Jay J. Van Bavel, PhD

About the Author

Jay Van Bavel is a Professor of Psychology and Neural Science and Director of the Center for Conflict and Cooperation at New York University. He studies how shared identities and beliefs can unite people—or drive them apart—and what this reveals about the human mind and society. Specifically, his research examines intergroup conflict and polarization, cooperation and collective intelligence, moral judgment and decision-making, belief formation and misinformation, and the impact of social media and artificial intelligence. He lives in New York City with his family and once taught a class while trapped in an elevator with his kids.
 
Dominic Packer is a Professor of Psychology at Lehigh University. Dominic’s research investigates how people’s identities affect conformity and dissent, racism and ageism, solidarity, health, and leadership. He lives in eastern Pennsylvania with his family and dog, Biscuit.
 
Jay and Dominic received their PhDs from the University of Toronto, where they bonded in a shared sub-basement office. They write the popular The Power of Us newsletter.