Nilanjana “Buju” Dasgupta, psychological and brain sciences and director of the College of Natural Sciences’ faculty equity and inclusion initiative, recently gave a distinguished lecture at the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Va., as a guest of the agency’s directorate of social, behavioral, and economic sciences.
Dasgupta’s research has focused in part on understanding the subtle ways in which stereotypes influence young peoples’ choices of academic majors and careers and identifying how to change them. In particular, she focuses on girls and women who have full potential to succeed in careers in science, technology, and engineering, and why they may choose not to pursue such careers.
Nilanjana Dasgupta PhD, Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, has been selected to present in the 2016-2017 Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series. Her talk is titled STEMing the Tide: How Female Professors and Peers Can Encourage Young Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The Psychological and Brain Sciences Department is pleased to introduce Susan Young, the department's first Director of Finance and Operations. Reporting to the Chair of the Department, Susan will provide management and supervision for the financial and technical operations of the department and will be responsible for the financial and facilities activities that support the academic, research, and outreach missions. As Chief Financial Officer, she will provide strategic analysis and forecasting of financial scenarios and will make recommendations for the development of new income streams. 
Seymour Epstein, 91, of Amherst, professor emeritus of psychology, died May 20.
A research team led by University of Massachusetts Amherst clinical psychology professor Michael Constantino will launch a study this month to enhance mental health care by scientifically matching patient needs to clinical providers’ strengths. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), a federal agency, recently approved just over $1.7 million in funding for the plan.
The department of psychological and brain sciences is pleased to welcome Dr. Christopher Martell to the University community. As of mid-July, 2016, Dr. Martell has become director of the Psychological Services Center. He brings with him many years of experience in the field. 
Michael Constantino, professor of clinical psychology and director of the department of psychological and brain sciences’ graduate program, has been voted president-elect of the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy, a division of the American Psychological Association. His term as president-elect will begin in 2017 and as president in 2018. This will be Constantino’s second time serving as president of a professional organization; he was president of the North American Society for Psychotherapy Research from 2013-2015.
Nilanjana “Buju” Dasgupta, psychological and brain sciences and director of the College of Natural Sciences’ faculty equity and inclusion initiative, recently gave a distinguished lecture at the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Va., as a guest of the agency’s directorate of social, behavioral, and economic sciences.