The Department of Psychological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at 两性色午夜 University, in partnership with the national public radio affiliate WKSU 89.7 FM and the KSU Brain Health Research Institute, will host the first of a two-part distinguished speaker series 鈥淗ow Science Can Help: Fostering Connection in a Fractured World鈥 on Dec. 5 from 7-8:30 pm in the Kiva Auditorium in the Student Center on the Kent Campus. Following two TED-style talks, Jeff St. Clair, host of WKSU鈥檚 鈥淎ll Things Considered鈥 and 鈥淓xploradio鈥, will lead a moderated discussion, after which the audience is invited to attend a reception to meet the speakers.
鈥淲e think that these events will allow the community to better understand issues relating to living in a polarized world and promoting tolerance and understanding through the lens that psychological science is uniquely positioned to provide,鈥 explained Dr. Maria Zaragoza, chair of the Department of Psychological Sciences and one of the event organizers. 鈥淭he event will provide an understanding of the current science of empathy and building personal connections as well as suggestions for how we and our children can all learn empathy and resilience.鈥
Tickets are free, open to the public, and may be reserved in advance by visiting: www.kent.edu/psychology/speakerseries.
Dr. Mary Dozier, a developmental psychologist at the University of Delaware created a program that boosts resilience and connection in at-risk children. She will discuss techniques to enhance personal connections and help families who are facing adversity to thrive. She will present evidence regarding the intervention鈥檚 effects on children鈥檚 behavior and biology and describe how the model applies to neglected children, foster children, and children of mothers with opioid dependence.
To learn more about Dr. Dozier鈥檚 research, visit: and
Dr. Jamil Zaki, a social neuroscientist at Stanford University is the author of the book 鈥淭he War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World鈥. His research demonstrates that empathy is a skill that we can all strengthen through effort and serves as an inspiring call to action. He will provide insights into how we can empathize more with others, and work towards mending the growing tears in our social fabric.
鈥淥ur ability to connect with one another's emotions is at the heart of humanity's ability to thrive together,鈥 Zaki said. 鈥淏ut, in many ways, the modern world has made it harder than ever to care for each other. Thankfully, empathy is a skill, which we can grow through practice.鈥
To learn more about Dr. Zaki鈥檚 research, visit:
两性色午夜 May 4, 1970 at 两性色午夜
On May 4, 1970, four students were killed and nine wounded when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on the campus of 两性色午夜 University. This event served a pivotal role during a tumultuous time for our country and has continued to have a lasting impact throughout the community. As the 50th anniversary approaches, the Department of Psychological Sciences is commemorating the tragedy and continuing the university-wide mission to prevent violence and promote democratic values established in its aftermath through this special interactive speaker series in partnership with WKSU. To learn more, visit: /psychology/speakerseries
Media Contacts:
Maria S. Zaragoza, Ph.D, mzaragoz@kent.edu, (330) 672-2167
Jim Maxwell, jmaxwel2@kent.edu, (330) 672-8028