Seth Pollak, University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Letters and Science Distinguished Professor of Psychology and an expert on child brain and behavioral development, was elected to membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Announced April 23, 2020, Pollak is one of 276 artists, scholars, scientists, and leaders in the public, non-profit, and private sectors to receive the recognition.
Pollak, who directs the Child Emotion Lab at UW–Madison’s Waisman Center, joins other accomplished individuals like such as singer, songwriter, and activist Joan C. Baez, lawyer and former Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., and poet and playwright Claudia Rankine as part of the Academy’s 2020 class.
Pollak’s work aims to unite cutting edge science with research aimed at improving children’s wellbeing. His research focuses on the influences of social risk factors on children’s brain and behavioral development, with particular focus on emotions, learning, and children’s health.
Founded in 1780, the Academy invites members to join with other experts to explore challenges facing society, identify solutions, and promote nonpartisan recommendations that advance the public good. Current Academy members represent today’s innovative thinkers in every field and profession, including more than two hundred and fifty Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners.