Pitt's Center on Race and Social Problems Hosts Social Psychologist Daphna Oyserman Sept. 23

PITTSBURGH-Renowned social psychologist Daphna Oyserman will deliver a lecture titled "Harnessing Possible Selves: Identity-Based Motivation and Improved Academic Attainment," from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Pitt's Center on Race and Social Problems (CRSP), 2017 Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

The event kicks off the CRSP Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Fall 2008 Speaker Series. The lecture is free and open to the public; lunch will be provided. Registration is not required. For more information, call 412-624-7382.

Oyserman is the Edwin J. Thomas Collegiate Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan. Her expertise is in racial identity and multiculturalism. Her research has been funded by such organizations as the National Institute of Mental Health, the African American Mental Health Research Program, and the W.T. Grant Foundation. She has served as a consulting editor for the "International Journal of Behavioral Development, Review of Rehabilitation Research, Developmental Psychology, and Social Work Research."

Oyserman earned a PhD in social psychology and social work as well as an MA in social psychology at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In addition, she has earned a Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor of Social Work at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She has been a certified social worker in Michigan since 1985.

The names of the lecturers and the titles of the presentations for the remainder of the CRSP Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Fall 2008 Speaker Series follow.

Oct. 16. Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, professor of sociology, Duke University,

"Racism, Discrimination, Colorblindness, and Race Matters in Obamerica."

Nov. 11. Audrey J. Murrell, professor of business and director of the David Berg Center for Ethics and Leadership, University of Pittsburgh,

"Unfinished Business: The Impact of Race on Understanding Mentoring Relationships."

Dec. 1 David J. Herring, professor of law, University of Pittsburgh,

"The Multiethnic Placement Act: Threat to Foster Child Safety and Well-being?"

CRSP is part of Pitt's School of Social Work. Its mission is to conduct applied social science research on race, color, and ethnicity and their influence on the quality of life for all Americans. The lecture series provides an opportunity for faculty, students, and community members to engage in race-related discussions of mutual interest.

###

9/18/08/tmw