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Photo of Dr. Robert Feldman
Robert S. Feldman

I am the Senior Advisor to the Chancellor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where my work focuses on four primary areas:

First, as the Senior Advisor to the Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I work closely with the Chancellor, promoting his vision and priorities, and initiating efforts to improve the quality of the campus. I am also Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences.

Second, I study self-presentation in adults and children, focusing on how, when, and why people are verbally deceptive. In this research, I look at the ways in which people use lying strategically in their social interactions and the consequences of this deception.

Third, I am focused on supporting undergraduate education through my teaching and by publishing a number of textbooks. My teaching and texts have common goals: to nurture students’ understanding and excitement about intellectual pursuits and to help students use what they have learned to improve their lives.

Finally, I am interested in understanding the factors that underlie and promote academic success in college students. In this work, I’m looking at ways to help students make the most of their college experience and to increase student retention.