Yale Bulletin and Calendar

December 15, 2006|Volume 35, Number 13|Four-Week Issue

Alan E. Kazdin

Alan Kazdin named president of
American Psychological Association

Alan E. Kazdin, the John M. Musser Professor of Psychology, has been named president of the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest association of psychologists nationwide.

Kazdin, who also directs the Yale Parenting Center and Child Conduct Clinic and is on the faculty of Yale's Institute for Social and Policy Studies, will begin his leadership of the 150,000-member organization on Jan. 1 as president-elect. Then in 2008, he will assume the post of president.

The APA seeks to advance scientific interests and inquiry and the application of research findings to the promotion of health, education and public welfare.

"Alan Kazdin's combination of clinical, administrative and scientific expertise makes him a uniquely qualified leader of the APA," said President Richard C. Levin. "His energy and passion for advancing the field of psychology will be a great asset to the association."

Kazdin is focused on advancing psychological science and service on a world stage and in the areas of diversity, children and families, and social policy.

"The contributions of psychology are now global as we work with other countries and organizations to address health issues or the traumas of war and natural disasters," says Kazdin. "Understanding diversity, culture and identity will help develop more sensitive services in our own country and on a world stage.

"I am eager to work with APA members, the council of representatives, state organizations and APA divisions, and directorates," Kazdin adds. "I am also interested in partnering with other disciplines and professional organizations to increase our impact, to advance science more generally, and to make more prominent the critical role of psychology and psychological research in serving the public."

Kazdin has served as chair of the Department of Psychology at Yale and as director of the Yale Child Study Center. He has been director of psychiatry services at Yale-New Haven Hospital, overseeing emergency room consultation and liaison services for children. He also trains graduate students and supervises therapists and therapists-in-training in conjunction with the School of Medicine.

For over 30 years, Kazdin and his students have conducted programmatic research on clinical dysfunction and treatments for children and families. The research, conducted at the Yale Child Study Center and Child Conduct Clinic, has identified effective treatments for children with severe aggressive and antisocial behavior.

Kazdin's work has been recognized through ongoing National Institutes of Health funding support, including two research career awards and a 10-year MERIT award from 1987 to 1997. He has also published over 600 articles and has authored or edited 43 books. He served as editor of the "Encyclopedia of Psychology" and "Current Directions in Psychology Science," and co-editor of the "Annual Review of Psychology." He has also edited a book series on psychology published by Yale University Press.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Gift from alumni to expand Grand Strategy Program

State gives Yale $7.8 million for stem cell research

Environmental activist named Marshall Scholar

Yale scientist helps keep museum's trains chugging along

Project will consider how to develop 'pastoral imagination'

Human Resources department to pilot STARS . . .

Yale researchers share expertise with Ethiopian health care . . .

Global Citizenship Initiative awarded Hewlett Foundation grant

Child psychiatrist wins award for contributions to education

Alan Kazdin named president of American Psychological Association

Thomas Steitz honored by Japanese university

The Duke's Men make holiday appearances

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE NEWS

HIV testing should be a routine part of health exams, say scientists

Discovery has implications for treatment of herpes

Study: Cancer gene mutations more common than expected

Aortic aneurysms often run in families, say researchers

Study: Decreased genital sensation likely in competitive women cyclists

Retinopathy of prematurity may be due to genetic factors

Research shows benefits of exercise programs for elderly

Asian Indian men found to be more susceptible to diabetes

Yale School of Medicine joins national consortium