FSU Department of Psychology

Florida State University ranked among the world’s top 100 institutions in psychiatry and psychology (No. 80)!

FSU education program ranks No. 25 globally in U.S. News & World Report rankings Florida State University’s education and educational research program ranks No. 25 globally, No. 2 among public universities in the United States and No. Florida State also ranked among the world’s top 100 institutions in psychiatry and psychology (No. 80), social sciences and public health (No....

In a recent Newsweek article, the FSU Department of Psychology's Pamela Keel discusses the potential mental health risks of taking Ozempic-style drugs, especially for users with a history of or predisposition to eating disorders.

Keel, a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor at Florida State University, is an expert on the biological and psychological factors contributing to binge eating and purging. She also studies the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence eating disorders and body image.

To view the full article, visit: bit.ly/4esMBvM.

Florida State University Division of Research

Congratulations to Zahra Maghami Sharif, a doctoral student in developmental psychology, who recently won the American Doctoral Fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW)!

To learn more about graduate programs in the FSU Department of Psychology, visit psychology.fsu.edu.

Florida State University, Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards

A special congratulations to our 45 honors medallion recipients from the FSU Department of Psychology. We're so proud of you!

Nearly half of the 548 Florida State University Spring 2026 graduates who earned honors medallions are from the FSU College of Arts & Sciences! 🏅

Honors medallion awardees completed the University Honors Program or Honors in the Major Program. Those who completed both programs with a 3.9 cumulative GPA or higher received the designation of Outstanding Senior Scholar.

To learn more about the Spring 2026 honorees and Florida State University Honors Program, visit: fla.st/PDZJN6KN.

📸 : Brittany Mobley

FSU Undergraduate Studies

Congratulations to Brad Schmidt, who is one of seven Florida State University faculty members elected to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida this year!

Schmidt is a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor, chair of the FSU Department of Psychology, and director of the Anxiety and Behavioral Health Clinic at FSU. He is an internationally recognized expert on the nature, causes, treatment and prevention of anxiety psychopathology, PTSD, substance use and su***de prevention, and he has published more than 575 peer-reviewed articles.

To check out the full story, visit: fla.st/XQQXQ10X.

Florida State University Division of Research, FSU Faculty Development

Thomas Joiner was recently quoted in a story by KCRA 3, discussing su***de prevention efforts and resources for active-duty and retired military service members.

Joiner is a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor in the FSU Department of Psychology and conducts research on the nature, causes, and management of suicidal behavior and related disorders.

To view the full story, visit: bit.ly/430Czwt.

Florida State University, Florida State University Division of Research

Congratulations to FSU Department of Psychology students Zorianna Starks (left) and Lizzie Alba (right), who will study and intern abroad this summer through the Gilman International Scholarship Program!

Starks, a junior majoring in psychology and minoring in social welfare (Florida State University College of Social Work), will study abroad in London and Amsterdam through CIEE Study Abroad's Comparative Public Health Systems program.

Alba, a freshman pursuing dual degrees in psychology and human development and family sciences (FSU Anne's College), will intern abroad in Madrid with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS Abroad).

To learn more, visit: fla.st/RAO1B45L.

FSU International Programs, FSU Global

Congratulations to Rick Wagner, who is one of seven Florida State University faculty members elected to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida this year!

Wagner is a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor in the FSU Department of Psychology and holds the W. Russell and Eugenia Morcom Chair. He also serves as an associate director of The Florida Center for Reading Research. His research focuses reading acquisition and dyslexia, advancing the scientific understanding of phonological processing and reading disabilities.

To check out the full story, visit: fla.st/XQQXQ10X.

Florida State University Division of Research, FSU Faculty Development

A lesser-known term gaining attention this Mental Health Awareness Month is high-functioning anxiety.

“One important thing to clarify is that high-functioning anxiety isn't a formal diagnosis. It's a way of describing people whose anxiety is largely hidden by outward competence. These individuals may look successful, organized and driven, but internally they experience chronic worry, self-doubt, anticipatory fear, and a persistent sense that they're one mistake away from failure."

Brad Schmidt is a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor in the FSU Department of Psychology and director of the Anxiety and Behavioral Health Clinic at Florida State University. He's available for interviews on high-functioning anxiety.

For more information, visit: fla.st/KEOA9Q8H.

📸: Bill Lax/FSU

Florida State University Division of Research