Teaching and Service
Academic Background
Dean, Peabody College of Education and Human Development, 7/98-present
Professor, Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, 7/98-present
Interim Dean, College of Education, Iowa State University, 7/96-6/98
Chair, Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, 7/92-6/98
Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, 7/95-6/98
Professor, Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, 8/90-6/95
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, 7/85-8/90
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology (part-time), Johns Hopkins University, 7/83-4/86
Associate Research Scientist, Department of Psychology, Johns Hopkins University, 5/81-4/86
Administrative Positions (Not Listed Above)
Director, Iowa Talent Search Program, Iowa State University, 8/89-6/98
Director, Office of Precollegiate Programs for Talented and Gifted, Iowa State University, 9/87-6/98
Director, CY-TAG (Challenges for Youth – Talented and Gifted), Iowa State University, 9/86-6/98
Co-Director, Iowa Governor’s Institute for the Gifted and Talented, Iowa State University, 10/89-91
Co-Director, Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY), 7/91-present
Director, Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY), Iowa State University, 5/86-6/91
Co-Director of Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY), Johns Hopkins University, 7/85-4/86
Associate Director, Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY), Johns Hopkins University, 5/81-7/85
Assistant Director, Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth, Johns Hopkins University, 6/79-6/81
Professional Service Committees and Boards
Learning Care Group, Board of Directors, 2016-Present
Full Bloom, Board of Directors, 2022-present
Research Advisory Board, National Center for Giftedness, University of Connecticut, 2015-Present
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Distinguished Scientists Advisory Board, 2016-2019
Emirates College for Advanced Education, International Advisory Board, 2015- Present
CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), Committee on Standards and Performance Reporting, Chair, 2012-2013
Fisk University, Board of Trustees, 2011-2014
Mayor’s Task Force on High School Dropouts (Nashville), 2008
National Science Board, 2006-2012
American Educational Research Association, Fellow Committee, 2007-2011
Math/Science Teacher Imperatives, National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, 2006-2008
American Psychological Foundation Board, 2001-
National Math Panel, Vice-Chair, 2006-2008
NCATE Task Force on Specialty Program Accreditation, 2003-2004
Executive Committee, Association of Colleges & Schools of Education in State Universities, Land Grant Colleges, and Affiliated Private Universities (ACSESULGC/APU), 2002-2007
Chair of Evidence Based Practice Subcommittee
OIA, American Educational Research Association (AERA) Board Member, 2002-2004
Publications Committee, Division 15 of APA, 2001-2004
National Research Council Panel on Advanced Study in Math and Science, 1999-2002
American Psychological Association’s Presidential Task Force on Prevention-Chair of Sub-Committee on Nurturing High Talent, 1997-1999
American Psychological Association’s Committee on Accreditation-Representing the Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology, 1996-1999
Iowa Academy of Education, Vice-President & President-elect, 1996-98
Annual Convention Program Planning Committee, American Educational Research Association, 1994-95
Research Science Institute Selection Committee, 1993
Publications Committee, National Association of Gifted Children, 1990-93
NSF Review Panel for the Early Scholars Program, 1990-92
Courses Taught
Creativity and Genius (Undergraduate)
Developmental Psychology (Undergraduate, enrollment=650 per semester)
Psychological Characteristics of Giftedness (Undergraduate & Graduate)
Seminar on Intellectual Talent (Graduate)
Sex Differences (Undergraduate)
Theories of Intelligence (Graduate)
Vanderbilt University Service
Search Committee of the Director of the Center of the Americans, 2003-
Marketing Task Force, 2003-2004
Dean’s Academic Council, Chair, 2002-
Task Force on Graduate Education, Chair, 2002-2003
Strategic Academic Planning Group II, 2001-2004
Indirect Cost Committee, 2001-2002
Dean of Divinity Search Committee, 2000-2001
Associate Provost for Research Search Committee, 1999-2001
Strategic Academic Planning Group I, 1999-2001
Committee on the Professor of the Practice, 1998-2001