William Crano

Claremont Graduate University

William Crano holds the title of Oskamp Chair, Distinguished Professorship in Psychology in Claremont Graduate University’s Division of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences. His basic research is concerned with social influence, especially the impact of minorities on the beliefs and actions of the majority, and on the effects of self-interest on attitudes and actions. Crano’s mentees laud him for exemplifying a standard of research that is inclusive, ethical, and focused on real-world problems. One mentee described how Crano would “inevitably step up to serve as an advisor for those students who, with just a dissertation remaining, were abandoned by their original advisors.” Crano also is recognized for  finding a point of connection to his students’ work, even when the topics sat outside his immediate areas of scientific interest. His mentees have become experts on stereotyping and prejudice, criminal justice, risky adolescent behavior, HIV/AIDS intervention, reproductive rights, health equity, drug addiction, and organ donation, as well as basic research on self-regulation, self-concept, social influence, persuasion, attitudes, and social judgment.  

Dacher Keltner

University of California, Berkeley

A Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Dacher Keltner studies power, social class, and the social functions of emotion, showing that emotions enable individuals to respond adaptively to the problems and opportunities that define human social living. Keltner’s students say he approaches them as collaborators, fostering an atmosphere of respect and mutual learning. His mentees commend him for providing frank, constructive feedback that builds on his students’ own ideas and guides them toward developing a refined project that is still their own. Mentees report that Keltner takes risks with students, accepting those who have switched career pursuits, taken time off to work in the Peace Corps, or traveled other unconventional paths to psychological science. His former students commend him for guiding them through a potentially overwhelming body of interdisciplinary literature in a way that is not just intellectually invigorating, but fun. He is generous with advice, data, authorship, opportunities, and credit. Keltner provides the freedom and flexibility needed for intellectual growth, and the autonomy he promotes in students builds their character as independent scholars. 

Elizabeth A. Phelps

Harvard University

Elizabeth Phelps is the Pershing Square Professor of Human Neuroscience at Harvard University. Her research has uncovered the impact of emotion and affect on cognition, enhancing our understanding of cognition and providing insights into social processes and psychological disorders. Phelps encourages every student to design an independent research program and provides the resources and guidance to help their ideas take shape. Phelps creates a lab environment where young minds feel encouraged and empowered to not only add their voices to scholarly conversations, but to also challenge existing theoretical and empirical work. She also recognizes when other expertise would benefit her mentees and facilitates collaboration whenever possible. This not only expands their science, but helps students form valuable connections. Phelps also emphasizes the importance of communicating science, ensuring that each of her mentees (including undergraduates) practices presentations for her and the rest of the lab. She has inspired scientists throughout the field through her leadership, which includes serving as APS President from 2013-2014. Many of her trainees are leaders in the field of emotion and cognition.