Dr. Kailey Lawson, an assistant professor of psychology at Rhodes College, has received notable recognition early in her academic career with the SAGE Emerging Scholar Award. This award, presented by the Society of Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), highlights significant contributions from scholars who are relatively new to their fields. Dr. Lawson is set to be honored during the SPSP annual meeting scheduled for February 2026 in Chicago.
Having joined Rhodes College in 2023 after completing her Ph.D. at the University of California, Davis, Dr. Lawson’s work focuses on the intricate aspects of human behavior. Her research examines the nature, development, and assessment of personality traits, as well as the influence these traits have on mental health and academic success. In addition to her research, she teaches courses in statistics, personality psychology, and adolescent development and contributes to the college’s innovative data analytics program.
Dr. Lawson’s recent award adds to a growing list of accolades recognizing her scholarly contributions. She has previously received the Heritage Dissertation Award and the Student Publication Award from SPSP. Additionally, she was honored with the Emerging Scholar Award from the Association for Research in Personality, underscoring her consistent progress in the realm of psychological research.
Her academic output includes over 20 peer-reviewed articles, a testament to her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. Dr. Lawson serves on the editorial boards for both the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and the Personality and Social Psychology Review. In recognition of her potential, she was elected to the executive committee of the Society for the Improvement of Psychological Science in 2024.
Dr. Lawson’s achievements reflect her dedication to the scientific community and her impactful role in the field of psychology. Her recognition through the SAGE Emerging Scholar Award not only highlights her individual accomplishments but also positions her as an emerging leader in psychological research.
