Dr. Kailey Lawson, an assistant professor of psychology at Rhodes College, has received the prestigious SAGE Emerging Scholar Award from the Society of Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP). This recognition, reported by Rhodes News, highlights her significant contributions to the field early in her academic career.
The award, a partnership between SPSP and SAGE Publications, is designed to honor scholars who have recently completed their doctoral studies. Dr. Lawson, who began her tenure at Rhodes College in 2023 after obtaining her Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, will be acknowledged at the SPSP annual meeting in February 2026 in Chicago. This commendation underscores her impactful research, despite her relatively recent entry into the academic world.
Research Focus and Academic Contributions
Dr. Lawson’s research delves into the intricacies of human behavior, specifically examining the “nature, development, and assessment of personality traits” and how these traits influence mental health and academic performance. Her teaching portfolio at Rhodes includes courses in statistics, personality psychology, and adolescent development, in addition to her involvement in the college’s innovative data analytics program.
Beyond the SAGE Emerging Scholar Award, Dr. Lawson has garnered multiple accolades for her scholarly work. These include the Heritage Dissertation Award and the Student Publication Award from SPSP. Earlier in her career, she was also honored with the Emerging Scholar Award from the Association for Research in Personality, indicating a consistent upward trajectory in her academic pursuits.
Publications and Professional Engagement
Dr. Lawson’s academic output includes over 20 peer-reviewed articles, showcasing her commitment to advancing psychological science. She serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and the Personality and Social Psychology Review, further demonstrating her active engagement within the academic community.
In recognition of her potential, Dr. Lawson was elected to the executive committee of the Society for the Improvement of Psychological Science in 2024. This position reflects her dedication not only to her own research but also to the broader advancement of psychological understanding.
Dr. Lawson’s recent achievements and ongoing research position her as a rising star in the field of psychology, making her contributions significant to both academic circles and the wider community. As she prepares to accept her award in Chicago, the attention surrounding her work promises to inspire future generations of scholars in psychology.