a healthy and equitable place, beginning with our own community. We aim to foster an academic climate that is diverse, equitable and inclusive for all students, faculty and staff. Our goal is to seamlessly infuse these values throughout all aspects of our department, including but not limited to student admissions; faculty hiring, tenure and promotion; academic program curricula and teaching; student and faculty scholarship and research; and department-sponsored programs and events.
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Psychology News
Study: Healthcare Bias Blocks Access to HIV Drug
A new study led by Psychology’s Sarah Calabrese suggests healthcare provider bias against people who inject drugs may prevent patients from accessing preventative HIV medication.
HIV-Prevention Project Targets Latina Transgender Women
Funded by a $1 million CDC grant, Ana María del Río-González is launching a first-of-its-kind study that uses peer-coaching to support the needs of an understudied community.
Meet the Columbian Distinguished Fellows
Across disciplines and research fields, these Columbian College PhD fellows are leading scholarly studies and making real-world impacts.
Research Showcase 2021 Winners
Research Showcase 2021 was held Monday, April 12 through Friday, April 16.
Three Alumni Create Mental Health Company for Black Community
GW Clinical Psychology alumni Dr. Nicole Cammack, Dr. Danielle Busby, Dr. Jessica Henry and their partner Dr. Dana Cunningham are breaking down the stigma of Black mental health services with their new company, Black Mental Wellness. The mission of Black Mental Wellness, Corp. is to provide access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, to highlight and increase the diversity of mental health professionals, and to decrease the mental health stigma in the Black community.
When Hollywood Dreams Dim, Psychology Alumna Shines a Light
For many aspiring entertainers, visions of stardom can fade into struggles with homelessness and depression. Former psychology major Caroline Adegun, BA ’12, MA ’16, launched a nonprofit to support their work and their lives.
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.
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.
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.