Letter from the Chair

Dear Friends,

As we embrace the winter season, I am delighted to share the latest updates and achievements from UW’s Department of Psychology. This newsletter celebrates the exceptional work of our faculty, students, and alumni, along with the vibrant events and initiatives that define our community. Our department continues to advance discovery and innovation through groundbreaking research, transformative educational programs, and meaningful community outreach. I hope the stories and highlights in this winter edition offer a glimpse into the passion and dedication that drive our mission to advance the science and practice of psychology.

Winter is also a time of reflection, and as we look back on a dynamic and rewarding autumn quarter, several notable milestones stand out. In November, we proudly hosted our inaugural Distinguished Alumni Lecture, featuring Dr. Michael Fanselow, a renowned alumnus and leader in behavioral neuroscience. Dr. Fanselow captivated our community by sharing his groundbreaking work on the neurobiology of anxiety, fear, and panic, along with his reflections on his formative time at the University of Washington. Additionally, we celebrate the promotions of Dr. Angela Fang and Dr. Priscilla Lui, whose remarkable contributions to research, teaching, and service continue to elevate our department’s reputation. Dr. Fang’s pioneering studies on anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders and Dr. Lui’s impactful work on cultural diversity and mental health are shining examples of the excellence we strive for at the University of Washington.

This past autumn, we also welcomed an exceptional new cohort of 16 graduate students to our department. These talented individuals represent the future of psychology research and practice, and we are excited to support them as they embark on their academic journeys. Their passion, commitment, and diverse perspectives promise to enrich our vibrant intellectual community, and we eagerly anticipate their future contributions.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support. Your generosity empowers our students, enabling them to thrive academically and personally. We are thrilled to announce the newest recipients of the Aric Chandler Memorial Scholarship, whose achievements exemplify the transformative impact of your gifts. You can learn more about these outstanding students and ways to support our department in this newsletter.

Looking ahead, I am excited to share our plans for the upcoming Edwards Lecture Series, which will feature a panel discussion on “Altruism” in April 2025. This promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking event, and we look forward to sharing more details as the date approaches.

As the year draws to a close, I invite you to consider making a gift to the Friends of Psychology fund. Your contributions are instrumental in driving the research, education, and community engagement that define our department’s mission. Together, we can continue to make meaningful strides in advancing psychological science and creating positive change in our local and global communities.

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support. As we celebrate the holiday season and prepare for another exciting year, we are deeply grateful for the role you play in our success. Your dedication inspires everything we do, and we are honored to share this journey with you.

Warm regards,

Joe Sisneros

Chair, Department of Psychology