DANBURY, CONN. — Dr. Joshua Aronson, associate professor of Applied Psychology at the New York University (NYU) School of Culture, Education and Human Development, will discuss “Stereotypes and the Nature and Nurture of Intelligence” at noon on Friday, Sept. 19, in the Student Center Theater on the Western Connecticut State University Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. Admission will be free and the public is invited.

Aronson for 13 years has specialized in studying stereotypes, self-esteem, motivation and attitudes within various groups of people. His lectures focus on the social and psychological influences on educational achievement within minorities and gender groups in societies. Aronson is globally known for his studies on minority student success, and has written many books and academic articles on this work. He has also received numerous awards and grants for his research, including an Early Career award from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and the National Science Foundation.

WCSU Psychology Department Chairperson and Professor Dr. Norine Jalbert invited Aronson to share his expertise as part of the “Psych Matters” lecture series. Jalbert said, “Dr. Aronson’s talk should have wide appeal to a large audience. He has spent years studying stereotype threat, which is an interesting topic in part because the concept seems counterintuitive. His research documenting the existence of stereotype threat and methods to counteract it should be interesting to anyone interested in education as well as to the students themselves.”

For more information, call the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.